Mystical Turkey: A Cultural Adventure to the
Cradle of Civilization

CentreTerm 2007

No background in music and the arts is necessary

Contact: Dr. Larry Bitensky
238-5449 or bitensky@centre.edu

Expected Cost: $3,400 (includes all breakfasts and dinners)

Situated at a crossroads between Europe and Asia, the culture of Turkey is extremely rich, diverse and colorful -- luring foreigners to its exotic charms for centuries.  Shaped by Classical Greece, Christianity, Judaism, Islam,  and Sufi mysticism, this atmospheric region is ideal for a cross-cultural study. 

As a reflecting mirror of this rich cultural legacy, the visual, folk, and performing arts of this region express a wide panoply of traditions.  Through an intense musical and cultural study tour, in which students explore the music, history, art, architecture, craft,  dance and performance and religious traditions of this region, this course will examine the ways in which a culture's artistic traditions are a reflection of societal values.  Emphasis will be placed on the Greek heritage,  Biblical history, contemporary forms of expression as they relate to Islamic culture, practice, and theology, and folklore.  Emphasis will also be placed on getting hands-on experience in various artistic traditions. No background in music or the arts is necessary.