Istanbul Bilgi University (BILGI) is offering a three-week academic program this summer to college/university students from all over the world, interested in learning the state of affairs between two historically, culturally and geographically bound countries ¨CTurkey and Greece.

The program, titled Turkey and Greece: Transcending the Past and Embracing the Future, aims to provide students with a well-grounded insight into the dynamics of relations between Turkey and Greece, which have in effect transformed from an ill-stricken character to one that bears promise for good for both countries. In doing so, the program is designed to enable students to understand how the recent positive developments in relations between the two countries may be utilized for overcoming long-standing problems and embracing a better future for close collaboration in many fields ranging from politics and economic relations to art.

Summer School 2003 is tailored to analyze the different aspects of relations between Turkey and Greece. The network of relations will be dealt with through economic, historic, political, sociological, legal, and artistic perspectives, thereby giving the participants an eclectic insight into the subject. Courses will be steered by a distinguished faculty of international character.

Istanbul is the only city in the world straddling two continents; Europe and Asia. Located by the Bosphorus Strait ¨Cthe gateway of East and West-, Istanbul is truly one of the most magnificent metropolitans of the world. Since centuries, civilizations have competed to gain control over this jewel of a city. It has been capital to three empires- Eastern Roman, Byzantine and Ottoman- for several centuries and thus bears a rich historical texture. On the other hand, Istanbul reflects Turkey's modern aspects with its business, arts, technology, innovation and social life. Summer in Istanbul, with the infinite amount of social activities it offers, will be especially exciting for those who like spending their summers getting to know different places while continuing their education.

The program will commence July 14 and end August 2, 2003 with a final exam.

Students will attend 2 lectures ¨Ceach lasting two hours- every Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday for three consecutive weeks.

Students will participate in a special-themed workshop twice every week. The workshop is aimed to produce an audio-visual documentary concerning the Greeks of Turkish nationality (Rums) living in Istanbul.

Wednesdays and Saturdays are reserved for field trips to historical and natural sights, interesting neighborhoods, etc.

Undergraduates, postgraduates, as well as high school graduates with a good academic standing and TOEFL grade of 570/230 may apply to BILGI Summer School 2003.

Students interested in Summer School 2003 ˇ°Turkey and Greece: Transcending the Past and Embracing the Futureˇ± should visit our website for detailed information about the program and guidelines for application.