Migration Stories

Mo and Zeynep both left their homes—Egypt and Turkey, respectively—to pursue new opportunities in Vancouver, Canada. Their journeys were filled with challenges and moments of discovery as they navigated cultural differences, unfamiliar climates, and the complexities of building a new life in a foreign land.

Mo immigrated from Egypt in 2019 with a clear goal: to pursue education and become a licensed pharmacist. Leaving behind his family and the familiarity of his culture, Mo found himself in Vancouver, a city where he knew no one. The cultural and weather differences hit him hard. In Egypt, Mo was used to a society where people “really don’t draw barriers and boundaries between them” and connections are easily made. In contrast, Vancouver’s more reserved social atmosphere initially made it difficult for him to make friends. However, as time passed, Mo began to understand how to approach people in this new environment, slowly adapting to the Canadian way of life while still holding on to his Egyptian roots.

Zeynep first came to Vancouver as a tourist in 2015 and returned in 2018 with the intent of improving her English and pursuing a master’s degree. Starting at a language school, she expected to connect easily with her peers but instead found it challenging and, at times, disappointing. Fortunately, she had her cousin and uncle to help her maintain a connection to her Turkish culture, providing her with a sense of comfort in an otherwise foreign place. Yet, like Mo, Zeynep also struggled with the disconnect and was surprised by the individualism she felt in Vancouver. It was within the immigrant community, however, that Zeynep found comfort. The shared experience of social pain became a glue that bonded her with others who had similar stories.

Coffee Stories

For both Mo and Zeynep, coffee was more than just a beverage—it was a connection to their homelands and something that brought a sense of familiarity and comfort in a foreign country.

Zeynep, although more of a tea person, describes coffee as much more than a drink in Turkish culture—it’s a social experience. It plays a crucial role in gatherings, celebrations, and even weddings. Zeynep shares that when a couple gets engaged in Turkey, the bride-to-be makes coffee for the groom, but with a twist—she adds salt and spices to the brew. The idea is that if the groom can handle this unusual coffee, he can handle the challenges of marriage. Turkish coffee, made in a special pot called a cezve and served in tiny cups, is a symbol of hospitality, tradition, and connection.

Mo recalls that Turkish coffee is popular in Egypt but prepared using one of three Egyptian roasting methods —white, medium, or dark. There is also a large presence of many Western coffee brands in Egypt as a result of globalization. Coffee is an integral part of Egyptian life, and “for people who smoke cigarettes, they like to combine them together, while listening to music…it just gives a whole new vibe.”

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