Club member offers invitation to a study trip to Turkey in mid-November
Member Mehmet Saracoglu invites National Press Club members (journalists and communicators) to Rumi Forum's upcoming study trip to Turkey from Nov. 14, 2014 (leaving DC) to Nov. 23 (returning to DC).
The trip's mission is to allow visitors to find out more about the media and press
freedom, democracy and human rights in Turkey and the wider region, in addition to social, economic, cultural, security and political issues.
Rumi Forum has been organizing such trips since 2005 and they hope that from this experience NPC members will learn much about Turkey and issues related to the region.
A former trip participant and NPC member, Ralph Winnie, describes his experience: “The Rumi Forum places strong emphasis on meeting with Turkish people of all economic, political and religious backgrounds, which helps one gain a clear understanding of the culture, religion and traditions that have been passed down for centuries.”
In this trip, NPC members will have an opportunity to gain an insight into subjects including media and press freedom, national security, foreign policy, trade, economic development, civil society activism, women’s rights and minority issues. They'll meet with journalists, think tanks, parliament members, department officials, civil society organizations, business leaders and scholars, among others.
Rumi Forum asks NPC members to kindly purchase their own round trip flight tickets to and from Istanbul, and provide $500 for domestic flights within Turkey. It will cover all other expenses including accommodation, ground transportation and meals, though if NPC members wish to reimburse Rumi Forum for these costs, they may do so.
More information about the trip is provided at this link, including a sample itinerary, details of previously visited VIP people and general facts about travel in Turkey.
Members who are interested may send an email to Mehmet Saracoglu from Rumi Forum at [email protected] or call 202-429-1690.
If you know a fellow NPC member who would be interested in this study tour, please send their details for consideration [name, position, organization, brief bio]. The application deadline is September 18, 2014.