1. TURKEY TRIPS

2. Mission & Vision The Turkish Cultural center is a non-profit organization devoted to the promotion of Turkish Culture and Language in Queens and the United States of America. The Turkish Cultural Center strengthens the cultural and educational ties between peoples of the United States and Turkey. We aim to make a significant contribution to national and global peace and security by sharing Turkey's heritage of tolerance and understanding. Goals 1. Engage Turkish-Americans and their neighbors in Dialogue 2. Provide resources to educate the international community of America. 3. Network within and across communities and cultural organizations 4. Connect Turkish-Americans with resources: agencies, educational facilities, and cultural institutions which specialize in meeting the needs of a particular cultural population. 5. Create a forum to discuss current events and pressing issues. 6. Unite the Turkish American Community, spatially, emotionally, and spiritually. 7. Welcome incoming Turkish Americans to Queens. 8. Educate people in Cultural Awareness and Personal Development

3. Why Turkey? Historically one of the most interesting meeting places of Ancient, Roman, Byzantine and Ottoman civilizations. Location of many significant events for Christians, Jews and Muslims (many biblical references). Home of many marvelous natural beauties. Turkish people’s warm hospitality. World famous cuisine. Attracts millions of foreign tourists every year. (In 2011 33 million tourists vacationed in Turkey. )

4. Turkey – Quick Facts Bicontinental country (a bridge between Asia and Europe) ~75 Million Inhabitants 98% Muslim but a secular country Has been an ally of the USA after WW2. Has coast to three major seas.

5. Turkey Quick Facts

6. Why This Trip? To build bridges between Turkish and American people, and promote understanding between both cultures. A chance to:  see Turkish culture in its original space  to meet Turkish people from different segments of the society.  to invalidate the negative image of America.

7. About This Trip Turkey is a top-10 destination in the world for foreign visitors and hosted about 33 million guests in 2011. If you like, we can put you in touch with some of our former guests so that you could learn about their wonderful experience with us. So far, many scholars, students, community leaders and journalists have been our guests.

8. Trip Sponsors: BAKIAD Zaman Media Samanyolu Broadcasting Company Journalist & Writers Foundation Fatih University Private Schools Local Families Kimse Yok mu

9. Mr.Fethullah Gulen

10. Slightly larger than Texas

11. Sample Trip Itenarary July 1, 2012  Check-in at Local Airport July 2, 2012  Arrival in Istanbul, meeting at the Ataturk Airport, transfer to the Hotel.  Lunch, after lunch Istanbul sightseeing.

12. July 2 nd 2012 - Istanbul Hagia Sophia: One of the greatest marvels of architecture, constructed as a basilica in the 6th century by emperor Justinian. Blue Mosque: Built in the name of Sultan Ahmet, facing to Hagia Sophia, famous with its blue Iznik tiles and unique 6 minarets.

13. July 3 rd 2012 – Topkapi Palace Topkapi Palace and Museum TOPKAPI PALACE: Home of the Ottoman Sultans.

14. July 4 th 2012 - Canakkale CANAKKALE – TROY: Departure for Troy after breakfast. (A visit to Gallipoli is also possible) We will cross the Dardanelles Straight and continue to Troy. Lunch on the way, in the afternoon make a visit to Troy, the legendary city of Homer, which has nine principal levels of occupation covering a period of 3000 years. Overnight in Assos (B, L, D)

15. July 5 th 2012 – Aegean Cost (Izmir) PERGAMON – IZMIR – KUSADASI: Departure for Pergamon, Pergamon was one of the most beautiful cities of his ancient world. Its architects and sculptors were among the finest in the Hellenistic world. The majestic acropolis looms behind the modern town and is our first destination where we will visit the Temple of Trajan, Hellenistic barracks and tower, palaces, library, temple of Athena, theatre, temple of Dionysus, altar of Zeus. Asklepion was one of the most famous shrines and therapeutic centers in the ancient world. Leaving Pergamum behind us we settle at our hotel in Kusadasi. (B, L, D)

16. July 7 th 2012 –Ephesus EPHESUS: This day we will visit the house of Virgin Mary, which is a major pilgrimage site, then Ephesus, with the Library of Celsius, Temple of Hadrian, agora and fantastic Greco-Roman theater. Basilica of St. John and remains of the Temple of Artemis, which was known as one of Seven Wonders of the ancient world Overnight in. Ma ry's House near Ephesus Photo

17. July 8 th 2012 – Pamukkale PAMUKKALE: After breakfast departure for Pamukkale, “ the Cotton Castle “, where you will see the tiers of white limestone cascading down the hillside and near the waterfalls the ruins of the Roman city of Hierapolis. Dinner and overnight in Pamukkale (B, L, D)

18. July 9 th 2012 – Antalya Archeological Museum: Artifacts from the Paleolithic Age to Ottoman times Kaleici: The oldest quarter. Side: This ancient site, the name of which means “Pomegranate” was an important harbor dating back to the Hittite period. It has been both a cultural and commercial centre for centuries, and carries the remains of the past all over its land. Its magnificent theatre with a capacity of 25.000 people, and the temples of the gods Apollo, Athena and Dionysus, reflect the historical richness of the region

19. July 10 th 2012 – Konya Hometown of Rumi

20. July 11 th 2012 - Capadocia CAPADOCIA: Early Christian Settlements, where they took refuge from Roman persecution. Numerous religious cave paintings display evidence of early Christianity. This is a unique, fascinating region in Turkey with its ‘fairy chimneys’ and underground cities carved out of volcanic rock.

21. July 12 th 2012 – Urfa Mevlid-i Halil (Abraham’s cave): Two caves exist on the northern side of the Castle of Urfa, and one of these, according to Muslim tradition, was where the Prophet Abraham was born. Halil-ur Rahman Pool (Fish lake): It is believed that when Abraham was thrown into the fire, God turned the fire into water and the faggots to fish that made up this pool. The cave of Job: Prophet Job is believed to have spent seven years inside the cave, recovering from his illnesses.

22. July 12 th 2012 – Harran HARRAN: The ancient city of Harran (Ur), junction of the roads, lies in the center of a wide plain about 70 km south of Urfa. According to the Old Testament, it was in Harran where Rebecca drew water for Jacob and from where Abraham decided to make his move into the land of Canaan.

23. Return July 13, 2012: Back to Istanbul by plane July 14, 2012 :Back to Home

24. Questions