5th Meeting - Turkey

From 26th to 29th November 2013 we all met again in Bilecik, Turkey. The Spanish delegation was formed by two students from the 2nd grade of the Secondary School: Mila Saric and Georgina Dabbene; and four teachers: Esmeralda Hernández (Music teacher), Mario Cruz (Arts), Luis Amando Rodríguez (History and Headteacher) and Sandra Reyes (Spanish teacher and Comenius Coordinator).

Tuesday, 26th November 2013

The first day of our meeting, we were received by the principals at the school. We were gifted the Turkish way: first you wash your hands and then take a piece of bread covered with a little salt. Those are symbols of prosperity and they are often used to welcome friends and guests.

We made a tour around the different sections of the school and met the pupils in the classes.

Around midday we were received by different authorities. Estonian and Spanish Delegations were together in the Reception meeting with the Director of National Education.

Immediately after that, we teachers gathered in our meeting to check on the progress of the project. As usual, our host friends offered us a snack of delicious Turkish sweets and desserts.

After lunch, we practice a very traditional dance:  the Belly dance!

Wednesday, 27th November 2013

In the morning we visited Cumalıkızık, a historical and typical Ottoman style village where we shared a healthy and traditional breakfast.

We spent the afternoon in Bursa. The first thing we did there was a Cycling tour in the Botanic Park!

Then we visited 'Ulucami', the first mosque built by the Ottomans and we took a stroll on 'Kapalıçarşı' (Grand Bazar).

We visited also some worshops: marble and tile applications. Beautiful creations of local handcraft!

Thursday, 28th November 2013

In the morning, we paid our respects at the Şeyh Edebali Mausoleum, which was a very important figure during the Ottoman Empire.

Afterwards, we were invited to share a traditional snack called "Gözleme", whose preparation we were fortunate to witness at the restaurant.

After lunch, we took a walk in Sazova Park, where they have a castle Disneyworld-style and a reproduction of one of Columbus' caravels!

Friday, 29th November 2013

Finally, on Friday morning we reached beautiful Instanbul. Our friends were so kind to lead us all over the most important monuments of the city. First of all: Topkapi Palace. 

Then Ayasofya Mosque and Museum

The Blue Mosque 

"Yerebatan Sarayı" or the Basilica Cistern, the largest of several ancient cisterns that lie beneth Instanbul. This was built during the 6th Century under the reign of Emperor Justinian.

And finally, the Grand Bazaar!

We will treasure our memories of the days we spent with our friends in Turkey forever! Thank you very much for your kind welcome and for taking such a good care of us all during our meeting there!