I really enjoyed the diverse backgrounds of those in the group. Despite coming from different places, both occupationally and geographically speaking, we all shared a common respect for the artistic and sacred heritage of Istanbul. Through this program I was able to visit places like the shrine of Yahya Efendi, the Süleymaniye Library, studios of well-respected artists, and the historical starting place of the holy Muslim pilgrimage for those leaving from Istanbul and its surroundings. Experiences such as these made me feel connected both to the past and present.

I would absolutely recommend this program, especially to scholars who study the Ottoman Empire. As Dr Lelić says, in order to understand the Ottoman state, its legacy, and its complexity, one must understand its artistic and religious traditions and legacies as well. I would advise those participating to familiarize themselves with at least a general history of the Ottoman Empire and Istanbul so that when they visit the sites, see the manuscripts, and hold the reed pen, they have the context for a more meaningful encounter.

Deniz Citak

I visited Istanbul on a family vacation and was fascinated by the city. A year later, as a senior in college, I stumbled upon the class, 'Istanbul: City of Empires,' and immediately signed up. This inspired me to join a program to further explore the Islamic arts and history of Istanbul.

Meeting everyone in the hotel lobby on the first day of the program was enthralling. It was a diverse group of people from different backgrounds, ages, and levels of education, all coming together to share the opportunity to learn about Istanbul. I made meaningful and lasting connections within the group and had an exceptional time with them. Being in such a diverse group allowed me to gain different perspectives on everything we experienced together, from meals to calligraphy to religion.

Overall, the program was excellent, and I would recommend it to anyone who would like to experience the city of Istanbul like a true local. From using public transport and walking to visiting smaller, local mosques and restaurants with traditional Turkish cuisine, it was a great experience. I truly enjoyed absorbing knowledge like a sponge from the wonderful and intelligent guides, Dr. Lelic and Omar Faruk

Razeen Shahid

From walking back alleys and streets learning the architecture of simple homes to sitting in awe below the grand domes of the Haggia Sophia, this experience can be encompassed in one word, inspiring. Drinking tea with masters of calligraphy and ebru, exploring the Old Book Market, walking on stone pathways that hold centuries of history, praying in mosques neighboring graves of profound seekers of Truth, no one event could possibly surpass the other. What stands out most was the overall presence of knowledge and the drive to connect to something outside of oneself and one’s immediate surroundings. There is truth in the adage about learning who you are when traveling. This trip gave me much to reflect on, long after I left the 7 hills of Istanbul.

Maryam Lodin

A highlight of my recent travel experiences was the trip to Istanbul as a part of this program. It proved to be an exceptionally memorable and educational journey. I discovered Meetings with Masters through another program-Gateway to a Sacred Art and was particularly drawn to it due to my keen interest in Arabic Calligraphy and the opportunity to meet Deniz Oktem. Upon learning that your program offered this chance, I promptly enrolled. The entire program captivated me, from historical city walks and visits to stunning mosques to exploring Ottoman architecture, participating in calligraphy workshops, meeting the renowned Ebru Artist Hikmet Barutcugil, exploring the Suleymaniye Manuscript library, enjoying tea breaks, discovering Uskudar and its picturesque coastline, and visiting the Çamilca mosque. It was an absolute delight.”

I wholeheartedly recommend the program, as it was exceptionally well organized, packing a lot into just four days. If I had travelled alone, exploring all those mosques and engaging in the activities would have likely taken me a couple of weeks or more. I can assure you that choosing this group will not leave you disappointed.

Being guided by Emin Lelić and Omer Faruk provided me with valuable insights into the world of renowned calligraphers, Ottoman architecture, Turkish cuisine, culture, and the lifestyle of the Turkish people. My visit to the Grand Bazaar and the purchase of a book titled "Portrait of a Turkish Family" offered a profound glimpse into the final days of the Ottoman Empire, intertwining with the personal narrative of a family profoundly affected by the First World War. It's a compelling read that I thoroughly enjoyed.

I believe the overall planning was executed excellently. The standout aspect of this program for me was the delightful interactions with the group. Everyone connected seamlessly, and participating in group activities, such as visiting the Eyup Sultan mosque before dawn and sampling local ice cream flavours, was truly enjoyable and created lasting memories.

I eagerly anticipate taking part again, depending on the timing of the programs availability.

Rizwana Shaikh

One of the things that stands out the most to me, looking back, is the company. Our group was made up of really wonderful people. We had the great fortune of having extremely knowledgable and generous guides, who worked tirelessly to make us comfortable and maximize every single experience. It was very clear that they put their hearts and much effort into this program. We could not have been in better hands.

As someone interested in calligraphy, this was an extremely formative and immersive trip. We saw calligraphy everywhere! It was in the tekkes, mosques, water fountains, gravestones, not to mention the museums and various workshops.

There are so many special memories that I walked away with - walking around the historic neighborhoods in Üsküdar and Fatih, seeing the incredible architecture of the Aya Sofia and its famous levhas and mosaics, finding peaceful moments in the various mosques with their beautiful calligraphic works, walking past ancient walls and columns dating back to the Byzantine and Roman empires, climbing to the top of a centuries old tower for a breathtaking view of the city and its hills with the ezans from multiple mosques as the soundtrack, getting a detailed tour from Deniz hoca of the new Taksim cami and the process of the calligraphy done by the leading calligrapher Davut Bektas, joining a night of zikr at the Jerrahi tekke, perusing the bookstores of the booksellers’ corner in the covered bazaar, crossing the Bosphorus by ferry with a fellow participant, visiting the tranquil resting place of Yahya Efendi, sitting in the courtyard of the Suleymaniye manuscript library and learning about the important documents being preserved there, spending an afternoon with the talented and wise Hikmet Barutcugil in his workshop and trying our hand at the beautiful art of marbling, seeing the newly opened collection of hundreds of beautiful calligraphy pieces by some of the most famous calligraphers of the past in the Topkapi palace, reflecting on the art of calligraphy in Mustafa Celebi’s studio, taking refuge from the heat in the small outdoor cafes in the shadows of mosques, drinking endless Turkish tea and coffee, surrounded by Istanbul’s cats at every step, all while taking in the anecdotes and history from our guides.

Seeing the architecture, delving into the different art forms, sitting in the presence of their masters, and being a witness to the spiritual energy of the city, was such a profound experience, which lead us to the contemplation on beauty.

I would definitely recommend this program to anyone interested in the traditional arts, history, spirituality, travel, or just new experiences. It was an unforgettable five-day journey. To anyone considering participating in the future, my advice would be to come with an open mind - there is so much to be seen, learned and gained!

Also, I would encourage any future participants to ask many questions during the walks and tours, and tap into the expertise and experience of the guides. This was often when some of the most interesting stories came to light. I look forward to signing up again in the coming years.

Selma Lelic