Reporting from Edinburgh for ARTTMODERNMIAMI Newspaper
Today I find myself in a geography as striking as the views of Boston’s Back Bay, yet far more mystical: Edinburgh, the capital of Scotland. Just as in my book Migrant Birds, I will take you far away—into the inner world of another life. In this piece, I host a very special woman with whom I speak about the meaning of migration, the direction of love, and a simple life intertwined with nature: Hülya Donald.
Hulya DONALD
📍 A Story of Migration: From Kosovo to Dalyan to Edinburgh
Hülya Donald is a woman whose roots are deeply shaped by migration. Her family story, stretching from Pristina, Kosovo to Turkey, intersects with her own personal journey of migration. Born in Turkey, she lived in Istanbul for many years. With a career spanning over 30 years; including a former life as a fashion model and later years working for an airline, her life has always been defined by travel and movement. Today, she lives a peaceful life in Edinburgh with her husband.
“I met the right person at the right time,” she says.
That person is a blue-eyed Scot who came to Turkey to go canoeing. Their story began in Dalyan, on a bench facing the ancient Lycian Rock Tombs, almost like a scene from a movie. After three years of friendship, they married in a small but meaningful ceremony, marking the beginning of Hülya’s new life.
📍 Life in Edinburgh: History, Nature, and Harmony
Edinburgh is a city of half a million people, captivating with its history. Some buildings are 500 years old, others 200. Life in Scotland is very different from that in major metropolises; closer to nature, rich in oxygen, surrounded by castles, respectful of the past, and deeply tranquil.
“We drink water straight from the tap that comes down from the mountains,” Hülya Donald says, adding:
“Edinburgh feels like a dreamland.”
But being an immigrant in this dreamland is not easy. As in the U.S., the term immigrant is used here as well. While the number of educated immigrants has increased, the number of refugees remains quite low. Hülya notes that immigrants support one another during the adaptation process:
“Job opportunities are limited here. Agriculture and animal husbandry are dominant, and living conditions can be challenging.”
📍 Adapting Through Volunteering
From her very first days in Scotland, Hülya Donald began volunteering with the British Heart Foundation. This experience not only allowed her to contribute to society, but also helped her better understand the Scottish accent.
“I’m friendly, and people really like me here,” she says with a smile.
She works at the register, prices donations, and chats with people from all over the world.
📍 The Challenges of Being an Immigrant
“Living in another country is not as easy as it looks from the outside,” Donald says. Loneliness, longing, cultural differences, a new language—her early years were filled with challenges as well. But through patience, research, reading, and frequent visits to local libraries, she adapted.
“You have to be open to everything and willing to learn,” she advises.
📍 Are Scottish Men Really Like They Are in Outlander?
I couldn’t help but ask: Is the atmosphere of Outlander real, or just fiction?
Hülya Donald answers sincerely.
“We visited Culross Castle, one of the filming locations. The sites are well preserved, and the atmosphere is incredible. You can close your eyes and imagine another time.”
And yes… she says Scottish men really are as charming and kind as the character played by Sam Heughan.
“They share household responsibilities and use words of affection generously,” she adds.
📍 Life’s Turning Points and Looking Back at Turkey
Hülya Donald identifies two major turning points in her life: being forced into early retirement against her will, and starting a new life in Scotland with the man she loves.
She still travels to Turkey frequently. However, the air of the cities, the mood of the people, and the economic conditions affect her negatively.
“We once dreamed of settling in the Aegean, but now traveling by caravan is enough for us,” she says.
📍 Final Words: The World Can Be Our Home
The greatest lesson Hülya Donald has learned from life is to protect nature, practice tolerance, and use resources consciously. For her, Scotland is not just a new country—it has become a school of wisdom rooted in nature.
“I learned how to live in harmony with nature here. I wish this awareness would spread across the world,” she says.
As we conclude our conversation amid Edinburgh’s stone streets, historic buildings, and cool winds, we are reminded once again that migration is not only a geographical journey, but a spiritual one as well.
“How many women can fit into one lifetime?
How many women does a woman become?”
— Migrant Birds, Melda Sherman
Melda Sherman
📍 www.meldasherman.com
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