I fell in love with Turkey when on arrival I stepped out on the terrace of the Arcadia to a most magnificent view of the Hagia Sophia and the Blue Mosque framed by the Bosphorus! The weather was perfect, the food was wonderful, and the view stunning. Every day of our tour continued to offer something fantastic. My life has been enriched beyond belief and a whole new dimension has been added to my person. I will always be grateful for this experience and for the wonderful people I meet while touring Turkey.

I fell in love with Turkey when on arrival I stepped out on the terrace of the Arcadia to a most magnificent view of the Hagia Sophia and the Blue Mosque framed by the Bosphorus! The weather was perfect, the food was wonderful, and the view stunning. Every day of our tour continued to offer something fantastic. My life has been enriched beyond belief and a whole new dimension has been added to my person. I will always be grateful for this experience and for the wonderful people I meet while touring Turkey.

The Teachers’ Study Tour of Turkey is an incredible learning experience that every dedicated American teacher deserves to experience. I have learned that Turkey is the largest, most vibrant democratic society in the Middle East, arriving at this position through a long historical process. Every moment of this trip was an enlightenment.

The Teachers’ Study Tour of Turkey is an incredible learning experience that every dedicated American teacher deserves to experience. I have learned that Turkey is the largest, most vibrant democratic society in the Middle East, arriving at this position through a long historical process. Every moment of this trip was an enlightenment.

Thank you Turkish Cultural Foundation for a once in a lifetime opportunity. I would suggest this program to all teachers because of its great sites, great food, and great people. Türkiye’yi seviyorum!

Thank you Turkish Cultural Foundation for a once in a lifetime opportunity. I would suggest this program to all teachers because of its great sites, great food, and great people. Türkiye’yi seviyorum!

Since I became a student of history many years ago, I have always wanted to visit Turkey. Never in my wildest dreams, however, could I have imagined seeing this beautiful country in the manner that the Turkish Cultural Foundation has provided. This study tour has been first class in every way. Thank you TCF for making my dream come true!

Since I became a student of history many years ago, I have always wanted to visit Turkey. Never in my wildest dreams, however, could I have imagined seeing this beautiful country in the manner that the Turkish Cultural Foundation has provided. This study tour has been first class in every way. Thank you TCF for making my dream come true!

What better way to enrich your—and by extension, your students’—understanding of a place and its rich culture than experiencing it? The Turkish Cultural Foundation has created a once in a lifetime opportunity to see and experience Turkey through a variety of lenses—from the bustling streets and bright lights of Istanbul to the narrow roads that wind through fields of sunflowers to reach Çatalhöyük. Being able to travel with other educators provided countless networking opportunities and generated numerous conversations about effective ways to bring this experience to students as well as our communities at large. TCF valued our time and made the most of it; I recommend this program without reservation. It is truly spectacular!

What better way to enrich your—and by extension, your students’—understanding of a place and its rich culture than experiencing it? The Turkish Cultural Foundation has created a once in a lifetime opportunity to see and experience Turkey through a variety of lenses—from the bustling streets and bright lights of Istanbul to the narrow roads that wind through fields of sunflowers to reach Çatalhöyük. Being able to travel with other educators provided countless networking opportunities and generated numerous conversations about effective ways to bring this experience to students as well as our communities at large. TCF valued our time and made the most of it; I recommend this program without reservation. It is truly spectacular!

I was honored to take part in the TCF Teachers’ Study Tour. Thank you for showing such generosity in hosting this remarkable tour. You have presented a slice of Turkish life and culture that is impressively enchanting and complex. I look forward to a continued relationship with TCF and further study of everything Turkish. Now Turkey will always have a place in my classroom and my heart.

I was honored to take part in the TCF Teachers’ Study Tour. Thank you for showing such generosity in hosting this remarkable tour. You have presented a slice of Turkish life and culture that is impressively enchanting and complex. I look forward to a continued relationship with TCF and further study of everything Turkish. Now Turkey will always have a place in my classroom and my heart.

The Teachers’ Study Tour was a phenomenal experience. The opportunity to see the sites of Turkey and the discussions they generated have truly transformed my understanding of Turkey’s historical importance as well as its progressive nature being a ‘friend to all’. I now have a better understanding of how Islam can and is flourishing in a democracy, and I cannot wait to go back and share my gained insights with my family, friends, and students. The Turkish Cultural Foundation has organized a top rate study tour. The sites are phenomenal and cover all periods. Additionally, the school visits and talks were amazing and have transformed my understanding of Turkey. The people and country are kind, open, compassionate, and resilient. I can’t wait to come back, and I look forward to seeing what Turkey does next.

The Teachers’ Study Tour was a phenomenal experience. The opportunity to see the sites of Turkey and the discussions they generated have truly transformed my understanding of Turkey’s historical importance as well as its progressive nature being a ‘friend to all’. I now have a better understanding of how Islam can and is flourishing in a democracy, and I cannot wait to go back and share my gained insights with my family, friends, and students. The Turkish Cultural Foundation has organized a top rate study tour. The sites are phenomenal and cover all periods. Additionally, the school visits and talks were amazing and have transformed my understanding of Turkey. The people and country are kind, open, compassionate, and resilient. I can’t wait to come back, and I look forward to seeing what Turkey does next.

This was my first international travel experience to Europe/Asia. Turkey is the connection to linking both continents and the Teachers’ Study Tour provided a comprehensive and first hand experience in a diverse country. From bustling cities to fertile agricultural fields and villages to beautiful coastal areas, one gains an experience of a lifetime. This experience transforms history before your eyes and brings history to life. The culture, riches of the regional cuisine, walks amidst ancient ruins, and experience of a secular state within an Islamic religion provides one with the knowledge to help change the outdated perceptions of Turkish people. Turkey is very similar to the United States in many ways. I hope to provide my students, colleagues, community and family with all of my experiences through pictures, stories, and personal narrations as I share my experience that the Turkish Cultural Foundation has so graciously provided to me. I will continue to contribute to “The Portraits of Turkey” through discussion, education, and sharing of my wonderful trip.

This was my first international travel experience to Europe/Asia. Turkey is the connection to linking both continents and the Teachers’ Study Tour provided a comprehensive and first hand experience in a diverse country. From bustling cities to fertile agricultural fields and villages to beautiful coastal areas, one gains an experience of a lifetime. This experience transforms history before your eyes and brings history to life. The culture, riches of the regional cuisine, walks amidst ancient ruins, and experience of a secular state within an Islamic religion provides one with the knowledge to help change the outdated perceptions of Turkish people. Turkey is very similar to the United States in many ways. I hope to provide my students, colleagues, community and family with all of my experiences through pictures, stories, and personal narrations as I share my experience that the Turkish Cultural Foundation has so graciously provided to me. I will continue to contribute to “The Portraits of Turkey” through discussion, education, and sharing of my wonderful trip.

In a country such as the U.S. where lately teachers are not appreciated and quite often made into villains, it was wonderful to be recognized with honor and respect by TCF. Thank you for an intellectually and culturally stimulating experience in Turkey. I have gained insight that I had not expected. TCF’s mission and staff are invaluable to our world. Cheers to all that you do. This experience will live with me for years to come.

In a country such as the U.S. where lately teachers are not appreciated and quite often made into villains, it was wonderful to be recognized with honor and respect by TCF. Thank you for an intellectually and culturally stimulating experience in Turkey. I have gained insight that I had not expected. TCF’s mission and staff are invaluable to our world. Cheers to all that you do. This experience will live with me for years to come.

I have thoroughly enjoyed meeting so many friendly and inviting people while visiting a variety of historical and cultural places. I found Turkey to offer comfort, interest, and safety in all of my travels. It is indeed a place of diversity and contrasts. Witnessing ancient sites like Hagia Sophia, Ephesus and Aphrodisias were “jaw dropping” experiences. The continuous flow of delicious Turkish foods and cuisine added so much flavor to the trip. In addition, the geographic features like the terraces of Pamukkale and the surreal landscape of Cappadocia are so unique and fascinating. Finally, the arts, music, and architecture have made permanent impressions on me. In conclusion, I have totally enjoyed visiting this modern, progressive country which hosts a wealth of historical and modern opportunities. I am thankful to have had this experience and will happily share it back in the states. It was great!

I have thoroughly enjoyed meeting so many friendly and inviting people while visiting a variety of historical and cultural places. I found Turkey to offer comfort, interest, and safety in all of my travels. It is indeed a place of diversity and contrasts. Witnessing ancient sites like Hagia Sophia, Ephesus and Aphrodisias were “jaw dropping” experiences. The continuous flow of delicious Turkish foods and cuisine added so much flavor to the trip. In addition, the geographic features like the terraces of Pamukkale and the surreal landscape of Cappadocia are so unique and fascinating. Finally, the arts, music, and architecture have made permanent impressions on me. In conclusion, I have totally enjoyed visiting this modern, progressive country which hosts a wealth of historical and modern opportunities. I am thankful to have had this experience and will happily share it back in the states. It was great!

Thanks to TCF for this amazing opportunity to get to know Turkey! Every day was full of surprises and amazing sights—from our first night watching the sunset over Istanbul to whirling Dervishes in Cappadocia to the shadow puppet show in Bursa—it was all wonderful! The most interesting part was seeing European history from a completely different perspective (that of the Ottomans). It was a whole different way to view historical events.

Thanks to TCF for this amazing opportunity to get to know Turkey! Every day was full of surprises and amazing sights—from our first night watching the sunset over Istanbul to whirling Dervishes in Cappadocia to the shadow puppet show in Bursa—it was all wonderful! The most interesting part was seeing European history from a completely different perspective (that of the Ottomans). It was a whole different way to view historical events.

We often look at multicultural countries through space rather than time. In the case of Turkey, one would profit greatly from doing both. It is a true crossroads for multiple empires, civilizations, linguistic groups, faiths, etc. Today, Turkey represents the best of Europe and Asia and is a highly worthwhile study in the political, constitutional, and sociological issues that confront the democracies of the world. Also, keep watching Turkey for its regional prowess and its good neighbor policy; Turkey acts as a vital intermediary between various nations in the region. As global power becomes more decentralized, Turkey will only become more vital. The beauty, history, and hospitality are apparent. If you have never considered a visit to Turkey, change your mind! From Upper Paleolithic and Neolithic sites to incomparable natural wonders and astonishingly beautiful architecture, you will be impressed.

We often look at multicultural countries through space rather than time. In the case of Turkey, one would profit greatly from doing both. It is a true crossroads for multiple empires, civilizations, linguistic groups, faiths, etc. Today, Turkey represents the best of Europe and Asia and is a highly worthwhile study in the political, constitutional, and sociological issues that confront the democracies of the world. Also, keep watching Turkey for its regional prowess and its good neighbor policy; Turkey acts as a vital intermediary between various nations in the region. As global power becomes more decentralized, Turkey will only become more vital. The beauty, history, and hospitality are apparent. If you have never considered a visit to Turkey, change your mind! From Upper Paleolithic and Neolithic sites to incomparable natural wonders and astonishingly beautiful architecture, you will be impressed.

The people of Turkey were gracious, courteous, and helpful. Turkey is the epitome of history. From the Neolithic site of Çatalhöyük to the Lydians, Persians, and Romans in Turkey then from the Byzantine period to the Ottomans and finally to modern Turkey, history is abundant and mesmerizing in Turkey. This country has many wonders—the culture, the mosques, the archaeological sites, the music, the textiles, the carpets, the food, but most of all, the amazing people. I hope to return to Turkey someday to relive the amazing adventure I have just experienced.

The people of Turkey were gracious, courteous, and helpful. Turkey is the epitome of history. From the Neolithic site of Çatalhöyük to the Lydians, Persians, and Romans in Turkey then from the Byzantine period to the Ottomans and finally to modern Turkey, history is abundant and mesmerizing in Turkey. This country has many wonders—the culture, the mosques, the archaeological sites, the music, the textiles, the carpets, the food, but most of all, the amazing people. I hope to return to Turkey someday to relive the amazing adventure I have just experienced.

I enjoyed the Teachers’ Study Tour because I now have additional evidence to support my curriculum beyond the textbook. When I teach Turkish history, I emphasize to students its function as a crossroads throughout history. Having lived this for two weeks, I can now make this concept become more “alive” for my students.

I enjoyed the Teachers’ Study Tour because I now have additional evidence to support my curriculum beyond the textbook. When I teach Turkish history, I emphasize to students its function as a crossroads throughout history. Having lived this for two weeks, I can now make this concept become more “alive” for my students.

This was my first opportunity to travel overseas and I could not have been more impressed. It was filled with amazing hotels, food, and learning opportunities. I am so excited to get back in the classroom to share my trip with my students.

This was my first opportunity to travel overseas and I could not have been more impressed. It was filled with amazing hotels, food, and learning opportunities. I am so excited to get back in the classroom to share my trip with my students.

Through the hard work and thoughtfulness of TCF, my dry academic understanding of Turkish history and culture has been given depth and soul. Thank you so much for this opportunity!

Through the hard work and thoughtfulness of TCF, my dry academic understanding of Turkish history and culture has been given depth and soul. Thank you so much for this opportunity!

An amazing experience! The Turkish Cultural Foundation made sure that, in addition to providing an invaluable lesson on the history of the country, we experienced Turkey in a way that allowed us to get a better understanding and appreciation for the country, its people, and contributions to the world as we know it today. The moment you arrive, Turkey embraces you and, then, you fall in love with it and you want to come back again and again! Thank you.

An amazing experience! The Turkish Cultural Foundation made sure that, in addition to providing an invaluable lesson on the history of the country, we experienced Turkey in a way that allowed us to get a better understanding and appreciation for the country, its people, and contributions to the world as we know it today. The moment you arrive, Turkey embraces you and, then, you fall in love with it and you want to come back again and again! Thank you.

Each event proved to be one mountaintop experience after the next: Hagia Sophia, the Bosphorus boat ride, the school visits, the hot air balloon ride, Çatalhöyük, and the list goes on. But nothing tops the graciousness and hospitality of the people. Teşekkür ederim, TCF, for allowing me to live the rich Turkish culture for two weeks. I’ll be back!

Each event proved to be one mountaintop experience after the next: Hagia Sophia, the Bosphorus boat ride, the school visits, the hot air balloon ride, Çatalhöyük, and the list goes on. But nothing tops the graciousness and hospitality of the people. Teşekkür ederim, TCF, for allowing me to live the rich Turkish culture for two weeks. I’ll be back!

This has been the trip of a lifetime. I never dreamed of ever being in Turkey and visiting sites of Neolithic civilizations, ancient ruins, and modern cities. Every day has been a “wow” moment. Thank you Turkish Cultural Foundation for giving me this opportunity.

This has been the trip of a lifetime. I never dreamed of ever being in Turkey and visiting sites of Neolithic civilizations, ancient ruins, and modern cities. Every day has been a “wow” moment. Thank you Turkish Cultural Foundation for giving me this opportunity.

Thank you TCF from your newest ambassador! This experience has broadened my horizons so that I can help others gain a better understanding of our country and its culture. I appreciate all the work that is put into a tour and for the expertise of your many guides. Like Bonnie Kaslan said, “Turkey has embraced me.” Now I will go home and educate others about this beautiful country. Thank you for the variety of experiences—each was an “A-HA” moment—and I will be back!

Thank you TCF from your newest ambassador! This experience has broadened my horizons so that I can help others gain a better understanding of our country and its culture. I appreciate all the work that is put into a tour and for the expertise of your many guides. Like Bonnie Kaslan said, “Turkey has embraced me.” Now I will go home and educate others about this beautiful country. Thank you for the variety of experiences—each was an “A-HA” moment—and I will be back!

The TCF Teacher Study Tour 2011 was outstanding! We were treated with respect and it was first class all the way. This trip changed—enlarged—my view of Turkey’s place in history—both ancient and modern. I found the people warm and welcoming, the food delicious, and the culture fascinating.

What an experience! The people of Turkey were so friendly and the hospitality was beyond my imagination. The hotels chosen were exquisite and the food was fantastic. The craft events were a wonderful break from purely historical sights. The blend was great and kept the tour interesting. Seeing the places I have taught about was the best experience from Turkey. When I teach them next time, more passion and excitement will be added! Thanks so much for the experience of a lifetime.

The Teacher Study Tour greatly exceeded my expectations both academically and within the organization of the tour. Every site visit, every lecture, every exchange with fellow teachers can be used with my students to help them develop an understanding of Turkey, both past and present. The amount of detail and passion dedicated to this trip is paramount.

Thank you for the experience of a lifetime. Not just for me, not just for my students, but also for my educational community. I’ve learned that Turkey has richness in Greco-Roman history, Ottoman history, and religious importance, but it is also a place of very beautiful, bright present and future. If you haven’t been to Istanbul, the Aegean, Cappadocia, or a multitude of other gems that Turkey has to offer, you must visit! Turkey abounds of excellent hosts and even better people.

This has been my first trip overseas and I cannot imagine anything surpassing it. The breadth and depth of the teaching and the experiences was amazing. The food was wonderful! Truly the trip of a lifetime.

Imagine taking 30 teachers from Turkey and showing them the most important historical/cultural places in America. Let them taste clam chowder in Boston, grits in North Carolina, barbeque in Texas, showing them the natural wonders like the Grand Canyon. This is what TCF has done. In two weeks we covered 4000 years of Turkish history and culture. We visited mosques and memorials, swam in the Aegean, and made our way to Ankara. It was a magical, mystical ride.

Come to Turkey to see live history! Come to Turkey to be changed forever! Let Turkey introduce itself to you!

I have nothing but unalloyed praise for the organizational team of the Teacher Study Tour. From the moment we emerged from the airport, we’ve been handled like diplomatic personnel from morning to night, having our baggage taken care of, our transportation seamlessly choreographed, our meals luxuriously catered, and every site visit was smoothly and invisibly prearranged. In short, the professional operatives of the United Nations would envy such organizational excellence. Kudos to Hulya, Bonnie, Orhan and all of your assistants.

A perfect conclusion of experiential learning; first person accounts, history, geography, literature, art, music, all rolled up in a whirlwind tour. Thank you! It was the trip of a lifetime.

An amazing and whirlwind tour of many of our world’s most incredible treasures, all housed within the borders of modern day Turkey. Hospitality, tolerance and humility of Turkish peoples intermix with the Roman and Ottoman ruins to create a truly remarkable experience. This tour had enough ‘Wow!’ moments—both visual and educational—to last a lifetime. A must for every educator.

The Summer 2011 Teacher Study Tour provided an unequaled, valuable, educational experience in Turkish history, geography and culture. If not for the work of the Turkish Cultural Foundation, I would never have had this unique opportunity. The itinerary provided both the depth and breadth to more fully understand the creation of the modern Turkish state. I am so grateful to have been selected for this tour and will do my best to disseminate the information I have learned to others in my community. I highly recommend this study tour to any educator who is interested in studying Turkish history and culture.

This was my first teacher study tour, but I have a hard time imagining a trip that is more organized and efficient than this one. For such a large country with so much history, I was impressed with how much we covered in such a short period of time. The information was also very heterogeneous. We covered history, government, art, food, and culture. If you enjoy learning from primary sources and immersing yourself in a culture, then you will love this trip.

As an educator, I truly embrace this global cooperative learning style. You create a global learning community that has impact on changing paradigms of cultural differences. This study tour has helped me to enlighten myself on many levels, from the agriculture to the philosophers of the past. The history of Turkey should be studied to help the future generations have tools to help navigate problems facing nations around the world.

On the fifth night as I was drifting off to sleep, all I could thing about was ‘I walked the beaches of Gallipoli!’ I never in my wildest dreams would have imagined I would be able to do that. What this trip as shown me is the richness of Turkey’s culture and history, as well as the kindness of the people, are way more amazing than the romantic view of the mysterious and barbaric Turks. I lived, experienced, touched, tasted, and breathed more culture and history during these fourteen days in Turkey than I had in the 42 years prior to this trip.

The opportunity to visit Turkey with fellow educators has been a transformative experience. The attention to detail, selection of sites, and quality of commentary has been superb. My teaching will forever be changed by this wonderful journey.

The two weeks I spent with my colleagues in Turkey were perhaps the most informative ones of my life. I not only learned about the history, geography, and culture of a country I scarcely knew, but I also learned so much about myself. I don’t think a better opportunity for teachers who teach about this area of the world exists.

This trip is a gift to teachers. It was a wonderful blend of information about the history, culture, food, art, and customs of the Turkish people. I know this will enhance my teaching as I was taken on a journey through history from Neolithic times to modern Turkey. This trip also allowed me to share this exciting information with other teachers on a well-planned and pleasant trip with beautiful hotels and great food. Thank you Turkish Cultural Foundation for valuing me as a teacher. I can’t wait to bring Turkey back to my classroom.

This trip has, without a doubt in my mind, made us teachers into vital primary sources for our students’ success and growth.

What a fantastic experience that I can hardly believe is over. It seems like just yesterday that I arrived for a wonderful fourteen-day study of Turkey. My splendid visit has been more than I could have expected. Visiting historical sites, listening to wonderful music, eating in quaint restaurants, and meeting people allowed me to grow both professionally and personally. Many thanks to the Turkish Cultural Foundation for making this trip a possibility.

Thank you for a wonderful and memorable life changing experience! I appreciated the opportunity to challenge my own ethnocentric views to truly learn and witness the hospitality, warmth and modernity of such a beautiful country firsthand.

The best adventure I have had in a long time! So exciting to see this thing I have attempted to teach about and now with this experience I will be more confident and have the resources to teach more efficiently. Experiential learning is the best way to learn.

This teacher study tour is the only way to learn about Turkey’s history, people, and its culture. The best study tour ever!