Kenneth Harl, a 60-year-old professor of classical and Byzantine history at Tulane University, embarked on a scholarly journey to Turkey in June 2011, accompanied by his former graduate student Jason and fellow professor Yasmine. What began as an academic pursuit of Roman military routes and historical exploration took an unexpected turn when Kenneth met Sema Tekgul, a teacher from Izmit, Turkey. Their first encounter in a Malatya hotel lobby was a moment that changed the course of both their lives. For Kenneth, who had been single all his life, the feeling was unprecedented—a love at first sight that was both overwhelming and exhilarating.
Sema, in her early 50s, had led a content life in Izmit, focused on her work and family, never expecting to marry. When Yasmine invited her to join the road trip across Turkey, Sema was intrigued by the opportunity to meet Americans for the first time and explore the historic sites of her homeland. The instant connection she felt upon meeting Kenneth was mutual. Despite the language barrier, Sema spoke no English, and Kenneth had only rudimentary Turkish, there was a palpable chemistry between them. The group’s journey, which included visits to the imposing stone faces at Nemrut Dağ, a UNESCO World Heritage site, became a backdrop for their burgeoning romance.
As the group traveled through Turkey, Kenneth and Sema found themselves drawn to each other. Their interactions, though initially cautious and polite, quickly evolved into a deep connection. On a ferry crossing the Euphrates River, Sema, unable to contain her feelings, asked Kenneth if he believed in love at first sight. Kenneth's affirmative response marked the beginning of a romantic journey that defied their age and cultural differences. The days that followed were filled with shared experiences, including dancing together at a traditional performance in Urfa—a first for Kenneth, who was not usually inclined to dance.
After a few weeks of traveling together, the group parted ways, with Sema returning to Izmit and Kenneth continuing his journey. However, the bond they had formed was too strong to be ignored. They arranged to meet again in Istanbul, where they spent a day together exploring the city, further solidifying their relationship. Despite the challenges posed by their different backgrounds, they decided not to let practical concerns stand in the way of their love. Kenneth, more accustomed to writing letters, was introduced to the world of Skype by Sema, and their daily conversations deepened their connection.
Within weeks, Kenneth returned to Turkey with a question that had been on his mind since their first meeting. In halting Turkish, he proposed to Sema, who happily accepted. Their engagement was a joyous occasion, driven by their mutual feelings rather than any consideration of practical issues such as visas, language barriers, or cultural differences. The couple was aware of the risks involved in their decision, but the powerful emotions they experienced outweighed any potential obstacles.
Kenneth’s visit to Izmit to meet Sema’s family was another significant step in their relationship. Although he faced skepticism from some quarters, particularly from his sister and a few friends, Kenneth remained undeterred. His friends could see the happiness that Sema brought into his life, likening his newfound love to that of a teenager experiencing first love. Sema’s family, on the other hand, welcomed Kenneth with open arms, sensing the genuine affection between the couple.
As Kenneth and Sema navigated the complexities of securing a fiancée visa, their love for each other remained unwavering. Their story, set against the backdrop of ancient ruins and cultural landmarks, is a testament to the unpredictable nature of love and the courage required to pursue it, regardless of age or circumstance.
