Comments on: Teacher Study Tours 2009 – Group 3 Istanbul

By: n/a

n/a — Mon, 14 Sep 2009 07:36:09 +0000

The study tour has been one of the most extraordinary experiences of my life –it is not an exaggeration to say that it has been life changing. Over the course of our journey I broadened my perspective immediately only because we have seen first hand the depth of history and culture, and learned intimately about the real Turkish people. For most of us, myself included, this is the first time we have spent a significant amount of time in a Muslim country. I wish all American could have this change –to see children running around barefoot in the sun, dappled Friday, mosque, to see the everyday devotion, openers, and kindness of people here. This exposure helps us feel closer to our Muslim friends, neighbors and students at home, as well as one global “neighbors” in other countries like Afghanistan and Iraq, for we are all connected now, thought tragically thrown apart, through commerce or worse, war. This town has given me a deeper appreciation for the connection between one culture and live, while introducing me to more unique differences too. It’s a paradox, but it is more accurately a reflection of reality, in all its complexity, than just the image in the news. Experiences like this make my dream closer to the truth: to become not just a citizen of the USA, but a citizen of the world. And now the next part is almost as exciting as the first – sharing this growth with our students- not just the content but the prospective. Thank You!

By: Adam L. Smith

Adam L. Smith — Mon, 14 Sep 2009 07:29:00 +0000

It is hard to imagine a country with the richness of culture and history Turkey possesses. I’ve never stood in awe of so much in one country. From the archeological dig at Çatalhöyük to the modern day city of Istanbul, we’ve followed human history from prehistoric man to our modern age. Beautiful, fascinating sites with friendly and interesting people make Turkey a must see destination. Turkey’s history is the history of humanity. Turkey’s story is a large part of all of our stories. It would have been a shame to miss it.

By: Rosemarie Delvaux

Rosemarie Delvaux — Mon, 14 Sep 2009 07:28:12 +0000

This study guide tour has given me a better understanding of the rich history of this remarkable country, and a better appreciation of its many arts. But mostly, it has given me an inner connection and special love for Turkey and its wonderful people. Thank you TCF and all the people who made this journey in my life possible and so memorable.

By: Tom Holmes

Tom Holmes — Mon, 14 Sep 2009 07:27:42 +0000

The other day when I awoke, I looked over and saw the sandals I had been wearing the past two days. They were covered with dust. During the time I had worn them we had visited Ephesus and Çatalhöyük. I realized that I was looking at the dust of 9-10.000 years of human history. I was struck by the realization of what that meant. That I had actually walked upon the same ground frequented by those well known and those lesser known. No matter, I share a kinship with them all. Turkey – a land of diversity. A land traversed by so many yet it remains distinctive for its culture. Turkey – from the intricate beauty of the Blue Mosque to the simple labor of woman working in the sugar beet fields. Turkey – from the plains of Konya to the towering rock formations of Cappadocia. Turkey – modern highways to dirt roads in the villages. Turkey – modern shopping malls to roadside stands. Turkey – predominately Muslim but tolerant of active Armenian Christians and Jewish communities. Turkey – signs of a vibrant economy are everywhere yet there are those who make their living with their hands. Turkey – a democratic nation that pays the salaries of its imams and muezzins. Turkey – 16th in the world in GNP but not yet a member of the European Union. Turkey impressions abound, a land of beauty and culture, rich in history.

By: Eric A. Toft

Eric A. Toft — Mon, 14 Sep 2009 07:26:57 +0000

Thank you from the bottom of my heart!
Thoughts on the tour:
- Extremely well organized and professional
- Excellent cross section of Turkey shown
- Orhan is masterful ==> the on the spot knowledge of a professor and the humor of a successful comedian
- Wonderful food ==> accommodation in general
- I’ve met many outstanding educators and made some lifelong friends. Life long because we shared a once in a lifetime experience
- Possibly the most informative and educational experience were those times spent discussing Turkish issues with Turks –Gular, Tuva, etc –> is strongly suggest more of that question-answer discussion in the future
- Suggestions for improvement
o More talking of Turks
o A home stay! – logistically difficult I’m sure, but it will be invaluable
o Let us stop and walk around the small village near Çatalhöyük
o More discussion of geographic topics –land use, spatial distribution and relations between separate cultural relation
Don’t get me wrong, Orhan is exemplary. He does discuss geography, however I would personally prefer a bit less history and a bit more about modern Turkey.
- A geographical crossroads throughout history.
- No other place offers a better case study of cultural interaction, assimilation, cultural change.
- Turkey is a wonderful example of a people transitioning from traditional folk culture to modern popular culture, with all the common pains that transition entails.
- Country of contrasts- secular and devotedly Muslim?
o Horse cars on the same roads as a porches
o Women in Burkas talking on cell phones
o Men wearing Abercrombie & Fitch T-shirts while their wives covered
o One Turkish women walking down the street wearing a short skirt, high heels, etc, just like an American, she passes a woman who is covered from head to toe.
o An 800 yr old Mosque across the street from a modern highrise.
o A car full of Turkish youth drive by blasting Turkish techno pop as the call to prayer sounds.
o In a village near Konya a modern gas station, in the back an old woman works a small plot of sugar beets
o The modern affluent sprawl of Istanbul, the simple villages where donkeys and children scamper largely unchanged for the past hundred years.
- A people as beautifully complex and inviting as the landscape upon which they live
- Initially, I was intimidated and uncomfortable bartering. Now, I’m disappointed I won’t buy anything from shops that have fixed prices.
- I scream, you scream, we all scream for Raki!
- Holy Patriotism Batman! Turkey’s flag is everywhere. I wish my own countrymen had such strong positive, feeling of nationalism
- The mayors in this country are inexcusable! –according to our guide.

By: Samantha M. Walder

Samantha M. Walder — Mon, 14 Sep 2009 07:24:14 +0000

Prior to arriving in Turkey, I had an open mind, but still held some common misconceptions about Turkey and the Turkish people. Within hours in arriving in Istanbul, these were all shattered. The secular culture is truly evident as you walk out the door of your hotel and view the vast away of cultures. At each stop, I became more and more amazed at the access we were given to historical and cultural sites. Also, the information that Orhan provided for us to bring back to our classrooms is unheard of in any other travel tour. The entire tour has been geared toward teachers; I always feel like I am here to learn, as opposed to just see the sites and that is exactly what I was hoping to gain from this experience. Each tour has given us a once in a lifetime opportunity, although I cannot wait to bring back my daughter someday. Turkey will now be on the list of places we need to visit as a family. Thank you- Thank you- Thank you!

By: Earl David Colberg

Earl David Colberg — Mon, 14 Sep 2009 07:23:43 +0000

Turkey has so many yesterdays to attempt to understand and fathom. If you take too much time, or delve into the history too much it overcomes. I’ve found myself in almost a trance imagining the steps of Constantine , Mehmet, Suleyman where I’ve now walked. Then you have the people who surrounded these names we know. All those thoughts and actions that occurred where I’ve been. As you see, if you let yourself go in this, there’s a question of when you will get back. But the history has led us here to this time, where a strong nationalism and civic pride pervades the land. This is a land covered in red flags of crescent and star; they adorn it. The people love their land and it shows in their acceptance of each other and those outside the culture. They want you to understand their love of country. They want you to see and feel what they do. There is warmth here and it feels quite nice and I feel so fine.