Istanbul, Turkey is the only city in the world located on two continents Asia and Europe. Four South Dakota middle and secondary school teachers who traveled to this city and country last summer will report firsthand about Turkish culture, geography, history, politics, music, architecture and art in a joint presentation at the Brookings Public Library, Cooper Room, Oct. 14 at 7 p.m.

The teachers, Marissa Kleinhans, Baltic High School; Gary Pedersen, Memorial Middle School, Sioux Falls; Sally Rice, Edison Middle School, Sioux Falls and Karen Thaler, Mickleson Middle School, Brookings; were selected following their participation in a workshop about Turkey organized by the South Dakota Council on World Affairs. The Turkish Cultural Foundation co-sponsored the workshop and supported the trip in its effort to acquaint Americans with the country's unique culture and importance in the world.

Educators representing six other World Affairs Councils participated in the travel with the South Dakota teachers. The group visited schools as well as important tourist sights, museums, mosques, performances and markets exposing them to varied Turkish lifestyle.

Following their travel to Turkey, the teachers are sharing experiences with students and peers and incorporating new information and ideas into their curriculum.

The program in Brookings will include a live musical performance by Gary Pederson, band director at Memorial Middle School, who brought back knowledge of Turkish instruments and musical composition.

Following the library program, a reception with tea and Turkish sweets will be shared.

South Dakota Council on World Affairs as a partner of the Turkish Cultural Foundation is the sponsor. The program is free and open to the public and is appropriate for all ages. Questions can be directed to Harriet Swedlund, executive director of the South Dakota Council on World Affairs, 605/688-5416 or harriet.swedlund@sdstate.edu.