Portrait of Turkey

2007 is the first year of the "Portrait of Turkey" program, generously sponsored by the Turkish Cultural Foundation (TCF).  The overwhelmingly positive response from participants has prompted the Foundation to not only renew the program but double it in 2008!!
 
This three-part series includes a Teachers' Workshop on Turkey in the spring.  Participating councils organize and conduct a one-day workshop for their local high school teachers.  Workshops focus on various aspects of Turkish history and culture, and offer teachers ideas for introducing Turkish culture into their general high school curricula.

In addition, following each local workshop, four teachers from each council will be selected to participate in a Study Tour of Turkey during the summer.  The study tour is organized and conducted by the Turkish Cultural Foundation.  In 2007, 50 participants visited Turkey through this program; in 2008, a total of 100 will have an opportunity to visit Turkey on these special study programs!  Itineraries and comments from the 2007 program can be found at: http://www.turkishculturalfoundation.org/ic_sayfa.php?MainPageID=3&PageID=20.
 
During the fall, participating World Affairs Councils offer programs showcasing Turkish culture and allowing the teachers who visited Turkey to share their impressions of and experiences in Turkey.  These programs draw on the teachers who participated in the study tour and consist of a variety of cultural activities, including (but not limited to): film screenings, performances, food, discussion groups, book groups, etc.

The TCF, with its large network of affiliates and partners throughout the U.S., has offered to provide Councils with assistance in finding appropriate local partners to showcase Turkey's unique and diverse heritage.  In this way, Councils are able to receive technical assistance from the Foundation and are better able to bring authentic, engaging programs to their communities.

For more information about this program, please contact Christie Roberts, Director of Programs, at 202.833.4557 or croberts@worldaffairscouncils.org. 

To learn more about the Turkish Cultural Foundation, please go online to their website: www.turkishculturalfoundation.org.