A diplomat's journey in Türkiye: Ambassador Jeff Flake reflects on his time in Ankara

By Sumeyye Dilara Dincer

As US Ambassador Jeff Flake's tenure in Türkiye comes to a close, he looked back on his experiences in the capital Ankara, a role he describes as unparalleled in his long career.

With deep respect for the enduring 70-year alliance between the US and Türkiye, Flake stressed the significance of this partnership during a reflective conversation at the US Embassy Residence alongside his wife, Cheryl Flake.

After arriving in Türkiye three years ago with anticipation and enthusiasm, Flake now faces the bittersweet reality of departure. "Leaving is hard," he admitted, acknowledging the unique challenges and experiences that came with serving as ambassador in a country with such a rich, complex history.

- Home away from home

The embassy residence, a historical building that has seen many important events, became more than just a place of work for the Flake family.

It was where they celebrated American traditions like Independence Day, Halloween, and Easter, sharing these moments with Turkish friends and dignitaries.

"This is our 1950s-style cinema room," Flake proudly explained, pointing out the room where his family enjoyed watching sports, films, and TV shows together, creating memories that will last a lifetime.

The Flake family also embraced the opportunity to explore Türkiye's diverse landscape. They traveled extensively, visiting cities multiple times, and even soared over Cappadocia in a hot air balloon at sunrise with their five children, who visited from the US. "We visited Anitkabir during the 100th anniversary of the Republic of Türkiye, a memory we will always cherish," he said.

- Cultural connections and personal moments

Flake highlighted his deep admiration for Türkiye's vibrant culture and history. He showed a family photo taken at Istanbul’s Hagia Sophia Mosque, a landmark that left a lasting impression on them.

"We love the view from Hagia Sophia; it never gets old. It's truly a beautiful place, and we made sure to take all our friends and family there."

One of Flake's most memorable experiences was his much-publicized run across the rooftops of the Grand Bazaar, reenacting a chase scene from Skyfall, the 007 movie from 2012. "It was so much fun, like being James Bond," he laughed.

Flake also spoke of his fondness for Türkiye's coastal areas, where he enjoyed swimming in the Mediterranean and Aegean Seas, even trying his hand at spearfishing for lionfish. "Swimming across the Bosphorus from Asia to Europe was an amazing experience," he said, describing the iconic Istanbul Strait as his favorite spot in Türkiye.

- Power of alliance and shared values

Reflecting on his role as ambassador, Flake stressed that his time in Türkiye could not be compared to any other assignment. "I spent 18 years working in the Senate in Washington, but this was entirely different. Life overseas is different for us. We can't compare this to any other assignment."

During his tenure, Flake navigated complex diplomatic challenges, including Türkiye's stance during the early days of the Russia-Ukraine war and discussions surrounding NATO's expansion to include Sweden and Finland.

"There were tough times, like when Türkiye initially hesitated to approve NATO's expansion. But ultimately, Türkiye had legitimate concerns that were addressed, resulting in a win-win situation for everyone involved."

Flake is confident that regardless of changes in US leadership, the relationship between Türkiye and the US will remain strong. "Whether a Republican or a Democrat is in the White House, the relationship with Türkiye will stay solid. Capitol Hill colleagues and administration officials recognize the importance of this alliance."

- Lasting impact of Turkish hospitality

Both Jeff and Cheryl Flake were touched by the warmth and generosity of the Turkish people. Cheryl, who had previous ties to Türkiye from her university days, never imagined she would return as the US ambassador's wife. "The kindness and generosity of the Turkish people have made a lasting impression on me," she said.

Their time in Türkiye has been filled with unforgettable experiences, from sailing along the Bosphorus to finally taking a hot air balloon ride over Cappadocia after several attempts.

As they prepare to leave, Cheryl reflects on the deep connection they formed with Türkiye and its people. "This isn't goodbye; it's just 'gorusuruz’," she said, using the Turkish for “see you later,” expressing her hope to return one day.

- Moment of reflection

Among the many memories, the Feb. 6, 2023, earthquake in Kahramanmaras, which took tens of thousands of lives, stands out as a poignant reminder of the fragility of life and the resilience of the Turkish people.

"Visiting the earthquake zone and witnessing the global community come together to help Türkiye was deeply moving," Flake said. "The world was paying back a debt to Türkiye, which has always been there for others in times of need."

As their chapter in Türkiye comes to a close, the Flake family carries with them not just souvenirs, but a profound appreciation for the country's culture, history, and people. "We have enough Turkish towels to last us a lifetime," Jeff joked, but the sentiment behind his words was clear. The memories and connections they have made in Türkiye will stay with them forever.