When East Meets West in Turkey

  Turkey

Istanbul

Term: Summer 
Dates: July 5 - July 22, 2009

Description: This program explores Istanbul: Turkey's most populous city, and its cultural and financial center. Istanbul is not only a major metropolis --the only one in the world situated on two continents (Asia and Europe), but also a unique modern, secular cultural center where elements from Western and Islamic societies come together.

During this program, the students will have an opportunity to explore how the legacy of a rich diverse history interacts with a modern life style. Throughout its history, Istanbul has served as the capital city of the Roman Empire (330-395), the Byzantine Empire (395-1204 and 1261-1453), and the Ottoman Empire (1453-1923), and hosted a diverse group of ethnic and religious communities (such as Greek Orthodox, Latin, Jewish, Armenian and Muslim). Today, the city is considered as one of the best cultural centers of Europe with its rich nightlife, cafes, bars, clubs, and restaurants, its countless museums, festivals, concerts and galleries making it a major cite to observe and understand the dynamics of the interaction of the West with the East.

During the 2,5 weeks the students will spend there, they will explore the historical cites from the Byzantine and Ottoman periods to see the tension and synergy between Greek Orthodox, Latin, Jewish, and Islamic influences in the history of Istanbul; study the interactions of the Ottoman Empire and then the Republic of Turkey with Europe and the role of Islam in everyday life as well as foreign policy; and try to understand how and to what extent this Islamic society interacts with the elements of Western culture to make it its own. Using these as a basis, the group will also explore the contemporary political and cultural issues of Turkey and its diverse communities.

Highlights: Itinerary:

Day 1 Departure from U.S.
Day 2 Arrival in Istanbul, check-in to hotel and rest. Evening stroll in Beyoglu District.
Day 3 Hagia Sofia Church/Mosque/Museum, Yerabatan Cistern, Hagia Eirene Church/Mosque/Museum, Archeology Museum
Day 4 Blue Mosque and Topkapi Palace. Rest of the day is free with an evening concert.
Day 5 Grand Bazaar, Spice Bazaar, New Mosque, and Dolmabahce Palace
Day 6 Suleymaniye Mosque (observe Friday prayer), Neva Shalom Synagogue/Meeting with the Jewish Community, visit Jewish Museum of Turkey, Orthodox Church or Catholic Church/Meeting with the Orthodox/Catholic Community
Day 7 Boat Tour on the Bosphorus Public Ferry. Rumeli Hisar Fortress. Visit Galata District and Galata Mevlevihanesi (Whirling Dervishes)
Day 8 Free Day
Day 9 Transfer to airport for morning flight to Izmir. Drive to Selcuk to visit ancient Ephesus. Transfer to Kusadasi for hotel check-in and dinner
Day 10 Boat tour and dinner
Day 11 Free time in Kusadasi with an afternoon flight back to Istanbul
Day 12 Istanbul Modern-Art Museum and Ortakoy District
Day 13 Free Day
Day 14 Visit to Sabanci University for guest lecture and visit with local students
Day 15 Uskudar and Camlica Hill
Day 16 Bogazici University, Kanyon/ Istinye Park, Walking the Shopping District of Nisantasi
Day 17 Free Day
Day 18 Program ends, return flights to U.S.

Course Offered

SOC 600: Sociological Perspectives: Study Abroad in Istanbul (3 credits) Students will receive 3 credit hours for completion of 3 introductory sessions, travel in Istanbul and to a smaller town on the Mediterranean coast, and posting their observations and analysis of their daily experiences in Turkey throughout the trip on a public blog created for this course (including reflective essays and pictures and videos they record).

Degree Level: Bachelors Degree (Undergraduate)

Cost in US$: Approximately $3,700 - $3,900

Tuition and Fees: Estimated tuition and fees for 3 credit hours (based on standard tuition rate): $620 *
*Actual expenses for KU students will vary by the student's individual tuition compact. Non-KU students will pay the standard tuition rate listed above.

Additional Costs: International airfare, all lunches and remaining dinners, passport and visa fees, and personal expenses.

Note
All dates, costs, and program information are subject to change as necessary due to fluctuations in the exchange rate or other reasons.

Experience Required: no

This Program is open to Worldwide Participants.

Application Process Involves:

• Letters of Reference
• Transcript
• Written Application