Who would have thought, my dear, that one day we would fall out

About 5-6 years ago, a friend of mine who was a vice-rector at a university in a nearby city called me.

After the usual pleasantries, he asked, 'How are you enjoying life in Eskişehir?'

'What's up?' I asked.

"Would you establish the newly opening civil engineering department?" he said.

Since it was only 2 hours away from Eskişehir, I accepted. 

I established the department.

I included associate professor friends who were literate, possessed a fundamental philosophy of science, and for whom I could vouch, into the staff.

Then, I opened an assistantship exam.

After a rigorous examination process—where I implemented a zero-nepotism system—I assigned the assistants I hired to tasks involving the department's laboratory setup and paperwork.

They were bright kids.

They were extremely moral and hardworking.

During tea breaks while chatting in the lab, the subject turned to the housing issue.

It was mentioned in passing that since interest rates were low, it was the perfect time to buy a house.

One of the assistants said that he had a sensitivity toward interest, that he did not want to get involved with bank interest, and that he would turn to savings funds due to his religious priorities.

I said "Don't you dare," and tried to explain with evidence that I had been teaching "engineering economics" for years and that the economic theories of these savings funds were based on a "hit-and-run" foundation.

I suggested that if he didn't believe me, he should consult with an economics professor.

Even though he was 15 years younger than me, he did not trust the department head who had given him his assistantship position.

He wouldn't budge an inch.

Years passed.

I retired and moved to another institution.

He hadn't called in a long time.

I had forgotten about it too.

Then, he called yesterday.

He was speaking in a very sad and embarrassed tone.

After the pleasantries, he finally spilled the beans.

His savings, along with his wife's, had evaporated.

Neither the money remained, nor had they become homeowners.

After a few words of consolation, I hung up the phone.

Who would have thought that a conservative government would bring its conservative voters, who stayed away from banks due to interest sensitivity, to this state.