The Rumi Forum organized four Intercultural Trips in May 2008. The trips aimed to provide a broad exposure to Turkish culture and to promote mutual understanding between the participants and Turkish counterparts through dialogue and discussion. The cities visited – changed according to the specifications of the group- were Istanbul, Ankara, Izmir, Konya, Urfa, Kayseri and Cappadocia. Participation was by invitation only.
The trips were held on the following dates:
First Group: 14-23 May, 2008
Second Group: 15-23 May, 2008
Third Group: 23-31 May, 2008
Fourth Group: 24 May-1 June, 2008
The groups visited many sites in each of these cities among them Topkapi Palace, Hagia Sophia, Ephesus, Virgin Mary’s house, Cappadocia museums and much more. Participants of the trip met the most prominent people of Turkey in their areas of interest and also experienced first hand Turkish culture in the homes of Turkish families.