Seeing and experiencing the successful mix of a secular country, a Muslim nation-state and a democratic society was an educational and moving experience. Turkey is a unique country, with an important differential—definitely Muslim, definitely democratic. It offers hope consistent with traditional American values

During the trip we had the opportunity to experience an unusually rich history, diverse geography, great sightseeing, its free enterprise economy, and a tradition of private giving. But most spectacular was the interaction with the people—learning their different ways and customs yet finding so much common ground.

While the trip is most worthwhile for all, it seems especially valuable for community and business leaders.

Ed Satell
CEO of Progressive Business Publications

Our Interfaith trip to Turkey was a very special opportunity to experience this unique country in a way that few tourists ever manage to see.

We enjoyed the grandeur of ancient historical sites, magnificent scenery, and fabulous Turkish restaurants, but also were able to focus on interpersonal relationships and dialog with the Turkish people, and on the similarities among our faiths. Through meals shared with Turkish sponsors in restaurants and in private homes, we were able to freely ask questions about Turkey and Islam, and were were able to share information about our own country and religions as well.

Before our trip, I had a painful dilemma regarding Islam. I loved so much about Islam -- the music, the calligraphy, the food, the language, and the artwork --and I so wanted to love Muslims as brothers in peace. But when I read the newspapers day after day, with articles about Muslim violence and intolerance throughout the world, I have to admit that I found it difficult to love Islam.

Our experience in Turkey, with the Muslims we met as our dear friends, and as our dedicated guides and sponsors, has made me feel that Islam truly can be a religion of love and tolerance. I hope that the teachings of M. Fethullah Gulen will reach all the corners of the Muslim world. If all Muslims would be inspired by the teachings of this great man, our world would be a better place.

Thank you, Philadelphia Dialog Group, for offering me the opportunity to participate in this special journey. I will never forget the beautiful places we visited, and more importantly, the very special people we met. I am back in America now, but a piece of my heart will always be in Turkey.

Teshekur ederim! Thank you so much!

Ms. Kathy Kaplan
Media Specialist

By far for me, THE MOST IMPRESSIVE PART OF THE TRIP was the people I met -- they were so warm and friendly, and we surely were able often to communicate without language, though it really helped when asking and answering questions. And part of this, a very big part, was the help, support, and care of our guides. They were so patient in answering our questions, in helping us to express ourselves, in assisting us in every way. I have had students from Turkey in my classes for more than a year, and I had some idea of what to expect of the people, but I was really overwhelmed by the love I felt.

I have been trying to think of the most descriptive adjectives to use when people say to me, "How was your trip?", and every time I do, I come up with different ones: spectacular, vigorous, exciting, mind-expanding, intriguing, exhausting, diverse, unique, dreamlike -- the list goes on and on. It was certainly MUCH more than I expected, in the diversity of the things we saw and did, in the superiority of the accomodations, and in the welcome and warmth of the people we met, and in the meticulous care with which all was arranged.

Th trip made me want: to go back, to learn more about the country and the region, to be able to spend more time with people from Turkey, to increase my opportunities for dialog with Jewish people and Muslims.

Ms. Marylou Morrow
ESL Instructer

The impression which remains from this experience is the extraordinary friendliness and openness and hospitality of our hosts. The fact that they were willing to open their homes and their hearts to us will remain with me forever. I feel that i have made some lifelong friends. Due to language differences, communication will be difficult. Thanks to the generosity of our guides i should be able to overcome that barrier.

Ms. Mary McGovern
Accountant

It was a wonderful and unforgettable experience and I thank the organization for the opportunity. I can't think of anything that could have been done better. Our three guides were excellent and very responsible. Your organization should be very proud to have them representing you. The places we went and things we saw will remain with me forever and I hope to return someday. However, the interaction with Turkish people made this trip memorable

Ms. Frances Brennan
Social Worker