Nile Foundation

Dialogue trips to Turkey

Every year, Nile Foundation organizes excursions to Turkey under the themes of culture, business, education and dialogue. Nile Foundation is not a travel agency; however, we do like to showcase Turkey to our American peers and colleagues.  By doing this, we succeed in building personal bridges across continents by engaging American participants in meeting their Turkish counterparts.

While in Turkey, participants have the opportunity to visit with civic, educational, governmental and other entities. This visceral experience of Turkey at its finest works to break down any previously held stereotypes.

Our groups to Turkey are composed of about 6-15 people in order for guests to have the most sincere and personal experience of the culture and people of Turkey. A cross-section of the typical group could include a mixture of people from academia, civic organizations, government, journalism, the arts and the like.

The goals of Nile Foundation with these trips are to:

* Promote mutual understanding through dialogue and discussion among the American participants and the Turkish society;

* Introduce and provide broad exposure to and education of Turkish cultural, political, economic, and social issues; and

* Allow Participants to gain an understanding of topics, including but not limited to, national security, foreign policy, trade, health, economic development & finance, the media, government affairs, religious diversity, minority rights, and any other achievements of contemporary Turkish civil society.

TURKEY TRIP PHOTO GALERIES

Turkey Trip 2010

Turkey Trip (May1,2011-May10,2011)

Turkey Trip (May20,2011-May29,2011)

Exciting Cities in Turkey

Turkey is packed with dynamic travel destinations, many of which are visited by Nile Foundation's guests during our annual trips to Turkey. Learn more about some of Turkey's historic and contemporary cities below.

Istanbul

The former capital city of three great empires –Roman, Byzantine and Ottoman– Istanbul is a charming mixture of past and present, old and new, traditional and modern. The museums, churches, palaces, mosques and bazaars, and the sights of natural beauty are persistent throughout the city’s hustle and bustle.

Izmir

Beautiful Izmir, the "Pearl of the Aegean," is Turkey's third largest city and second most important port. A city of palm-lined promenades, avenues and green parks veers through sweeping curves along a circular bay. Turkey's Aegean shores are among the loveliest landscapes in the country. Izmir’s history goes back to 3000 B.C.

Antalya

In Antalya, the four seasons only appear on the calendar, as there is no real winter here. In 1985 when snow fell for the first time in 60 years, it was front page news. Antalya is the place where sea, sun, history and nature constitute a perfect harmony. Antalya's treasures also include the most beautiful and clearest coast along the Mediterranean.

Efes

Efes (Ephesus), one of the most famous cities of ancient times, shelters the wealth of all Ionian culture. Ephesus was one of the largest cities in the world during the Roman period. The Church of the Holy Virgin Mary was constructed here in the 2nd and 3rd centuries, and it played an important role in Christianity; this church was one of seven Churches of the Apocalypse. The ancient city of Ephesus was once a thriving port. The ruins of the ancient city are toured by thousands of tourists each day.

Selcuk

Near the City of Selcuk is the House of the Virgin Mary. According to tradition, St. John brought Mary to Efes, and a small house was built for her on Bulbuldagi (Mt. Nightingale) where she spent the last days of her life. Officially sanctioned by the Vatican, it is now a popular site of pilgrimage, visited by Christians and Muslims from all over the world.

Konya is the city of Rumi and the Whirling Dervishes and has been for almost 800 years. The tomb of Rumi  (the 12^th century Islamic poet), ceremonial musical instruments, handwritten books, and carpets of the time can be seen at the museum commemorating his life.  Rumi preached and practiced tolerance and forgiveness. Every year thousands of people visit his city from all over the world.

Kapadokya (Cappadocia) is one of Turkey's most attractive regions due to its history, uniqueness and the strangeness of its lunar landscape. It is considered to be one of the wonders of the world and for centuries it has protected churches, mosques, frescoes, mosaics and paintings of Byzantine art.