Philadelphia Dialog Forum is organizing a series of interfaith trips to Turkey in an       effort to share the cultural richness of this beautiful country with the community we   serve.

In man's history on earth, certain places have been the grounds for close contact     among different cultures, civilizations and religions. Anatolia with its proximity to         Europe and the Middle East has certainly been one of these places.  Anatolia, where Modern Turkey is now located has been the location of numerous encounters               between East and West. Anatolia is the land where epics of Homer took place,         Alexander the Great met the Persians, later Romans and Persians fought over supremacy, and where Ottomans emerged. All these movements of people and civilizations undoubtedly left their landmarks with their places of worship, fountains,   hostels, bridges and other works of art. It is a testimony to Turkish nations' openness, welcoming to religious diversity that it was during the reign of Suleiman The Magnificent, Jews were given asylum after their persecution in Spain in 16th century and even today Greek Orthodox Church has its center in Istanbul rather than in Greece.

By hosting American intellectuals on a trip to Turkey, we, members of the                     Philadelphia Dialog Forum, hope to build bridges of understanding and tolerance       between diverse cultures and faiths. Participants will have the opportunity to       experience the beauty of Turkey through its rich cultural and religious history. They   will also meet with some of Turkey's community leaders and citizens to experience its   unique culture and world famous hospitality.