June 22, 2011
Invitation for Intercultural Trip to Turkey
Dear Honorable Representative……….
The ………………….. cordially invites you to join traditional intercultural trip to Turkey.
The ………………….. is a non-governmental and non-profit organization founded by the Turkish-American community of Massachusetts. Throughout years, the Error: Reference source not found has organized socio-cultural events to promote intercultural dialogue and understanding, some of which can be viewed on the Center’s website at www.turkishcenterboston.org.
One of the various activities organized by our Center is the Intercultural Trip to Turkey. The Intercultural Trip to Turkey has been specifically designed for academics, politicians, bureaucrats, community service providers, journalists and other related professionals to enhance their multicultural experience as well as intercultural relations between the American and Turkish societies.
The aim of this project is to build bridges between Turkish and American people, and promote understanding between both cultures. Secular and democratic Turkey is home to a mosaic of different cultures, religions and ethnicities, and as such provides a living example of peaceful coexistence of different communities. We think what makes Turkey particularly attractive as a travel destination is the fact that it has historically been one of the most interesting meeting places of Ancient, Roman, Byzantine and Ottoman civilizations, not to mention its marvelous natural beauties, warm hospitality and world famous kitchens, which attract millions of foreign tourists every year.
We would be happy to organize a trip for you lasting 3 to 10 days, according to your schedule and priorities. Your trip, for example, may include visits to historic sites that have significance in Jewish, Christian and Muslim traditions, interactions with the local people, and meetings with academics and local officials such as mayors and governors. Please find a sample itinerary in the attached file.
Trip participants are asked to pay a fee to cover their international and domestic travel expenses (around $1000-$1600, depending on the season). Lodging and food expenses in Turkey are sponsored by BAKIAD (Bogazici Atlantik Kulturler Arasi Diyalog Dernegi – Bosphorus Atlantic Intercultural Dialogue Association), which is based in Istanbul, Turkey and is Turkish Cultural Center's partner in Turkey to implement the Intercultural Trip to Turkey (www.bakiad.org.tr/en.html).
Trip dates will be arranged according to your calendar. We do not recommend a trip in August 2011, because of the month of Ramadan.
Please do not hesitate to contact our office if needed.
I look forward to hearing from you soon.
Sincerely Yours,
…………….
Outreach Coordinator
Turkish Cultural Center Boston
Sample Trip Itenerary
Day 1
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Istanbul
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Arrive at Istanbul
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Transfer to hotel
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Boat tour
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Dinner at Restaurant(Pirpirim Restaurant)
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Day 2
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Istanbul
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Breakfast at Hotel
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Topkapı Palace
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Archeolocigal museum
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Light lunch
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Hagia Sophia
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Underground cistern
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Hipodrome & Blue mosque
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Dinner
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Day 3
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Istanbul
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Breakfast at Hotel
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Miniaturk
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Jewish museum
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Light lunch
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Dolmabahce palace
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Military museum
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Taksim sightseeing & St. Antuan church
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Dinner
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Day 4
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Izmir
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Flight to Izmir
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Breakfast with local sponsors
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Visit Ephesus
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Light lunch
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Visit virgin Mary's house
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Local Institution Visit (university, school, foundation, etc.)
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Dinner with Family
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Day 5
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Antalya
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Flight to Antalya
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Breakfast with local sponsors
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Visit historical site of Antalya
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Light lunch
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City tour - Kaleiçi
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Dinner with Family
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Day 6
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Antalya
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Breakfast at Hotel
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Enjoy the hotel facilities
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Visit Religious Garden in Belek
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Light lunch
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Local Institution Visit (university, school, foundation, etc.)
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Drive to Konya
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Dinner
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Day 7
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Konya
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Breakfast at Hotel
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Mevlana museum
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City tour
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Alaaddin hill & mosque
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Local Institution Visit (university, governmental, etc.)
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Dinner with Family
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Day 8
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Istanbul
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Breakfast at Hotel
Flight to Istanbul
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Local Institution Visit (governmental, foundation, etc.)
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Light lunch
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Spice bazaar
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Grand bazaar
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Dinner with Family
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Day 9
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Istanbul
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Breakfast at hotel
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Flight back to USA
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