Why This Turkish Traveler Fell in Love with Kuwait
'I came to Kuwait just to explore,' Efe says, smiling as he recalls the trip. 'I wanted to see the culture, meet the people. But the first thing that caught my eye? The way people dressed. There was something so elegant and proud about it. It moved me.'
Inspired by what he saw, Efe decided to try something different. He put together an outfit that reflected the traditional Kuwaiti men's attire, with a bit of his Turkish style mixed in. It wasn't for attention. It was a quiet nod of respect. A way to say, I see you. I admire this.
And then something beautiful happened.
'As I walked through the streets in my outfit, the air was warm and carried the scent of cardamom from a nearby café. People just lit up,' he says. 'Cars honked — but not in a bad way. People were smiling and waving. Kids came up and asked to take pictures. I no longer felt like a tourist. I felt like I was part of the place.'
Then came the moment that stuck with him.
A police car slowed down next to him. Efe admits his heart jumped a little — Was I doing something wrong? he wondered. Did I make a mistake without realizing it?
But instead of trouble, he found kindness.
'The officer got out of the car, smiled at me, and said, 'No problem.' Then he reached out and gently adjusted my collar with the same care you'd use for a friend — made sure it looked just right. That was it. He didn't ask for anything. Just wanted to help me look my best.'
It was such a small thing. But to Efe, it meant the world.
'That moment hit me hard. Here was someone — a police officer — taking time out of his day just to help a foreigner feel more at home. It wasn't just about clothes. It was about respect. Humanity. Connection.'
The story didn't end there. A Turkish news outlet reported on the incident and shared it. Soon, Efe's phone was buzzing with messages from friends and strangers. People were genuinely touched by the story. A Kuwaiti TV channel even reached out for an interview — though, sadly, Efe had to fly home before it could happen.
'I didn't want to leave,' he laughs. 'Honestly, a part of me stayed behind in Kuwait.'
Now back in Istanbul, Efe shares his experience whenever he can. Not because it went viral. But because it reminded him — and reminds others — of how powerful a single act of kindness can be.
'The people of Kuwait — from the families in the streets to that one amazing officer — made me feel so welcomed. I'll never forget that. I hope to return in July. And if I'm lucky, I'll get to meet that officer again.'
In a time where the world often feels divided, Efe's story is a reminder of what can happen when someone, somewhere, chooses kindness. You don't need to speak the same language to make someone feel seen. And sometimes, he realized, the most important journeys are the ones that take place within us.
Some souvenirs are bought. But the best ones? They stay with you, quietly, forever.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Kuwait Times
2 days ago
- Kuwait Times
‘Clay Houses' workshop revives memory of old Failaka homes
KUWAIT: The National Council for Culture, Arts and Letters launches an art workshop titled 'Clay Houses' as part of the 17th Cultural Summer Festival, with the participation of 16 Kuwaiti artists. – KUNA photos KUWAIT: The National Council for Culture, Arts and Letters (NCCAL) has launched an art workshop titled 'Clay Houses' as part of the 17th Cultural Summer Festival, with the participation of 16 Kuwaiti artists. The workshop seeks to preserve the memory of Failaka's old houses, which were destroyed during the Iraqi invasion of Kuwait. Held at the Museum of Modern Art, the event is led by artist Nasser Al-Quraini, who told Kuwait News Agency (KUNA) on Monday that the project was inspired by archival photographs of Failaka homes documented five years ago. The initiative was first organized at that time and is now being revived in its second edition. Over four days, participating artists will recreate the architectural features of the island's houses using clay, before transforming them into complete artworks to be showcased in an upcoming exhibition. Al-Quraini explained that the process of ceramics-making involves several meticulous stages - beginning with kneading and shaping the clay, followed by drying, firing in kilns, polishing, coloring, and a second firing to produce porcelain pieces. He noted that NCCAL has provided the tools and materials needed for the workshop, allowing participants to experiment and showcase their creativity in a field regarded as one of the most challenging yet enriching branches of fine art. Al-Quraini, who is also a member of the Kuwaiti Ceramics House, emphasized the importance of supporting local potters and artists whose work requires both time and expertise. He added that porcelain remains a costly medium that demands precision and special care, making such initiatives vital to sustaining and encouraging this art form. — KUNA
Kuwait Times
3 days ago
- Kuwait Times
Kids showcase creativity in embroidery workshop at Sadu House
KUWAIT: Children demonstrate their creativity in a hand embroidery workshop held at Sadu House as part of the 17th Cultural Summer Festival, organized by the National Council for Culture, Arts and Letters (NCCAL). – KUNA photos KUWAIT: Children aged between seven and 13 demonstrated their creativity in a hand embroidery workshop held at Sadu House as part of the 17th Cultural Summer Festival, organized by the National Council for Culture, Arts and Letters (NCCAL). Under the guidance of trainers Badriya Al-Asfour and Manar Ma'arfi, participants crafted medals, brooches, and a traditional perfume bottle using a variety of artistic techniques. Al-Asfour told KUNA that the children learned to embroider with cotton threads, creating designs inspired by heritage inscriptions and cultural symbols. They also decorated perfume bottles with beads and glitter, exploring fun and safe methods that combined traditional craft with artistic imagination. She explained that the workshop aimed to introduce children to Kuwaiti heritage in a practical and engaging way, while also helping them overcome their fear of working with needles and thread. In addition, participants were taught how to select and blend colors to enhance their artistic sense and develop innovation. Al-Asfour stressed that such initiatives strengthen traditional handicrafts among younger generations, instilling values of creativity, self-reliance, and appreciation for Kuwait's cultural legacy. She praised NCCAL for its support in organizing programs that preserve heritage while encouraging new forms of artistic expression. — KUNA
Kuwait Times
3 days ago
- Kuwait Times
Kuwait showcases innovation, heritage at International Expo - ‘Beacon of the Future': Kuwait marks a strong presence at Osaka Expo
OSAKA: Blending the charm of Kuwaiti heritage with the spirit of modernity, Kuwait marked a strong presence at the Osaka International Expo with a national pavilion themed 'Beacon of the Future.' The uniquely designed structure, inspired by flowing waves and the outstretched wings of a falcon, drew the attention of visitors and symbolized Kuwait's role as a bridge between past and present. The pavilion takes visitors on an interactive journey through a series of themed halls. The 'Pearl of Perception' highlights Kuwait's maritime traditions and the story of pearl diving up to the oil era, while the 'Hall of Authenticity and Modernity' reflects the nation's long history of trade, culture, and heritage. Beyond its cultural narrative, the exhibition also highlights Kuwait's achievements in education, healthcare, renewable energy, and artificial intelligence, underscoring the country's vision for sustainable development. Completing the immersive experience, the pavilion's Al-Sidra restaurant offers visitors authentic Kuwaiti flavors, while a souvenir corner showcases items infused with national identity. Together, they provide a cultural and sensory journey that goes beyond the exhibits, reinforcing Kuwait's message of openness and progress. The expo, which runs until October 13, also serves as a platform to highlight the longstanding ties between Kuwait and Japan, built over decades of cooperation and mutual respect. Kuwait's participation reflects not only its commitment to innovation and cultural preservation, but also its dedication to strengthening international partnerships. — KUNA
