In my 24 years with the RCMP, I have had the opportunity to travel to various countries in Asia, Africa and Europe. However none have been as rewarding and enriching as my trip to Turkey with the CIID (IDI – Ottawa) in the summer of 2009.
Having an opportunity to view, first hand, the numerous illuminated manuscripts described by Orhan Pamuk, the eminent Turkish Nobel Prize recipient for literature, he describes in his book “My name is Red” which can be viewed at the Topkapi Palace and the Mevlana Museum in Konya or to walk in the footsteps of Galip as he wanders the streets of Istanbul searching for his wife Ruya in his novel “The Black Book” was incredible. Turkey is indeed a wondrous country with an incredible history, fabulous culture and architecture, terrific food, friendly and welcoming people to say nothing of the great opportunity to see how Turkish Muslims live their faith on a daily basis.
The trip was the more enjoyable thanks to the incredible insights given by our tour director Kerim Khan and his wife Seniha as well as the great travel companions. Having traveled to numerous countries, I can greatly appreciate all the work that went into preparing and co-ordinating the trip. The CIID (IDI – Ottawa) and their counterpart in Turkey, BAKIAD, did a fantastic job.
Having said this, by far the best and most rewarding part of the trip was the dinners we had with local families. Their hospitality was incredible. I found these hosts to be not only welcoming but very open, frank and willing to discuss a myriad of topics from their faith, to education, to the economy and relations with other countries and cultures.
This trip has certainly open my eyes and made me realize how similar our fears and aspirations are. It has given me a much better understanding of Islam and the need for continued dialogue between our faiths to make this world we all live in a better place.
The only negative comment I can make is that the 10 days we spent in Turkey was far too short a time. I am looking forward to returning to Turkey in the spring of 2011, this time for a whole month.
To the members of CIID (IDI – Ottawa), many thanks for this wondrous opportunity.
Sgt. Daniel Ste-Marie Immigration and Passport/Special Investigations Section (IPSIS) Royal Canadian Mounted Police
In many ways this was the best trip we have ever taken. The generosity and hospitality of the Turkish organizers and hosts made us feel welcomed and very, very well taken care of. The beauty and diversity of the country makes it difficult to get a real sense of the people and history in only a week, but this trip is organized in such a way as to give the maximum exposure to Turkey’s many national treasures. We really had a great time. 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. This trip is a marvellous opportunity to glimpse a country and its people in a way no average tourist tour could.
Tanya Byrant & Juan Miranda Ottawa Residents
I am grateful for this wonderful opportunity to join the group who went to the July tour in Turkey last year, organized by the Intercultural Dialogue Institute – Ottawa. The program was very interesting, a historical and cultural feast! I have learned a lot about Turkish history in every area that we have visited, about their traditions, culture and cultural events, and had the chance to see dance performances presented outside in Istanbul. What a nice memory! The stay at the Mediterranean Sea was restful and gave us the chance to see a beautiful natural site!
I have appreciated the warm welcome everywhere we went, especially in the different homes where we were invited for a traditional and delicious dinner, and to exchange with our hosts. That was a great moment to share with them a part of their daily life. The local guides did an excellent work, and so did our principal guide from the Intercultural Dialogue Institute – Ottawa, who joined us with his spouse for all the travel!
I keep a very good souvenir of this exceptional experience of travel and discovery of one the most ancient civilization, and I recommend it to everybody who likes to discover this rich culture.
Marie-Josée Ladora General Practitioner Ottawa
This trip to Turkey has been for me one of the most enriching experiences of my life. I have travelled to different parts of the world, but this particular trip, in the way it was organized and set up, has been a tremendous opportunity to understand better the realities of a great, at times surprising, nation. A country so rich in history, archaeology, architecture, varied landscapes, resources of all kinds, but above all in its warm and welcoming people.
Marc Demers Retired Canadian Government Executive
I was lucky to be part of the Turkish trip in 2007. The trip was wonderful: excellent accommodation, great food, incredible sights but most of all our hosts and the families we met were so warm and friendly. The country is clean and exceptionally safe and has an incredible wealth of ancient Greek, Roman, Christian and early Islamic sites. I travel a lot and this trip was truly remarkable.
Marla Bryant, Lawyer
Over delicious meals and little glasses of tea, we enjoyed discussion and got to know the Turkish people. We were struck by the generosity of the people, their benevolence and caring nature. They gave voluntarily of their time and money to further intercultural and interfaith dialogue because they believed deeply in it. New friends, new ideas, new ways of looking at things. It was an enriching and wonderful experience.
Don Miller/Helen Hutcheson, Ottawa Residents
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! 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, Gift Planner for Montreal and Ottawa Conference, United Church of CanadaOver 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
