IDI has been organizing several intercultural trips to Turkey every summer. These study tours are designed and organised to strengthen existing relations with tour participants and build bridges between communities, organizations and cultures.

These series of interfaith trips to Turkey are parts of the effort to share the cultural richness of this beautiful country with the community we serve. The trip helps discover the historical, cultural and natural beauties of Turkey, a living example of the harmony of different faiths for centuries.

IDI strives to make study tours a success, with participants as tour delegates, in cooperation with Turkey’s participating cities, community and business representatives, families and NGOs. Participants have the opportunity meet and interact with the different sections of Turkish society acting as our hosts: individuals, business people, cultural religious representatives, educational institutions and officials in the designated cities.

We have had the privilege of touring Turkey with many participants; some of whom are listed below:

THE BEST ASPECT OF THIS TRIP IS THE ACCESS YOU HAVE TO THE TURKISH PEOPLE, FROM ALL WALKS OF LIFE, AND THEIR PATIENCE AND WILLINGNESS TO SHARE AND EXPLAIN THEIR CULTURE.Our trip to Turkey was an amazing experience. Our hosts welcomed us into their communities and homes with open arms and they took great pride in introducing us to all aspects of their culture, including their history, their faith-and their food! During the trip, I gained an even greater respect for the Islamic faith, and especially its role in Turkish culture. I came away with the assurance that true Islam promotes peace among all faiths and cultures-and that the key is Dialogue among friends.We never feared for our safety. Yes, we stayed at first-class hotels and were led by a Turkish-speaking guide, but it was more than that. The warmth in the actions and words of all the people that we met assured us that we were always among friends.

Paul Sales
United Church of Canada

Over the course of my visit to Turkey I enjoyed not only the amazing historic and natural sites of interest but also the warmth of hospitality at dinners and receptions in the homes of our hosts. These people introduced us to their families and served up amazing meals. From the opening day of learning about Istanbul and the beauties of the Turkish coastline all the way through all the other interesting places and ending in Ankara the trip was a fascinating experience. There were so many happy memories for me but perhaps my favourite was being able to see Konya and learn first hand about the distinctive religious and cultural traditions which originated in Turkey. Izmir was also a treat as I come from Canada’s Atlantic Provinces and it was great to enjoy another coastal experience.Let me also express my appreciation for our guides who gave generously of their time and enthusiasm. Their assistance helped make the trip the great experience it was.

Hugh Melon
Professor, King’s College