Introduction
Nestled between Europe and the Middle East, the territory of Modern Turkey has been home to major civilizations throughout history. Hittites, Lydians, Lycians, Phrygians, Romans, Byzantines, Seljuk Turks, Ottomans as well as people from the Balkans, Caucasus, and Black Sea and Central Asian regions together form Turkey’s rich historical and cultural heritage. As the birthplace of major symbols of humanity such as Thales, Herodotus, Diogenes, Homer, Saint Nicholas, and Saint Paul, Mevlana-Rumi, and Yunus Emre and home to the great cities of Troy, Pergamon and Ephesus, Turkey abounds with opportunities for understanding and discovery. Today, Turkey is Europe’s 6th largest economy, the World’s 15th largest economy of the G20 countries, and NATO’s second largest power after the U.S.
The Capstone in Turkey will give UNI students a unique opportunity in a country that is a contemporary bridge between West and Middle East. Supported by the Turkish-American Society of Iowa (TASIOWA)/Niagara Foundation), the first nine days of the course will consist of a “Best of Turkey” tour, during which students will travel in and around Istanbul, Kutahya, and Urgup/Cappadocia visiting the most important museums, churches, mosques, and touristic attractions in the area, as well as receiving short lessons about the area and culture. The last half of the trip will occur in Izmir, a coastal town on the Aegean Sea, during which students will learn about Turkey’s zero-enemy policies with its neighbors and unique political power, as well as its significant role in environmental and clean energy issues.
Faculty Leader
Dr. Radhi H Al-Mabuk
Professor, Educational Psychology & Foundations
Radhi.Al-Mabuk@uni.edu
319-273-2609
SEC 617 0607
Academic Program
Though learning will occur throughout the entire trip, the majority of the academic program will occur at Fatih University in Istanbul, consisting of the curriculum, taught in English, regarding the environment, technology, politics and society of Turkey. UNI Professor, Dr. Radhi Al-Mabuk, will teach the program, while students from FU will join classes that will enrich the academic program. The daily program at Fatih will include morning and afternoon classes as well as afternoon field trips throughout the city of Istanbul.
Tentative Itinerary By Day
Day 1-2: Depart the US and arrive in Istanbul, Turkey
Day 3: Visit Topkapi Palace, Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque, Basilica Cistern; boat tour at Bosphorous
Day 4: Visit Piere Loti, Museum of Turkish Jews, Taksim
Day 5: Visit Chora Church, Zaman Newspaper, Jounalists‘ & Writers’ Foundation, the Grand Bazaar
Day 6: Depart for Kutahya; visit Ancient Roman city of Aizonai, the first ancient stock exchange office, and the Phrygian Valley
Day 7: Activities in Kutahya
Day 8: Depart for Urgup-Cappadocia
Day 9: Visit underground cities in Derinkuyu
Day 10: Fly from Kayseri to Izmir
Day 11: Visit Ephesus and Holy Mother Mary’s House
Day 12: Travel and visit Cesme and Kusadasi
Day 13: Fly to Istanbul; continue with academic program
Day 14: Farewell reception at Fatih University
Day 15: Return back to the US
Outside Resources:
http://english.istanbul.com/
http://www.izmir.com/
http://www.ephesus.us/
http://www.cappadociaturkey.net/
http://www.fatih.edu.tr/index_EN.php
Accommodation & Meals
Students will stay in hostel-type accommodations during the first nine days of the trip and dormitory/guest house accommodation while at Fatih University.
The program will be a unique experience for our students in terms of tasting rich Turkish cuisine as well. Turkish people and Turkey are well known as their hospitality for their visitors and Turkish cuisine offers one of the best and healthiest Mediterranean taste of meals to the visitors. Throughout the program, students will enjoy meals from restaurants around the cities, the university cafeteria and from host families.
Application Materials
A complete application will include the following:
Program Cost
The Capstone in Turkey is partially funded by the Turkish-American Society of Iowa.
Students can expect to pay between $3,500 and $4,000 for all trip-related expenses. This includes:
- UNI tuition and fees for 2-credits
- Room & Board
- Airfare of $ 1,500 - 2,000
- Estimated personal expenses
Tales From Abroad
“[Traveling to Turkey] was my first time leaving the country. . . I thought it was a great place for me to visit my first time out of the states. There is so much diverse culture in Turkey because it connects Asia and Europe so there are different types of people living there as well as a many different people traveling through. . . Turkish people are some of the nicest people I have ever met and they always make you feel welcomed. . .”
Amy Peterson, Summer 2011
“[B]eing present in Turkey allowed me to learn about Turkey’s political system in an up close way that I could not have in The United States.”
Devin Davis, Summer 2011
