IRD Activities

• Trips to Turkey

  Istanbul Cultural Center organises annual cultural, dialogue and business trips to Turkey. During these trips members of Turkish and American communities get together with their peers and exchange ideas and observe each other. While in Turkey, participants have the opportunity to visit with civic, educational, governmental, and other individuals and organisations, as well as visit historical and cultural sites and enjoy meals in the homes of Turkish families. This hands-on, immersive experience of Turkey breaks down any previously held stereotypes. Main goals of these trips are promoting mutual understanding through dialogue and discussion among the American participants and the Turkish society/ introducing and providing broad exposure to and education of Turkish cultural, political, economic, and social issues/ and to 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. The primary participants of these trips are the community leaders such as university professors, journalists, civic leaders and clergy from different communities, who have been advocates for (interfaith) dialogue and mutual respect.

Main Focus Countries of Activities

Turkey