From star student to Shanghai citizen

One of the city's best-known expats fell in love with China's financial capital almost 20 years ago

Having lived in China for more than 30 years, Noyan Rona has traveled around the country extensively. However, his favorite city - his "second hometown" as he calls it - has long been Shanghai, so much so that if he leaves for just a few days, he begins to miss the atmosphere.

But it wasn't a case of love at first sight. In 1991, Rona traveled to Shanghai for the first time when, as a diplomat at the Turkish embassy in Beijing, he headed south to collect relief supplies the Turkish military had provided to the people of Anhui province, which was in the grip of a devastating flood.

"I stayed for a week and my only thought was to finish my job quickly so I could get back to Beijing," the 58 year old says. "I wasn't impressed by Shanghai, which I didn't think was as attractive as Beijing at the time, with too many people, shabby houses and a different dialect."

The next time Rona visited Shanghai was in 1996, by which time the city had changed beyond recognition. That was when he decided to stay in the "Paris of the East".

Today, people flow into the city every day, looking to find jobs and settle their families. They are the "new Shanghainese", but Rona, sees himself as "old Shanghainese". "I've lived in Shanghai for 18 years. I've been made an honorary citizen, which means I AM a citizen of Shanghai," says the chief representative of the Shanghai office of Turkish Garanti Bank.

"I came to China to follow my dream, which was to learn the Chinese language, and the culture and history," he adds. "So, many years later, when people ask if I still have a 'Chinese dream' I say, 'Yes, my dream is to become a member of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) Shanghai Committee'. In that way I can contribute more to building my 'hometown'."

As one of the first Turkish students to receive a Chinese government scholarship to study in China, Rona arrived in 1983, just in time to witness the dramatic social changes and economic development. He later pursued a master's degree in ancient Chinese history at the University of Wuhan, the capital of Hubei province.

Rona describes that time as "an adventure" - on the one hand, he was able to get to know a country that was a mystery to his parents' generation, but on the other, as a foreigner he faced many uncertainties.

"At that time, no one knew exactly what would be brought by the reform and opening-up policy," he says. "Unlike expats who regarded China as a market where they could make money and find new opportunities, I came here simply because I was attracted by Chinese culture.

"I think it's a shame if you only think of China as a gold mine. China is not a wallet. It has a profound culture heritage. If you come here just for money, then you do it a great injustice."

Rona has never forgotten his responsibilities as a citizen of Shanghai, and he has done everything he can to help the city and its residents. "Several of my friends call me 'Woodpecker', because I am constantly pecking at all the mistakes that damage the images of Shanghai or China," he says.

During his leisure time, he leads teams down the city's streets, correcting misspelled English words on signs, directing traffic during the rush hour, and teaching English and etiquette to taxi drivers.

He also participates in a wide range of charitable activities, provides suggestions to the local government, and attends meetings hosted by the CPPCC Shanghai Committee, offering advice in fields as diverse as finance and social issues.

Shortly after settling in the city, he began funding 10 students from poor families per year. That lasted for a decade, but he continues to perform charitable acts; for example, if he sees a TV report about people in need he donates money immediately.

"After I got the Shanghai Magnolia Golden Award - a government award for foreigners who have contributed to Shanghai - it took another seven years to gain the title 'Honorary citizen of Shanghai'," he adds. "And I try to be worthy of this high title by supporting Shanghai and China in various ways."

Rona has a son who grew up in China, but has settled in Canada. Like his father, the boy chose to settle in a different country instead of staying in the place in which he grew up.

"I totally support him, just like my parents supported me when I decided to move to China," he says. "I love Shanghai, I love China, and I am happy to stay here for the rest of my life."

suzhou@chinadaily.com.cn