turkey on our minds and in our classrooms - World Affairs Council

TURKEY ON OUR MINDS AND IN OUR CLASSROOMS 

Table of Contents 

BACKGROUND INFORMATION ON TURKEY ................................ 2 

Map .......................................................................................... 2 

Basic Facts ................................................................................ 3 

General Resources .................................................................... 4 

Education ................................................................................. 6 

Turkish Cultural Foundation ..................................................... 7 

TURKISH POLITICS AND ECONOMICS ......................................... 9 

General Resources .................................................................... 9 

Can Turkey Serve as a Model Democracy? .............................. 13 

Energy Industry ...................................................................... 14 

Lesson Plans and Resources ................................................... 15 

TURKEY AND THE EUROPEAN UNION ...................................... 16 

General Resources .................................................................. 16 

Lesson Plans ........................................................................... 18 

RELIGION AND ETHNIC DIVERSITY ........................................... 19 


Articles and Lesson Plans on Islam ......................................... 24 

WOMEN IN TURKEY ................................................................. 25 


Articles and Lesson Plans ....................................................... 27 

HISTORY AND CULTURE ........................................................... 28 

Turkish History ....................................................................... 28 

Articles and Lesson Plans ....................................................... 30 

Culture and the Arts ................................................................ 33 

Literature ............................................................................... 36 

Turkish News Sources ............................................................ 39 

LOCAL AND NATIONAL OPPORTUNITIES.................................. 40 

INTEGRATING STEM TOPICS INTO YOUR TEACHING ................. 43 

Resources and Lesson Plans ................................................... 43 

ED STEPS: GLOBAL COMPETENCE MATRIX ............................... 49 

THE DAY AFTER 

“The Day After” refers to a new category which highlights teaching ideas 

that can easily be adapted to “the day after” a workshop presentation. 

World Affairs Council Resource Packet: What the Rest of the World can Learn from Turkey Today – March 20, 2012 1

BACKGROUND INFORMATION ON TURKEY 

https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/maps/maptemplate_tu.html 



BASIC FACTS 

Flag: Solid red and white crescent and star 

Capital: Ankara 

Official Language: Turkish 

Currency: Turkish Lira; $U.S. to Lira – 1 to 1.82 (January 2012) 

Area: 314,500 square miles; slightly larger than Texas 

Independence: October 29, 1923 

Total Population: 78,785,548 (2011) 

Population Growth: 1.235% (2011) 

Religion: 99.8% Muslim (majority Sunni); 0.2% Other (mostly Christians and Jews); only country in the 

Muslim world with a constitutional provision on secularism. 

Ethnic Groups: 70-75% Turkish; 18% Kurdish; 7-12% Other (2008) 

Life Expectancy at Birth: 72.5 years (2011) 

Literacy Rate: 87.4% (Males 95.3%, Females 79.6%) 

GDP (Purchasing Power Parity): $960.5 billion; 17 th largest (2010) 

GDP Real Growth Rate: 8.2 % (2010) 

GDP Per Capita: $12,300 (2010) 

Labor Force by Occupation: agriculture 29.5%; industry 24.7%; services 45.8% (2011) 

Unemployment Rate: 12% (2010) 

Military Expenditures: 5.3% of GDP (2005) 

Education Expenditures: 2.9% of GDP (155 th in the world) (2006) 

Public Debt: 43% of GDP (2010) 

Industries: textiles, food processing, autos, electronics, mining, steel, petroleum, construction, lumber, 

paper 

Exports: apparel, foodstuffs, textiles, metal manufacturers, transport equipment 

Imports: machinery, chemicals, semi-finished goods, fuels, transport equipment 

Agriculture Products: tobacco, cotton, grain, olives, sugar beets, pulse, citrus, livestock 

Current Environmental Issues: water pollution from dumping of chemicals and detergents; air pollution, 

particularly in urban areas; deforestation; concern for oil spills from increasing ship traffic. 

https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/geos/tu.html 



GENERAL RESOURCES 

National Geographic Travel: Country Profile —Turkey 

http://www3.nationalgeographic.com/places/countries/country_<strong>turkey</strong>.html 

This site contains general information about Turkey, including fast facts, maps, history, related articles, 

and travel links. 

Center for Strategic & International Studies (CSIS): Turkey 

http://www.csis.org/<strong>turkey</strong>/ 

The CSIS Turkey Project was established in June 1994 as the first program in Washington D.C. focusing 

exclusively on Turkey. Through its continuous tracking and analysis of Turkish developments and its 

regular Turkey Updates, the Turkey Project has made a significant contribution to the policy debate 

about Turkey in Washington. 

Economist Country Briefing: Turkey 

http://www.economist.com/countries/Turkey/ 

Contains recent articles on Turkey, a basic fact sheet, statistics, an explanation of the political structure, 

and a map, among other useful links. 

World Bank Profile: Turkey 

http://www.worldbank.org.tr/ 

Turkey joined the World Bank in 1947 and the International Finance Corporation (IFC) in 1956. Since the 

start of the country program, 163 projects for a total amount of $25.3 billion were approved by the 

World Bank’s Board of Directors. 

Library of Congress Country Profile: Turkey 

http://lcweb2.loc.gov/frd/cs/trtoc.html 

This is a comprehensive profile on Turkey compiled by the U.S. Library of Congress. It contains detailed 

information split into different chapters focusing on Turkey’s origin, history, society, culture, economy, 

politics, and national security. 

BBC Country Profile: Turkey (2011) 

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/europe/country_profiles/1022222.stm 

The BBC Country Profile includes background information on Turkey, country facts, and leadership and 

media information. It also links to recent news articles relating to Turkey. 

All About Turkey 

http://www.adiyamanli.org/all_about_<strong>turkey</strong>.htm 

This site was developed by a Turkish tour guide and is meant to introduce visitors to the basics of 

Turkish history, culture, politics, regions, and to Turkey’s tourist destinations. It is a database of facts 

and information about different aspects of Turkey and its people including a slideshow, other 

multimedia resources, and an online reference library. 

Turkey Presentation 

http://www.goldenhorn-rotary.com/ercu/ERCU_FLASH_eng.html 

Presented by the Istanbul Halic Rotary Club, this is a ten-minute long presentation showing pictures of 

Turkey alongside some interesting facts about the country. 



Middle East Institute: Turkey 

http://www.mei.edu/region/<strong>turkey</strong> 

Since 1946, the Middle East Institute has been an important conduit of information between Middle 

Eastern nations and American policymakers, organizations, and the public. This website contains 

background information on Turkey, links to related sites, and recent articles concerning Turkey’s 

relations with its neighbors. 

Turkish Statistical Institute (TURKSTAT) 

http://www.turkstat.gov.tr/Start.do 

With the growth and increasing complexity of the Turkish economy changes, there has been an 

increasing complexity the Turkish economy and the resulting societal changes, there has been an 

increasing interest in statistics as a means of monitoring many aspects of the country’s development, 

including the functioning of government…The almost universal recognition of the importance of 

statistics and the compliance studies to the EU standards have placed a heavy responsibility on the 

State Institute of Statistics. 

Permanent Mission of Turkey to the United Nations 

http://www.un.int/<strong>turkey</strong>/ 

The Permanent Mission of Turkey to the UN invites visitors to browse its site to learn about Turkey’s 

activities at the United Nations. The site is frequently updated and contains a variety of links regarding 

modern life in Turkey. It also contains information about Turkey’s bid to become a member of the 

United Nation’s Security Council. 

TURKISH LANGUAGE RESOURCES 

Ethnologue Report for Turkey 

http://www.ethnologue.com/show_country.asp?name=TRA 

There are 23 languages spoken in Turkey. This site provides statistical information on each language, 

who speaks it, and where it is spoken. 

Turkic Languages 

http://titus.uni-frankfurt.de/didact/karten/turk/turklm.htm 

This website provides a color-coded map of Turkey and its surroundings, highlighting the regions 

around the world where Turkic languages are spoken. 

Turkish Language Support System 

http://www.princeton.edu/~turkish/practice/tlepss.html 

This site from Princeton College gives some introductory online Turkish lessons which include audio 

clips. 

UCLA Language Materials Project: Turkish 

http://www.lmp.ucla.edu/Profile.aspx?LangID=67&menu=004 

About 56 million people speak Turkish. Most of them live in Turkey where Turkish is the official 

language and 90 percent of the population speaks it as a first language. Turkish is also the language 

spoken at home by people who live in the areas that were governed by the Ottoman Empire. This 

website contains information on the history of the Turkish language and on its current situation. 



Internationalization for Turkish: Dotted and Dotless Letter “I” 

http://www.i18nguy.com/unicode/turkish-i18n.html 

Many software and web applications that are already internationalized and successfully support many 

languages often suffer catastrophic failure when they add support for the Turkish language. This page 

explains the difficulty of supporting the Turkish language and typical solutions. 

RESOURCES ON ISTANBUL 

Istanbul: Official Website 

http://www.ibb.gov.tr/en-US/Pages/Home_Page.aspx 

This website has information specifically on the city of Istanbul, including recent news developments, 

information about organizations in the city, weather, tourist information, photo galleries, and 

information about the Mayor of Istanbul. 

Video: Welcome to Istanbul 

http://blip.tv/file/585995 

This is a link to a short video montage that describes the city of Istanbul, Turkey through visual means. 

Video: Istanbul 

http://www.veyselgencten.com/istanbul%20by%20veysel%20gencten.html 

Time-lapse video of various locations in Istanbul by Veysel Gencten. 

EDUCATION 

Turkish Educational System 

http://www.columbia.edu/cu/tsa/tr-info/edu.system.html 

The goal of the Turkish national education system could be summer up as being one where all individuals of the 

state are gather together as an inseparable whole, united in national consciousness and thinking…who through 

their skills contribute to the prosperity of society and are instrumental in making the Turkish nation a creative 

and distinguished member of the world. 

Turkey: Educational Sector Study (2006) 

http://www.worldbank.org.tr/WBSITE/EXTERNAL/COUNTRIES/ECAEXT/TURKEYEXTN/0,,contentMDK:208541 

33~pagePK:141137~piPK:141127~theSitePK:361712,00.html 

The Education Sector Study from the World Bank seeks to contribute to the current dialogue among 

researchers, policymakers, and other stakeholders regarding the creation of a coherent, sector-wide strategy for 

improving Turkey’s pre-university education system. The study is conveniently divided into chapters and 

includes comments made concerning different aspects of Turkey’s educational system. 

Republic of Turkey Ministry of National Education 

http://www.meb.gov.tr/english/indexeng.htm 

Link leads to several annual statistical reports on the state of education in Turkey. Reports are largely bilingual 

(English and Turkish). 

Structure of the Turkish Education System 

http://www.disiliskiler.sakarya.edu.tr/master2.pdf 

This two-page guide contains technical data on the structure of the Turkish education system (including grading 

scale and requirements); page two contains a flow chart showing how the Turkish educational system is 

organized. 



Can Turkey Serve As A Model Democracy? 

RECOMMENDED READING LIST AND OTHER RESOURCES ON TURKEY 

* * May be requested from the Turkish Coalition of America free of charge for libraries and classroom use by sending a 

request to info@tc-america.org. 

The Wall Street Journal: Turkish Lessons for the Arab Spring (06/04/11) 

Essential http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052702303714704576383363787058314.html 

Reading List Turkish History: 

FINDLEY, This article Carter is an Vaughn. OP-ED. Turkey's Justice and Development Party, a coalition of Islamists and 

The conservatives Turks in World known History. as New the AKP, York: won Oxford the University country's Press, general 2004. elections for the third consecutive time … 

LEWIS, The AKP Bernard. is now the longest-serving government since Turkey became a multi-party democracy in 1946. 

The And Emergence it makes of the Modern party's Turkey. bumpy, New decade-long York: Oxford marriage University of political Press, 2001 Islam (3rd and edition) democracy worth a closer 

LEWY, look, Guenter. especially given the popular upheavals rippling through other Muslim-majority countries in the 

The Middle Armenian East. Massacres in Ottoman Turkey: A Disputed Genocide. Utah Series in Turkish and 

Islamic Study, November 2005.** 

MANGO, In The Andrew. Arab Spring, Watch Turkey (01/05/12) 

ATATURK: http://www.nytimes.com/2012/01/05/opinion/in-the-arab-spring-watch-<strong>turkey</strong>.html?pagewanted=all 

The Biography of the Founder of Modern Turkey. Overlook Press, 

August The Arab 2002 Spring (reprint has edition). vastly weakened the Arab states, leaving them open to fragmentation, increased 

MANGO, federalism Andrew. and outside penetration. With hindsight, 2011 may come to represent as sharp a rupture in 

The the Turks political Today. landscape London: John of the Murray, Middle November East as 1919 2004. did. (OP-ED) 

MCCARTHY, Justin. 

Death and Exile: The Ethnic Cleansing of Ottoman Muslims, 1821-1922. Darwin Press, March 1996.** 

MCCARTHY, Polity IV Country Justin. Report: Turkey (02/10) 

Forced http://www.systemicpeace.org/polity/tur2.htm 

Migration and Mortality in the Ottoman Empire, an Annotated Map. ** 

Turkish Polity Coalition IV ranks of countries America, according 2010. to type of government. Countries are scored from -10 (absolute 

MCCARTHY, monarchy) Justin. to +10 (consolidated democracy) Polity IV recommends a three-part categorization of 

The “autocracies” Turk in America: (-10 The to -6), Creation “anocracies” of Enduring (mixed Prejudice. regimes with The democratic University of elements) Utah Press, (-52010. to +5…), ** and 

“democracies” (+6-+10). According to this report, Turkey is a democracy and ranks +7.5, the highest 

Essential Curriculum Guides and other Teaching Material on Turkey 

ranking of a Muslim-majority country in the Middle East. (Report published 2/10, from data analyzed 

Turkey and the Turks: Educational Resource Guide: Justin McCarthy and Carolyn McCarthy, 2010.** Turkish Cultural 

through 2008). 

Foundation 

Memphis in May Festival’s Salute to Turkey, Educational Programs 

Christian Science Monitor: Political Islam is Here to Stay (02/09/11) 

http://www.memphisinmay.org/edu_resources.htm .For a copy of the curriculum guide prepared by Memphis in 

http://www.csmonitor.com/Commentary/Opinion/2011/0209/Political-Islam-is-here-to-stay-US-mustaccept-and-adjust 

May, please contact director@turkishculture.org 

Many Westerners fear the rise of Islamic 

Further [The] Reading bottom list: line is that political Islam, in some form, will be a 

regimes, thinking they'll resemble Iran. 

History/Politics: significant factor in much of the Arab world and beyond. U.S. But Turkey is the rule; Iran is the 

AKSIN, foreign Sina. policy Turkey must from come Empire to grips to Revolutionary with this emerging Republic: reality. The Emergence exception. of the Turkish Nation from 1789 to the 

Present. Its approach New York must University reflect an Press, understanding October 2006. of how 

CAHEN, contemporary Claude.The political Formation Islam of came Turkey: about The and Seljukit how democratic Sultanat of governments Rum: Eleventh rooted to Fourteenth in its principles Century. will New York, 

2001. behave. 

FINKEL, Caroline. Osman’s Dream: The Story of the Ottoman Empire 1300-1923. London: John Murray, 2006. 

MCCARTHY, Washington Justin. Post: The Turkey’s Ottoman Bad Peoples Example and the on End Democracy of Empire. and Hodder Authoritarianism Arnold, April 2001. (03/10/11) 

POPE, http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2011/03/10/AR2011031005620.html 

Hugh. Sons of the Conquerors: The Rise of the Turkic World. Overlook Press, May 2005. 

SALT, Just Jeremy. at the moment The Unmaking that Turkey of the is Middle being East. held University up as a model of California Arab Press, states 2008. emerging from 

SHAW, authoritarianism, Stanford J., KURAL, its claim Ezel. to be History the Muslim of the world's Ottoman leading Empire democracy and Modern is in Turkey. danger. Volume Don't II: take Reform, it from Revolution 

and Republic: The Rise of Modern Turkey 1808-1975. New York: Cambridge University Press, 1977. 



us: Here is what the country's president, Abdullah Gul, has to say: "The impression I get is that there are 

Art & Culture: certain developments that the public conscience cannot accept. This is casting a shadow over the level 

ATASOY, that Turkey Nurhan, has DENNY, reached Walter and B, the MACKIE, image that Louise, lauded TEZCAN, by everyone." 

Hülya. 

Ipek: The Crescent & the Rose: Imperial Ottoman Silks and Velvets. London: Azimuth Editions, 2002. 

BROSNAHAN, Tom. Turkey: Bright Sun, Strong Tea: On the Road with a Travel Writer. Istanbul, 2004. 

DENNY, Walter B. Iznik: The Artistry of Ottoman Ceramics. London: Thames and Hudson, 2005 

DENNY, Walter B. Anatolian Can Carpets. Turkey Washington, Serve D.C.: As The A Textile Model Museum, Democracy? 

2002. 

GLASSIE, Henry. Turkish Traditional Art Today. Indianapolis: Indiana University Press, 1993. 

ILKIN, Nur. KAUFMAN, Sheilah. A Taste of Turkish Cuisine. Hippocrene Books. 2002. 

WALKER, TIMEWorld: Barbara. A The Model Turkish of Middle Tale. Texas East Tech Democracy, University Turkey Press, 1993. Calls For Change in Egypt (02/02/11) 

WHITTEN, http://www.time.com/time/world/article/0,8599,2045723,00.html 

M. A. An Island in Istanbul: At Home on Heybeliada. Adali, Islander Editions, 2006. 

Turkey's tough-talking Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan, arguably the most popular political 

leader in the Middle East today, has stepped into the fray to back the protesters in Egypt and urge 

Documentaries: Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak to announce a plan for the transition to a new government. 

Rumi Returning. Heaven on Earth Productions.** 

Desperate Euro-Atlantic Hours: The Quarterly: Role of Turkish Turkey Diplomats and Democracy during the (03/08) Holocaust. Shenandoah Films.** 

Journey http://www.meforum.org/1893/<strong>turkey</strong>-and-democracy 

of Faith: On the Trails of Early Christianity in Turkey. Shenandoah Films.** 

The Armenian To equate Revolt. Islamism Third with Coast democracy, Productions and Callaghan.** 

secularism with fascism in Turkey is a false dichotomy. U.S. 

and European officials have it upside down. Turkey should not be an experiment. While disentangling 

Online Resources the military on Turkey: from politics is a noble goal, encouraging it without creation of alternate checks-andbalances 

Foundation is irresponsible. Resources: 

Turkish Cultural 

Turkish Cultural Foundation – www.turkishculturalfoundation.org 

Turkish Huffington Culture Portal Post: – Islam, www.turkishculture.org 

Democracy and Prosperity: Turkey Scores in Mideast, But the Model Has 

Turkish Flaws Music (02/05/2012) 

Portal – www.turkishmusicportal.org 

Turkish http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/02/05/<strong>turkey</strong>-europe-middle-east_n_1255543.html 

Cuisine Portal – www.turkish-cuisine.org 

Turkish Since Culture Ottoman Shop times, - www.turkishcultureshop.org 

Turks have had a conflicted view of the West, coveting its modernity and 

Share resenting Turkish Culture its influence. - www.shareturkishculture.org 

But the idea that Turkey's pragmatic leaders would forsake the anchor of those 

Blog traditional Share Turkish alliances Culture is remote…Columnist - http://blog.shareturkishculture.org 

Mustafa Akyol described the quality of democracy in Turkey, 

a candidate for European Union membership with a secular political system, as very low compared to 

Other Resources: 

that of Britain or Sweden, but said the Turkish experience was regionally relevant. 

The Turkish Coalition of America – www.tc-america.org 

Blog on Armenian Issue - www.armenianissueblog.org 

PRI:Turkey As Model Democracy for Middle East (02/21/11) 

Blog on European Union - www.europeanunionplatform.org 

http://www.theworld.org/2011/02/<strong>turkey</strong>-as-model-democracy-for-middle-eas/ 

Blog on Cyprus - www.cyprusblog.org 

Turkish Foreign Minister Ahmet Davutoglu is the architect of what is essentially foreign policy 

Blog on Aegean Crisis - www.aegeancrisis.org 

transformation from obedient pupil of the west to rising regional superpower. Davutoglu told Al Jazeera 

Blog on Karabag Issue - www.karabagconflict.org 

English that Turkish democracy is a success story that speaks for itself. 

Blog on PKK Terrorism - www.pkkterrorism.org 

Blog on Turkmen of Iraq - www.turkmenofiraq.org 

Hurryet: The ‘Turkish Model’ Isn’t Good For Turkey (02/08/12) 

The Turkish American Business Council of DEIK – www.<strong>turkey</strong>-now.org 

http://www.hurriyetdailynews.com/the-turkish-model-isnt-good-for-<strong>turkey</strong>- 

Who are Turks: www.goldenhorn-rotary.com/ercu/ERCU_FLASH_eng.html 

.aspx?pageID=238&nID=13239&NewsCatID=396 

Could Turkey serve as a model for the new Arab regimes? Ever since the beginning of the Arab Spring 

Note: This list is prepared to help create an overview of resources on Turkish history, contemporary issues, culture and art. 

analysts in the West, Turkey and the Arab world have been mulling over this question. On both shores 

Information listed, views expressed in these resources, except on the online resources by the Turkish Cultural Foundation, are 

solely those 

of the 

of their 

Atlantic, 

authors 

enthusiasts 

and do not 

of 

represent 

t 

the Turkish Cultural Foundation. 


TURKISH POLITICS AND ECONOMICS 


Turkey: Religion, Health, Erdogan 

http://www.internationalreportingproject.org/stories/detail/1080/ 

Shayla Harris, a video journalist with The New York Times, has produced new video stories on Turkey 

that examine the conflict between religion and secularism, health in poor areas of eastern Turkey and 

the views of Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Islam, Iraq, the United States and domestic 

Turkish issues. 

Turkish Economic and Social Studies Foundation (TESEV) 

http://www.tesev.org.tr/default.asp?PAG00_CODE=ANAEN&MMH00_CODE=%&MMG00_CODE=101 

&ORDER_COLUMN=UD_30&ORDER_TYPE=DESC 

TESEV is an independent think-tank, which forms a bridge between academic research and the policymaking 

process. TESEV carries out research based on scientific principles, and seeks to share its 

findings with the widest possible audience. 

Embassy of the Republic of Turkey 

http://www.washington.emb.mfa.gov.tr/Default.aspx 

This is the official site of the Turkish Embassy in Washington, D.C. It lists recent news developments in 

Turkey, background information on the country, consular and student services, travel information, as 

well as a media center and a kid’s page. 

Bloomberg: Arab Battling Regimes Erdogan’s Muslim Democracy as Model (2/4/11) 

http://www.bloomberg.com/news/print/2011-02-04/arabs-battling-regimes-see-erdogan-s-muslimdemocracy-in-<strong>turkey</strong>-as-model.html 

Arabs seeking a model for post-autocratic governments are looking for inspiration in Turkey, where 

Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s brand of Islamic democracy has helped make him the region’s 

most popular leader. Erdogan has been elected twice, presided over an economic boom that’s tripled 

average incomes while Egypt’s remained stagnant, and shifted Turkey’s foreign policy away from 

Western tutelage while keeping its status as a U.S. military ally and European Union candidate. 

Is There Life After Erdogan? (12/14/2011) 

http://www.economist.com/blogs/newsbook/2011/12/<strong>turkey</strong>s-prime-minister 

Who will be Turkey’s next prime minister? The question might sound premature…[b]ut when it 

emerged that Mr. Erdogan had undergone stomach surgery on November 26 th , Turks embarked on a 

frenzy of speculation. 

Der Spiegel: Interview with Turkish President Gül (10/20/08) 

http://www.spiegel.de/international/europe/0,1518,585223,00.html 

In an interview with Spiegel, Turkish President Abdullah Gül discusses Ankara's bid for EU membership, 

Turkey's progress on the road to modernization and his advice for Turks living in Germany. 

Turkish Embassy: Washington, United States of America 

http://www.washington.emb.mfa.gov.tr/default.aspx 

We hope this website will become your main source for up-to-date news and information on Turkey 

and U.S.-Turkish relations, including the latest on trade, tourism, culture and diplomacy. You can also 

find contact information of Turkey’s other foreign missions. 



Spiegel: Turkey’s Three Gorges- Environmentalists Accuse Ankara of Early Start on Megadam 

(12/04/08) 

http://www.spiegel.de/international/world/0,1518,594405,00.html 

Turkey's Ilisu dam project in ancient Mesopotamia was already controversial due to the cultural sites it 

would flood. Now, though, environmentalists say construction has gone ahead in violation of 

conditions set by project-backers Germany, Austria and Switzerland. 

Energy and Turkey’s Foreign Policy: State Strategy, Regional Cooperation and Private Sector 

Involvement 

http://www.turkishpolicy.com/dosyalar/files/81-92.pdf 

This article defines Turkey’s energy vision with regard to its foreign policy. Turkey wants to take 

advantage of its geographic location, and is launching an energy agenda that requires new pipelines, 

regional relations and massive investments. As the article shows, the interaction between state 

strategy, regional cooperation and private sector involvement in the energy sector strongly affects the 

shift in Turkish foreign policy. 

Business Cycles in Turkey and the European Union Countries 

http://www.bilkent.edu.tr/~berument/jec02.pdf 

This article assesses how the business cycles in Turkey coincide with the business cycles of member and 

candidate countries of the European Union… The evidence provided in the paper suggests that… 

policies enhancing the macroeconomic stability and preventing crises are crucial for healthier 

synchronization of the Turkish economy with its EU counterparts. 

Parliament of Turkey 

http://www.tbmm.gov.tr/english/english.htm 

This site gives a brief overview of the structure and constitution of the Turkish Parliament. 

Turkey and the International Monetary Fund (IMF) 

http://www.imf.org/external/country/TUR/ 

This site contains information and reports provided by the IMF concerning their projects in Turkey. 

Council on Foreign Relations (CFR): Turkey 

http://www.cfr.org/region/<strong>turkey</strong>/ri358 

This is the Council on Foreign Relations’ Turkey section. It is an excellent resource that is regularly 

updated with CFR’s material as well as sources published elsewhere. 

Ataturk 

http://www.kultur.gov.tr/EN/belge/2-14913/biography-of-ataturk.html 

A comprehensive biography of Mustafa Kemal Ataturk, founder and first president of the Turkish 

Republic, by the Turkish Ministry of Culture and Tourism. 

CFR: A Conversation with Abdullah Gul (2/13/07) 

http://www.cfr.org/publication/12632/conversation_with_abdullah_gl_rush_transcript_federal_news_s 

ervice.html?breadcrumb=%2Fregion%2F358%2F<strong>turkey</strong> 

This is a transcript of an interview with Abdullah Gul, the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign 

Affairs, for the Republic of Turkey. In this interview, Gul discusses the relationship between Turkey and Iraq. 



Foreign Policy Research Institute: Turkey’s Changing Foreign Policy and its International 

Ramifications (02/11) 

http://www.fpri.org/enotes/201102.inbar.<strong>turkey</strong>.html 

Turkey’s geographical location and size bestows on the state strategic importance. Indeed, Turkey 

carries great regional and international weight. Diverging from the West has serious consequences for 

the balance of power in the Greater Middle East and for global politics. 

Foreign Affairs: Sultan of the Muslim World (11/15/10) 

http://www.foreignaffairs.com/articles/67009/soner-cagaptay/sultan-of-the-muslim-world?page=show 

[N]ow Ataturk’s legacy has started to unravel. Since 2002, a party with Islamist roots, the Justice and 

Development Party (AKP), has unearthed Turkey’s Muslim Identity. At first, many assumed that the 

AKP’s emphasis on Islam would not move Turkey away from the West…But due to the resonance of the 

notion of a politically-defined “Muslim world” in the post -9/11 world, a state with a Muslim identity is 

especially vulnerable to viewing the world in terms of Huntingtonian clashes of civilizations. 

Invest in Turkey: Benchmark Comparison 

http://www.invest.gov.tr/en-US/Benchmarking/Pages/BenchmarkTurkey.aspx 

Search, analyze and compare Turkey’s level of competitiveness in different aspects by using userfriendly 

charts. 

United Nations Human Development Reports: Turkey (2011) 

http://hdrstats.undp.org/en/countries/profiles/TUR.html 

Each year since 1990 the Human Development Report has published the Human Development Index 

(HDI) which was introduced as an alternative to conventional measures of national development, such 

as level of income and the rate of economic growth. The HDI trends tell an important story both at the 

national and regional level and highlight the very large gaps in well-being and life chances that continue 

to divide our interconnected world. Please visit the website for additional in-depth information about 

Turkey’s Human Development Index score. Turkey’s ranking of .679 gives it a “medium” HDI ranking of 

development. 

The Southeastern Anatolia Project 

http://www.outreachworld.org/Files/u_texas/GAP_project_<strong>turkey</strong>.pdf 

The Southeastern Anatolia Project is a development project created by the government of Turkey to 

build a series of dams and hydroelectric plants along the Tigris and Euphrates rivers in the southeastern 

part of the country. This case study was created to help students understand the complexities of largescale 

construction and development projects. 



Ankara Moves Closer to Washington: How the Arab Spring Warmed U.S. Turkish Relations 

(01/2012) 

http://www.mcu.usmc.mil/Middle%20East%20Studies%20Documents/MES%20Insights/MES_insig 

hts_v3_i1.pdf 

U.S.-Turkish relations entered into a tumultuous period with the Iraq War in 2003. This difficult 

phase in bilateral ties appears to have ended with the beginning of the Arab Spring. Until recently, 

disagreements on a number of issues — such as how to deal with Iran's nuclearization — 

undermined Washington's historical bond with Ankara. Today, however, the United States and 

Turkey are closely cooperating, with President Barack Obama and Turkish Prime Minister Recep 

Tayyip Erdogan having formed what is probably the strongest relationship between a U.S. president 

and a Turkish prime minister in decades. 

CFR: Islamist Poltitical Power in Turkey—Challenges for Brussles and Washington (11/07) 

http://www.cfr.org/content/publications/attachments/Cook%20article.pdf 

Steven Cook argues that Turkey can play an important role in helping Washington achieve its interests, 

but only if the United States recognizes that as Turkey comes into its own as a political, economic, and 

diplomatic player, there will be differences between the two allies. 

Christian Science Monitor: With Wildlife Corridor, Turkey Tackles and Ecological Crisis (03/02/2012) 

http://www.csmonitor.com/World/2012/0302/With-wildlife-corridor-Turkey-tackles-an-ecological-crisis 

In Turkey, where conservation tends to get short shrift, environmentalists are excited about a plan to 

create a 58,000-acre wildlife corridor in hopes of bolstering dwindling populations of wolves, bears, and 

lynxes. 

XiHua Net: Chinese President Arrives in Turkish Capital for Official Visit (02/21/2012) 

http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/china/2012-02/21/c_131421272.htm 

"We are pleased to see the continuous development in bilateral cooperation in the political, economic, 

cultural and other fields since China and Turkey established diplomatic relations in 1971," the Chinese 

leader noted. 



CAN TURKEY SERVE AS A MODEL DEMOCRACY? 

The Daily Star (Lebanon): A Turkish Model for Governance for the Arabs? Yes and No 

http://www.dailystar.com.lb/Opinion/Commentary/2012/Feb-07/162395-a-turkish-model-ofgovernance-for-the-arabs-yes-and-no.ashx#axzz1lp9y5LOJ 

Turkish modernity corresponded to what would be called in the West “the dark side of the 

Enlightenment,” which produced militant forms of nationalism, including fascism, and an illiberal 

secularism that suppressed traditional religion. The bright side of the Enlightenment – liberal 

democracy – was the less traveled Turkish road. Therefore, if Turkey can ever become a good “model” 

for other Muslim nations, it can do so only by synthesizing the bright side of the Enlightenment – liberal 

democracy – with its traditional religious values. 

Al Arabiya News: Some See Turkey As Useful Model for New Arab Regimes: Survey (02/05/2012) 

http://english.alarabiya.net/articles/2012/02/05/192704.html 

For many in the Arab world, Turkey embodies something of an elusive ideal: an Islamist-based 

democracy with a strong economy.. Following last year’s Arab Spring uprisings, an unprecedented 

wave of popular revolt that swept the Arab world and led to the ouster of a string of dictators, many 

analysts are wondering if Turkey serves as a useful example of what a moderate Islamist democracy 

looks like. 

The Economist: Problems with the Neighbors (01/28/2012) 

http://www.economist.com/node/21543591 

The bloodbath in Syria is only one headache afflicting the architect of Turkey’s policy of “zero problems with 

the neighbours”. Until recently Turkey was boasting not of its EU aspirations but of its shiny new alliances in 

the Middle East, where its secular free-market democracy is a model for some. Now Mr Davutoglu’s secular 

critics have a new accusation: that he is forging a Sunni block to counter Iran’s influence. 

Turkish Prime Minister Arrives for Visit to Egypt as Role Widens (09/12/11) 

http://articles.cnn.com/2011-09-12/world/<strong>turkey</strong>.diplomacy_1_muslim-brotherhood-erdogan-israelitroops?_s=PM:WORLD 

Turkey's prime minister arrived in Egypt Monday for an official visit, as twin diplomatic crises are 

shaking the foundations of several critical Middle Eastern alliances. An all-male, cheering crowd of 

more than a thousand gathered at the Cairo airport to greet Turkey's Prime Minister Recep Tayyip 

Erdogan on his first visit to Egypt since the revolution that ousted President Hosni Mubarak. 

“Erdogan made a brief attempt to address the crowd … He was heard 

saying in Arabic, ‘Peace be unto you, youth of Egypt.’" 

سالم لكم،‏ والشباب من مصر Arabic: 

“As-salamu alaykum, wa al-shabaab min Misr.” 

Turkish: “Barış Mısır ve size, gençler olacak.” 



ENERGY INDUSTRY 

Turkey At An Energy Crossroads (11/20/08) 

http://www.cfr.org/<strong>turkey</strong>/<strong>turkey</strong>-energy-crossroads/p17821 

Turkey is an energy-transit nation that links Caspian and Central Asian suppliers with European 

consumers. Inadequate domestic energy supplies, spiking electricity costs in 2008, and an overreliance 

on Russian gas raise questions about Ankara’s own energy future and viability as a critical crossroads for 

fuel, experts say. 

Bulgaria’s Denial from Trans-Balkan oil Pipeline to Strengthen Turkish Energy Corridor’s Role 

(12/09/11) 

http://www.menafn.com/qn_news_story.asp?storyid={e7ade1f6-bab1-44f4-8dcf-d7b4151e665f} 

The agreement on the construction of the Burgas-Alexandroupolis oil pipeline was signed between 

Russia, Greece and Bulgaria on March 15, 2007. The route of the oil pipeline was to pass from the 

Bulgarian city of Brugas on the Black Sea coast to Greek Alexandroupolis on the Aegean coast. [Russian 

oil company] Transneft announced about the freezing of the negotiations on the pipeline due to its 

economic unreasonableness in autumn 2011. 

Turkey as a Transit Country and Bottleneck for the Transportation of Caspian Energy Resources 

http://csea.wikispaces.com/file/view/7.+Turkey+as+a+transit.pdf 

Energy trade will expand rapidly, in particular the major oil and gas consuming regions will see their 

imports grow substantially, while demand for natural gas will rise more strongly than for any other 

fossil fuel. Given this energy demand outlook, and taking into consideration Turkey’s unique 

geographical location whereby three fourths of the proven oil and gas reserves of the world are located 

is within its neighboring regions, it should come as no surprise to see Turkey emerging as a major player 

in energy diplomacy. 

Financial Times.Com: Turkey Turns To Coal and Nuclear Power 

http://blogs.ft.com/beyond-brics/2012/02/06/<strong>turkey</strong>-turns-to-coal-and-nuclearpower/#axzz1mTo3AnSW 

Much of Europe may be moving towards cleaner power but in Turkey it is a different story. For 

economic and diplomatic reasons, Ankara is keen to cut its dependence on gas imports from Russia and 

Iran and to boost its – hitherto insufficient – domestic energy production. About three quarters of the 

country’s energy comes from abroad. 

Turkish Weekly: Koreans to Invest in Turkish Energy Sector (02/06/2012) 

http://www.turkishweekly.net/news/131031/koreans-to-invest-in-turkish-energy-sector.html 

South Korea will sign a preliminary pact to build power plants in Turkey in a deal worth about $2 billion, 

Yonhap News reported. 



LESSON PLANS & RESOURCES 

Arizona University Center for Middle Eastern Studies: Ratios and Proportions 

http://cmes.arizona.edu/sites/cmes.arizona.edu/files/Ratios%20and%20Proportions%20in%20Turkey. 

pdf 

Students apply their knowledge of ratios and proportions to Turkish art, geography and currency. 

NYTimes: Istanbul (Not Constantinople!) 

http://learning.blogs.nytimes.com/2007/01/31/istanbul-not-constantinople/ 

In this lesson, students learn about the growing trade and tourist relationship between Greece and 

Turkey. They then research key events in Greco-Turkish history from each side’s perspective to create 

political cartoons and a timeline for classroom display. 

NYTimes: Children on the Street—Determining the Causes and Effects of Child Homelessness in 

Turkey and Around the World 

http://learning.blogs.nytimes.com/2000/08/30/children-on-the-street/ 

In this lesson, students explore the causes and effects of child homelessness in Turkey and around the world 

and compare them. 

Nobel Prize. Org: Trade Game 

http://www.nobelprize.org/educational/economics/trade/ 

The Heckscher-Ohlin Trade Theory is about how two countries can get greater gains from trading with 

each other if they have different resources – one have more labor and the other have more capital (that 

is technical equipment and machinery). By specializing in production, and by trading with other 

countries, it is possible for countries to increase their incomes. 

Climate Challenge: Earth’s Future Is In Your Hands 

http://www.bbc.co.uk/sn/hottopics/climatechange/climate_challenge/ 

A game where you are president of the European Nations. You must tackle climate change and stay 

popular enough with the voters to remain in office. 

National Environmental Education Foundation: Energy Curricula 

http://www.eeweek.org/resources/energycurricula.htm 

Site provides links to over 25 lesson plans for grades K-4, 5-8 and 9-12. 

World Without Oil 

http://www.worldwithoutoil.org/ 

World Without Oil is an alternate reality event, a serious game for the public good. It invites everyone to 

help simulate a global oil shock. People participate by contributing original online stories, created as 

though the oil shock were really happening. The game’s masters rank the participants (“players”) 

according to their contributions to our realistic portrayal of the oil shock. The game also places value on 

player-created communities, collaborative stories, and collective efforts. 


TURKEY AND THE EUROPEAN UNION 


Republic of Turkey: Ministry of Foreign Affairs 

http://www.mfa.gov.tr/default.en.mfa 

This site contains information about Turkey’s foreign policy, including its view on specific global issues 

and its role in several international organizations. It also contains recent articles concerning Turkey’s 

foreign relations and background documents, such as the Turkish Constitution. 

Today’s Zaman: Turkey Sees Economic Growth Bringing EU Membership (02/09/2012) 

http://www.todayszaman.com/news-271000-<strong>turkey</strong>-sees-economic-growth-bringing-eumembership.html 

Turkey's relations with the European Union are at their lowest point in years, with negotiations on 

membership, which began in 2005, stalled and no immediate prospect of resumption. Turkey's 

booming economy will eventually make the European Union unable to resist its long campaign for 

membership, Ankara's new ambassador to the 27-nation bloc said. 

ANSAMed— Massari in Ankara, Italy Sponsors EU Accession (02/06/2012) 

http://www.ansa.it/ansamed/en/news/nations/italy/2012/02/06/visualizza_new.html_75483971.html 

Europe was also on the agenda of the talks held in Ankara by the Italian Foreign Minister's special envoy 

for the Middle East and Mediterranean, Maurizio Massari, who reminded that Italy ''sponsors'' Turkey's 

EU accession. 

ANSAMed: EU Negotiator, Today We are More Democratic (02/01/2012) 

http://www.ansa.it/ansamed/en/news/nations/europe/2012/02/01/visualizza_new.html_72855850.html 

Turkey's European Affairs Minister and chief negotiator for EU accession, Egemen Bagis, has said that 

''today Turkey is wealthier, more democratic and more transparent thanks to the reforms imposed by 

the European Union''. 

PanArmenian Network: European Parliament Head Urges Turkey to Recognize Armenian Genocide 

(02/08/2012)http://www.panarmenian.net/eng/news/92314/European_Parliament_head_urges_Turkey 

_to_recognize_Armenian_Genocide 

The President of the European Parliament Martin Schulz met with Turkey's chief EU negotiator 

Egemen Bagis. The role of Turkey in Syria, the visa regime and the prospective for Turkish membership 

in EU were among the discussed topics. The new bill criminalizing the Armenian Genocide denial was 

also in focus of the meeting. 

RTT News 

http://www.rttnews.com/1817472/eu-<strong>turkey</strong>-roadmap-to-intensify-energy-cooperation.aspx 

Union and Turkey have agreed to intensify cooperation in the energy sector. 

Turks in Europe: Why Are We Afraid? (12/18/06) 

http://fpc.org.uk/fsblob/597.pdf 

The prospect of Turkey’s entry into the European Union has triggered a remarkable outburst of fear and 

anxiety in some European member states. This article, by the Foreign Policy Centre in the United 

Kingdom, explores some of the issues behind Turkey’s bid to join the EU in the dawn of the 21 st century. 



European Commission: Enlargement—Turkey (12/10) 

http://ec.europa.eu/enlargement/candidatecountries/<strong>turkey</strong>/index_en.htm 

A gradual and carefully managed enlargement policy is in the interest 

of the EU. Future enlargements will concern the countries of southeastern 

Europe. These countries are at various stages on their road 

towards the EU. 

Cyprus and the European Union 

http://www.yale.edu/macmillan/pier/resources/lessons/cyprus.htm 

This is a lesson plan developed by Yale University focusing on the current situation on the island of 

Cyprus. The site contains background information on Cyprus and on the European Union, and includes 

a lesson plan to engage students in this topic. 

(Grade Levels 9-12) 

Lesson Plan: Turkey (and the EU) 

http://www.fpa.org/usr_doc/Lesson_Plan_Turkey_New.pdf 

In this lesson, students will come to understand several different issues regarding Turkey and the 

European Union, mainly the issues surrounding the membership of Turkey to the EU. They will be 

taught through discussion, in-class activities, and homework; what is the EU, why does Turkey want to 

join, why does the EU want it as a member? Students will also develop opinions on the matter through 

an in-class activity and a homework assignment, both requiring research. 

(Grade Level 9-12) 

Lesson Plan: Turkey Joining the European Union 

http://cmes.arizona.edu/sites/cmes.arizona.edu/files/Turkey%20Joining%20the%20EU.pdf 

Geographically and culturally poised between East and West, with strong critics on both sides, Turkey 

has had a long and multifaceted relationship with the west. As talks on Turkish membership 

commence, one of the fundamental questions being confronted by many European countries is: how 

can Middle Eastern culture, specifically Islam, coexist in a predominantly Catholic Western world? 

EU Kids Corner 

http://europa.eu/kids-corner/index_en.htm 

Students have access to over twenty different games on topics as varied as organic farming, the Euro 

and citizen’s rights, as well as comics and links to the other EU resources. Games are rated by age level 

for difficulty. This site is especially suitable for elementary and middle school students. 

International Crisis Group: Turkey’s Dance—On the Edge of the Cauldron (03/08/2012) 

http://www.crisisgroup.org/en/regions/europe/<strong>turkey</strong>-cyprus/op-eds/pope-<strong>turkey</strong>s-dance-on-the-edgeof-the-cauldron.aspx 

Turkey should use its new credibility and leverage as a regional power to re-engage with the EU as a 

constructive partner in a way that Europeans will appreciate during their times of trouble, rather than 

constantly demanding rights that no EU state can give Turkey as long as it acts as an outsider and 

competitor. 



Europe’s World: Arguments for and Against Turkey Joining the EU (2008) 

Have students discuss both the negative and positive implications of Turkey’s potential to join the EU. Set up a class debate based on 

the contrasting views allowing students to gain a deep understanding of both perspectives. Students can use the following pro/con 

arguments as a springboard to begin their own research. 

FOR Turkey joining the EU 

1. Geopolitical 

Turkey is a major regional power that is strategically placed 

between Europe and the Middle East, and Europe and Central 

Asia. It represents a bulwark against instability in both these very 

volatile parts of the world, and is also a potential bridge between 

Christian Europe and the Islamic world. Cultural ties through 

academia, business and the Turkish Diaspora are further evidence 

that Turkey's place is in Europe. 

2. Economic 

Turkey has experienced growth rates which would be the envy of 

most EU countries with per capita income doubling since 2003. It 

has a youthful population providing an excellent market for 

European goods and a potential source of labour since EU birth 

rates are tumbling. It attracts large amounts of foreign direct 

investment (€9 billion in 2007) and has robust car and appliance 

manufacturing industry. 

3. Energy 

Turkey could be an alternative route for Russian energy to transit 

into the EU with plans underway to make the Nabucco pipeline 

operational by 2013. It potentially could also be a transit route for 

energy supplies from the central Asia and the Middle East. 

4. Defense 

Turkey has been a staunch ally of Europe and defender of 

European interests since the Cold War. Turkish troops have served 

alongside EU troops in various missions, most recently in 

Afghanistan and the Democratic Republic of Congo. It will be an 

important ally in dealing with Iran on its nuclear threat and with 

Iraq on its transition to a peaceful, democratic state. Turkey has 

also been at the frontline of the war on terror and has itself been 

the target of terrorist attacks in recent years. By including Turkey 

in the EU, co-operation on defence and security matters will 

strengthen. 

5. Reforms 

Turkey has been an associate member of the EU since 1963 and 

applied formally to join the Union in 1987. Since then successive 

leaders in Europe have given Turkey every reason to believe its 

membership application is genuine. Turkey has introduced many 

reforms to prepare for EU membership, including abolishing 

capital punishment, reforming its police by cracking down on 

torture and giving rights to its minority Kurdish population. 

Turkey is introducing these reforms and moving closer towards a 

European-style democracy because of its candidate status for the 

EU. To refuse the country entry would see these reforms rowed 

back on. 

THE DAY AFTER 

AGAINST Turkey joining the EU 

1. Too big 

Turkey’s current population stands at just over 70 million. If 

Turkey joined the EU tomorrow only Germany would have a 

bigger population, with 82 million. But with falling fertility rates in 

Germany Turkey could conceivably become the biggest member 

state of the EU. With the Lisbon treaty giving even greater say in 

EU decision-making to countries with higher populations through 

the weighted voting system in the Council of Ministers, Turkey in 

the EU would have a huge say over matters effecting European 

citizens daily lives. 

2. Too poor 

In 2005, Turkey’s population represented 15% EU population, but 

its GDP was just 2% of the EU’s GDP. Such an underdeveloped 

country would put enormous strain on the EU budget, most 

notably the Common Agricultural Policy. 

3. Too Muslim 

Turkey’s secularism has been defended through the decades but 

the population is overwhelmingly Muslim, standing at 98%. The 

country has seen struggles between secular forces and more 

religious forces in recent years through the ruling AKP party’s 

insistence on lifting a ban on women wearing the hijab in 

university. The nightmare scenario would be a powerful Muslim 

country at the helm of the EU influencing debate on a range of 

moral and social issues. 

4. Geography 

Turkey has only a toe-hold in Europe. It is predominantly a part of 

the Asian continent and borders countries such as Iran, Iraq and 

Syria – parties that for the EU would present considerable security 

risks. 

5. Politics 

Turkish politics have always been turbulent with several coups 

staged by the military over the years. The current political ruling 

class while bringing greater stability than previous ruling classes 

have nonetheless brought their own brand of instability. The AKP 

party has come close to being dissolved and have chosen to take 

on controversial issues such as lifting a ban on women wearing the 

hijab in university and imposing a law to outlaw speaking about 

the Armenian genocide. It has also ratcheted up the war with the 

Kurdish militant group, the PKK. The European Commission’s 

progress reports have consistently shown problems in the Turkish 

reform process with judicial reform and rights of Turkey’s Kurdish 

population among the major problem areas. 

http://www.europesworld.org/NewEnglish/Home_old/Article/tabid/191/ArticleType/ArticleView/Ar 

ticleID/21291/language/en-US/Default.aspx 


RELIGION AND ETHNIC DIVERSITY 


Turkey: Give Me Your Tired, Your Poor (OP-ED, 08/15/1993) 

http://www.danielpipes.org/article/234 

Immigration has left Turkey with a strikingly diverse population. In this century alone, substantial 

numbers of immigrants have come from Bosnia, Albania, Greece, Bulgaria, Cyprus, Iraq, Iran, the 

Russian Empire/Soviet Union, Afghanistan, and China. With only a touch of exaggeration, Nur Vergin of 

Bilkent University points to Turkey as ethnically "a microcosm of the Ottoman Empire." 

International Religious Freedom Report (11/17/ 2010) 

http://www.state.gov/g/drl/rls/irf/2010/148991.htm 

This is a study conducted by the U.S. Department of State on the scope of religious freedom in the world. 

Scroll further down the page for the report on Turkey. It talks about the country’s definition of “secularism” 

and how it has dealt with religious minorities. 

The Economist: Islam and Homosexuality—Straight but Narrow (02/04/2012) 


Gay life in the open in Muslim-majority countries is rare, but the closet is spacious. Countries with fierce 

laws, such as Saudi Arabia, also have flourishing gay scenes at all levels of society. Where laws are 

gentler, authorities find other ways to crack down. Even where homosexuality is legal (as in Turkey), 

official censure can be fierce. 

Council on foreign Relations (CFR): Delicate Papal Visit to Turkey (11/27/06) 

http://www.cfr.org/publication/12070/delicate_papal_visit_to_<strong>turkey</strong>.html?breadcrumb=%2Fregion%2 

F358%2F<strong>turkey</strong> 

Pope Benedict XVI makes his first visit to a majority Muslim state, Turkey, on November 28, 2006. The 

trip’s original aim was to build ties with Christian Orthodox leaders but the Pope’s recent comments on 

faith, reason, and Islam—as well as Turkey’s EU accession—are likely to resonate throughout. 

Istanbul Governor’s Office Appoints New Head of Armenian Community (7/2/10) 

http://www.hurriyetdailynews.com/default.aspx?pageid=438&n=istanbul-gov-took-the-initiative-onbehalf-of-armenian-community-2010-07-02 

Istanbul’s Governor’s Office has acted against Armenian Apostolic Church canon by appointing Aram 

Ateşyan as acting archbishop without notifying the congregation, according to the new spiritual head 

of the church himself. Because Mesrop II, the current patriarch, is suffering from dementia and cannot 

fulfill his duties, confusion has surrounded the post. According to the Armenian Apostolic Church’s 

canon, a new patriarch cannot be assigned until the previous one passes away. 

Christian Monastery Fights for Muslim Tenants (08/17/2011) 

http://www.eurasianet.org/node/64057 

An interesting article from Eurasianet, concerning a multi-faith community on the island of Burgazada. 

Jewish Turkey 

http://haruth.com/jw/JewsTurkey.html 

This site contains a collection of links about the Jewish community in Turkey and about the relationship 

between Israel and Turkey. 



Foundation for the Advancement for Sephardic Studies and Culture 

http://www.sephardicstudies.org/index.html 

For nearly forty years the Foundation has been dedicated to preserving and promoting the complex and 

centuries-old culture of the Sephardic communities of Turkey, Greece, the Balkans, and Europe. U.S. 

Emigration and the devastation of the Holocaust have combined to weaken historic communities which 

had previously resisted assimilation. 

Turkish Jews (05/01/2001) 

http://www.science.co.il/hi/Turkish/ 

This article gives a brief history on Sephardic and Turkish Jews. This site also links to books in both 

Turkish and English, as well as unofficial correspondence in Turkish. 

Turkish Alevis Today 

http://www.alevibektasi.org/xalevis1.htm 

Almost every single guidebook or encyclopedia describes Turkey as 99 % Sunni Muslim. But the world 

is slowly learning of the existence of a large group in Turkey called Anatolian Alevis (Anatolia is a name 

for the part of Turkey which lies in Asia). This site explains Alevism and the people who practice it. 

Book: The Alevis in Turkey and Europe— The Emergence of a Secular Islamic Tradition 

(David Shankland, 07/01/07) 

http://books.google.com/books?vid=ISBN0700716068&id=lFFRzTqLp6AC&dq=Religion+in+Turkey 

This is the only volume dedicated to the Alevis available in English and is based on sustained 

fieldwork in Turkey. The Alevis now have an increasingly high profile for those interested in the 

diverse cultures of contemporary Turkey and the role of Islam in the modern world. As a 

heterodox Islamic group, the Alevis have no established doctrine. 

Star Tribune: Turkish PM Assures Safety of Alevi Religious Minority Amid Security Concerns 

(03/06/12)http://www.startribune.com/world/141560883.html 

Turkey's prime minister on Tuesday promised to protect the country's largest religious minority after 25 

houses mostly belonging to Alevi Muslims were vandalized, raising fears for their safety. 

Turkish Weekly: Sivas Massacre Case Should Go On, Victims and Suspects Say (03/07/12) 

http://www.turkishweekly.net/news/132098/sivas-massacre-case-should-go-on-victims-and-suspectssay.html 

An Ankara court is expected to close the 1993 Sivas massacre case due to a statute of limitations on 

March 13, but neither the defendants nor the prosecution want the trial to be dropped. 

Sufism 

http://www.allabout<strong>turkey</strong>.com/sufi.htm 

Sufism, also found in Turkey, is a way of life in which a deeper identity is discovered and lived. 

Eventually it is understood that these abilities belong to a greater Being that we each individualize in 

our own unique way while never being separate from it. 



The International Association of Sufism 

http://www.ias.org/ 

This non-profit organization was established in America in 1983 in order to work towards introducing 

Sufism in all its varied forms to the public. It hopes to make known the interrelation between Sufi 

principles and scientific principles, and to provide a forum for a continuing dialogue between the 

different schools of Sufism. 

Mevlana 

http://www.mevlana.net/ 

Mevlana who is also known as Rumi, was a 

philosopher and mystic of Islam, but not a Muslim 

of the orthodox type. Mevlana was born on 30 

September 1207 in Balkh in present day 

Afghanistan. He died on 17 December 1273 in 

Konya in present day Turkey. His doctrine 

advocates unlimited tolerance, positive reasoning, 

Sufi Seattle.org 

http://www.sufiseattle.org/faqs.html 

SufiSeattle.org was conceived as a clearinghouse 

for up-to-date information about Sufi activity in the 

Seattle area. Regional and national events relevant 

to the local community may also be covered. This 

site is not affiliated with or representative of any 

one Sufi order. 

goodness, charity, and awareness through love. To him, as well as to his disciples, all religions are more 

or less true. Looking with the same eye on Muslim, Jew, and Christian alike, his peaceful and tolerant 

teaching has appealed to people of all sects and creeds. 

Suryaniler/ Syriacs Religious Music 

http://www.rootsworld.com/reviews/syriacs.shtml 

Syriac apostles brought Christianity to Iraq and further east, to India and China. Today there are 

independent churches in Turkey, Iraq, Iran, India, and Brazil, as well as throughout Europe and the U.S. . 

This site contains links to information and audio clips on this type of religious and folk music from 

Turkey. 

Who Are the Kurds? (1999) 

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-srv/inatl/daily/feb99/kurdprofile.htm 

This site gives an introduction to the situation of the Kurdish people living in and around Turkey. 

BBC News: Turkey’s Kurdish Conflict—What You need to Know (12/1/2011) 

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-15993517 

A brief video overview of the conflict between ethnic Kurdish Turks and the Turkish government. 

Reuters Analysis: Middle East Turmoil Draws Turkey and Iraqi Kurds (02/02/2012) 

http://www.reuters.com/article/2012/02/02/us-<strong>turkey</strong>-iraq-kurds-idUSTRE8110LB20120202 

Upheaval in the Middle East and mutual economic interest are drawing together two unlikely partners; 

rising powerhouse Turkey and an entity whose name Turkish leaders hardly dare mention—Kurdistan, 

the semi-autonomous region of northern Iraq. 

Turkey’s Kurds—Let Justice Be Done (2/8/07) 

http://www.economist.com/displayStory.cfm?story_id=8672145 

This is an article printed in The Economist about the first woman lawyer in the province of Hakkari to 

fight for basic human rights for Turkey’s Kurdish population. 



Reuters: PKK Kills 24 Turkish Troops, Ankara Hits Back (10/9/2011) 

http://www.reuters.com/article/2011/10/19/us-<strong>turkey</strong>-kurds-idUSTRE79I0YF20111019 

Turkey launched air and ground assaults on Kurdish militants in Iraq, vowing to exact “great revenge” 

after 24 Turkish soldiers were killed…in one of the deadliest Kurdish attacks in years. 

Turkey and the Kurds: Death Upon Death (01/07/2012) 


A tragic blunder, a cynical massacre or a deliberate attempt to undermine Turkey’s government? The 

question was raised on December 28th, when Turkish F-16 war planes dropped bombs on a group of 

Kurdish civilians just south of the Turkish border in the mountains of Kurdish-controlled northern Iraq, 

killing 34 of them. Security officials in Sirnak, a Turkish town near the site, blamed a lack of coordination 

between the civilian and military authorities. “The governor [of Sirnak] had no idea what had 

happened until hours after the bombing,” said one. 

Turkey Greeks 

http://www.photius.com/countries/<strong>turkey</strong>/society/<strong>turkey</strong>_society_greeks.html 

In 1995, fewer than 20,000 Greeks still lived in Turkey. They are the remnants of the estimated 200,000 

Greeks who were permitted under the provisions of the Treaty of Lausanne to remain in Turkey 

following the 1924 population exchange, which involved the forcible resettlement of approximately two 

million Greeks from Anatolia. Also includes some information about Turkish Armenians. 

Turkey: Istanbul’s Greek Community Experiencing a Revival (03/2/2011) 

http://www.eurasianet.org/node/62990 

Greeks, or as they are called here Rum, once comprised a quarter of Istanbul's population. But now they 

number only a couple of thousand. At the recent opening of an exhibition celebrating Greek 

architecture in Istanbul, a first for the city in recent memory, Greek not Turkish was the predominant 

language. Joining Turkish Greeks were Greeks who had recently moved to the city, some of whom are 

looking for work. 

BBC: Turkey’s Greek Community Struggles for Survival (01/7/2011) 

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-12134040 

Turkey’s Greek population, once thriving in numbers, has fallen to such a low level that one Greek 

school in the city [of Istanbul] has only one pupil left. A combination of war, riots, and discrimination by 

the Turkish state has forced large numbers of the Greek community to leave Turkey 

Armenians in Turkey 

http://www.photius.com/countries/<strong>turkey</strong>/society/<strong>turkey</strong>_society_armenians.html 

In 1915 the Ottoman government ordered all Armenians deported from eastern Anatolia. 

Armenians believe - and Turks deny - that the catastrophe that befell their community was the result of 

atrocities committed by Turkish soldiers following government directives. 

The History Place: Genocide in the 20 th Century—Armenians in Turkey 

http://www.historyplace.com/worldhistory/genocide/armenians.htm 

The first genocide of the 20th Century occurred when two million Armenians living in Turkey 

were eliminated from their historic homeland through forced deportations and massacres. Site 

includes regional maps. 



TimeWorld: Editor’s Death Spotlights Turkish Nationalism (1/23/07) 

http://www.time.com/time/world/article/0,8599,1581609,00.html 

This article, by Time Magazine, concerns the assassination of Armenian-Turkish journalist Hrant Dink 

by a seventeen-year-old Turkish boy. The article discusses issues of nationalism, free speech, and the 

legacy of the Armenian genocide, which took place during the Ottoman Empire and remains a 

contested issue throughout Turkey. 

Official Statement: Office of the Prime Minister on the Armenian Genocide (03/11/2010) 

http://www.mfa.gov.tr/statement-made-by-the-office-of-the-prime-minister-of-the-republic-of<strong>turkey</strong>.en.mfa 

Statement made by the Turkish government strongly condemning the Swedish government’s 

resolution which maintained that “certain peoples were subjected to genocide during the final period of 

the Ottoman Empire.” 

Economist: Turkey, France and Armenia: Watch Your Words (12/31/2011) 


Few Turks had heard of Valérie Boyer, a deputy for Nicolas Sarkozy’s ruling UMP party in France. That 

was until she sponsored a bill that would make it a crime in France to deny that the mass killings of 

Ottoman Armenians in 1915 constituted genocide…But Turkey is hardly in a position to preach about 

free speech. Its own laws, in a mirror image of the French proposal, prohibit descriptions of the 1915 

killings as genocide. 



ARTICLES & LESSON PLANS ON ISLAM 

PBS Frontline: Muslims 

http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/pages/frontline/shows/muslims/ 

Frontline examines Islam’s worldwide resurgence through the stories of diverse Muslims struggling to 

define the role of Islam in their lives and societies. Included with this documentary are several lesson 

plans, background information, and classroom activities that can be used to enhance the viewing 

experience of Muslims. (Grade Levels 9-12) 

Access Islam 

http://www.thirteen.org/edonline/accessislam/index.html 

Access Islam is a pioneering new tool designed to support the study of Islam in grades 4-8. Comprising over 

one hundred minutes of digital video from the award-winning PBS series Religion and Ethics Newsweekly, 

the site also contains high quality, multi-media tools; downloadable lesson plans; and resources related to 

Islamic holidays, traditions, and cultures. The video segments can be used alone or in conjunction with any 

of ten lesson plans which are aligned to national standards and vetted by an advisory committee of experts 

in education and Islamic cultures. (Grade Levels 4-8) 

20,000 Dialogues 

http://www.20000dialogues.org/index.aspx 

20,000 Dialogues is a nationwide initiative that uses discussions about films to promote pluralism, 

dialogue, and civic engagement. It seeks to build greater understanding of Muslims through films and 

conversation. 20,000 Dialogues uses Unity Productions Foundation’s (UPF) award winning films and 

provides the materials people need to participate in dialogues that further the American ideals of 

inclusiveness and positive civic action. The site links to videos, curriculum, discussion guides and other 

resources. 

Islamic Art 

MATH SEGMENT: http://www.dartmouth.edu/~matc/math5.pattern/lesson5math.html 

ART SEGMENT: http://www.dartmouth.edu/~matc/math5.pattern/lesson5art.html 

Two coordinated units which demonstrate basic Islamic principles through (art in) math and (math in) 

art. Most appropriate for students with knowledge of basic algebra and geometry. 

PBS: Islam – Empire Of Faith 

http://www.pbs.org/empires/islam/lesson5.html 

This lesson is based on Video Three of the PBS video series Islam: Empire of Faith. Students will have 

the opportunity to learn about both the Sultan Suleiman (b. 1494 AD) and another Renaissance 

character, and then draw comparisons. Students will also create a poster depicting these comparisons 

and what makes each individual worthy of being called a “Renaissance Man.” 

(Grade Levels 6-12) (Link to video series: http://www.pbs.org/empires/islam/ ) 

Muslim Kid’s Tv: Green Valley 

http://www.muslimkidstv.com/?z=green-valley 

This is an amazing program from Turkey for not only Muslim Children, but children of all faiths teaching 

good manners, morals and much more. This is the English version from EBRU TV. All 99 episodes to 

download and all for free. Note: Site also includes links to other children’s shows and crafts. 


WOMEN IN TURKEY 


World Bank Report: Opportunities for Men and Women 

http://siteresources.worldbank.org/ECAEXT/Resources/258598- 

1322580725430/WB_gender_report_EXE_SUM_11_21_11.pdf 

This report reviews changes in gender inequalities in Europe and Central Asia over the last decade, with 

a particular focus on economic opportunities both in labor markets and entrepreneurial 

activity…[G]iven the importance of health and education in opening up opportunities for men and 

women in the economic sphere, the report discusses the changes in human capital endowments as 

well. 

NYTimes: In Turkey, Women Playing Soccer Vie for Acceptance in Turkey (03/04/09) 

http://www.nytimes.com/2009/03/04/sports/soccer/04soccer.html?_r=1 

Halfway through its 18-game inaugural season, Turkey’s new women’s soccer league, has met a 

combination of indifference, curiosity and occasional hostility. Although Turks may be soccer fanatics, 

there is a deep ambivalence in this socially conservative, predominantly Muslim society about women 

playing the game. 

Women at Work: A Cross-Cultural Comparison (1998) 

http://socialscience.tjc.edu/mkho/fulbright/1998/<strong>turkey</strong>/chidester.htm 

Women in Turkey are struggling for equality, recognition, and fairness in all aspects of life. This report is an 

overview of some of the issues, history, and statistics concerning women in Turkey. The issues section 

reports newsworthy information as well as reports of conversations with women in Turkey. The history 

section highlights women’s history in Turkey. The statistics section presents an overview of data collected in 

areas affecting women’s lives. 

PBS: What Factors Determine the Changing Roles of Women in the Middle East and Islamic 

Societies? (2002) 

http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/globalconnections/mideast/questions/women/index.html 

Some Americans believe that Muslim women are oppressed by their religion, forced to cover 

themselves completely, denied education, and other basic rights. It is true that Muslim women, like 

women all over the world, have struggled against inequality and restrictive practices in education, work 

force participation, and family roles. Many of these oppressive practices, however, do not come from 

Islam itself, but are part of local cultural traditions. (A short video clip, “Veiling and Feminism”, is also 

available.) 

Guide Martine: Population—Turkish Women 

http://www.guide-martine.com/turkishwomen.asp 

During WWI and the War of Independence, Turkish women had to take on new responsibilities that 

forced them to take part in active life. This site gives a brief history of how the role of a Turkish woman 

has changed since the 1900s. 

Women’s Rights and Status in Turkey 

http://www.worldpress.org/Europe/2457.cfm 

While in Turkey, Manuela Paraipan interviewed Yusuf Kanli, editor-in-chief of the English-language 

Turkish Daily News, and participated in a roundtable discussion with the United Nations Development 

Program on women’s rights and social status in Turkey. 



UNICEF: Excerpt from “A Gender Review in Education, Turkey 2003” 

http://www.bing.com/images/search?q=turkish+education+gender&view=detail&id=12D5B134F2729D 

446A803BFFE5F8FDA857D87B14&first=0&FORM=IDFRIR 

Since the inception of the Republic, both girls and boys have had access to all levels of education by 

law. However, there is work to be done if the education system is to be made more relevant to the 

reality of being a girl or young woman in modern Turkey. 

Daily Zaman: Turkish Women face Discrimintation, Violence, Illteracy Deespte Small Gains 

(03/07/12) http://www.todayszaman.com/news-273620-turkish-women-face-discrimination-violenceilliteracy-despite-small-gains.html 

Discrimination, violence, unequal power relations, lack of education and child marriage are still 

problems that Turkish women face on this year's March 8 International Women's Day, which is being 

marked by several events highlighting the worrying issues women have to deal with instead of joyful 

celebrations. 

HEADSCARF DEBATE 

MailOnline: It’s Vogue for the Veiled! (01/29/2012) 

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2093129/Al--Turkish-fashion-magazine-created-women-wearheadscarves.html 

Outraged when he saw photos of transsexuals in a magazine, devout Muslim Ibrahim Burak Birer, 31 

decided to create a magazine in Istanbul that would contest the ‘diktat of nudity’. With his friend 

Mehmet Volkan Atay, 32, he created Alâ, a magazine described as the avant-garde of ‘veiled’ fashion. 

New Twists and Turns in Turkey’s Headscarf Debate (02/01/12) 

http://www.nytimes.com/2012/02/02/world/middleeast/new-twists-and-turns-in-<strong>turkey</strong>s-head-scarfdebate.html?_r=1&scp=3&sq=<strong>turkey</strong>&st=cse 

When the auto writer Merve Sena Kilic shifted a Mini into gear for a recent test drive, she had little idea 

that she was fueling a remarkable shift in the head-scarf debate in Turkey.Covering her hair with a 

patterned cream and brown scarf, Ms. Kilic steered the sporty Mini down winding forest roads outside 

Istanbul for a November episode of her television program, “A Passion for Cars,” while discussing its 

merits with her co-host Burcu Cetinkaya, a glamorous blonde who also happens to be a champion rally 

driver in Turkey. Although two in three Turkish women wear head scarves, according to several surveys 

taken over the past decade, the covering is officially banned from the public sphere, the definition of 

which is continually contested. 

Reuters Factbox: Policy on Muslim Scarves and Veils in Europe (04/11/11) 

http://www.reuters.com/article/2011/04/11/us-france-veil-europe-factbox-idUSTRE73A3YM20110411 

France's ban on full face veils, a first in Europe, went into force on Monday, making anyone wearing the 

Muslim niqab or burqa in public liable to a fine of 150 euros ($216) or lessons in French citizenship. Here 

is a summary of policies in some European countries on wearing the Muslim veil. 

Christian Science Monitor: Wearing the Muslim Veil in America—What It’s Like 

http://www.csmonitor.com/World/Middle-East/2009/1213/Wearing-the-Muslim-veil-in-America-Whatit-s-like 

Wearing the Muslim veil in America may cause awkward moments, but this hijabi finds more positive 

than negative in her choice. 



ARTICLES & LESSON PLANS 

PBS: Muslim Women Through Time 

http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/globalconnections/mideast/educators/women/lesson2.html 

No country, culture, or group stays the same indefinitely. Consider that it wasn't until 1920 that women 

in the United States were allowed to vote. National origin, family background, economic levels, and 

historical context all help to determine the opportunities people have in life. Muslim women are subject 

to these factors as well. In this lesson, students will learn how and why the role of women in Islamic 

cultures has evolved. Focus can be put on the famous Turkish female leader, Tansu Ciller.(Grades 9-12) 

PBS: Who Wears a Veil? 

http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/globalconnections/mideast/educators/women/lesson1.html 

Students will define stereotypes and learn how common misperceptions foster visual stereotypes about 

Muslim women. Students will identify famous women and learn about the significance of the veil in 

different cultures. (Grade Levels 9-12) 

Did you know…? 

There are many different kinds of stereotypes. Visual stereotypes are based on what something or someone looks like. Ask 

students to list or draw their ideas of what comes to mind when they hear the term "Muslim women." They may discuss 

their ideas in small groups or share them as a class. 

Although secular, democratic Turkey is overwhelmingly Muslim, for almost eight decades its legal and political systems 

have shown a deep-seated fear of Islam as a political force. The government monitors and regulates how Islam is preached 

and practiced. In recent years, one of the many restrictions on religion has included a ban on head scarves at public 

universities and in government buildings. 

This I Believe: The Politics of Identity and the Headscarf in Modern Turkey 

http://cmes.arizona.edu/sites/cmes.arizona.edu/files/FHUnit%5B1%5D.pdf 

This comprehensive unit allows high school students to understand the role of the headscarf in Muslim 

Turks’ lives, as well as the debate regarding wearing religious articles in Turkey. This guide contains 

lesson plans, rubrics, and many links to pertinent sources. 

Turkey in the Eye of the Beholder: Tracking Perceptions on Turkey Through Political Cartoons 

http://www.hum.au.dk/cek/kontur/pdf/kontur_10/sinan.yasar.pdf 

This paper explores the representation of Turkey in ‘Western’ political cartoons 2000-2004. Through 

the analysis of cartoons, we want to understand the ways in which ‘Turks’ and Turkey are portrayed, 

especially with respect to the question of identity and the construction of ‘the other’. 


HISTORY AND CULTURE 

HISTORY 

The History of the Turkish Empire 

http://books.google.com/books?vid=LCCN05017306&id=LF 

bTIBgjbqQC&pg=PA257 

This is an online chapter from a book which discusses the 

development of early civilizations that specifically focuses 

on the rise of the Turkish Empire. Written in 1904 by a 

European historian, this work contains lots of anecdotes 

and pen and ink drawings. 

It has to be noted that civilizations are never built 

without foundations. Just like a wall made of bricks, 

they are all established upon former civilizations. 

Therefore it is quite possible to see traces of the very 

earliest cultures inherent in those that followed. 

If we want to speak about Turkey, we have to begin by 

going back to the very early ages as the present 

country is an extension and mixture of people who 

come from various origins. 

Full Map of Europe in 1600 

http://www.euratlas.net/history/europe/1600/index.html 

This easy to read color coated map outlines the borders of the Ottoman Empire and puts it into 

perspective with the rest of the region. Tabs on the left side of the page link students to over a 

millennia worth of maps of Europe. 

History of the Ottoman Empire and Turkey Since 1918 

http://www.zum.de/whkmla/region/asmin/x<strong>turkey</strong>.html 

This site includes maps and historical documents as well as excellent resources 

of reference materials. Material is a bit advanced. This source may be better for 

high school students. 

Ottoman Website 

http://www.osmanli700.gen.tr/english/engindex.html 

Here you can read the profiles of key sultans and leaders from the Ottoman 

Empire. 

Picture to the right: Suleyman the Magnificent ’s accession to the throne – 

Ceremony held in the first courtyard. 

Discover the Ottomans 

http://www.theottomans.org/english/index.asp 

This site aims to become the leading information portal regarding the history, military, culture, and arts 

of the Ottoman Empire, which once dominated a large territory from Egypt to Russia and from India to 

Austria. Theottomans.org will be a sponsorship oriented non-commercial web. 

History Foundation of Turkey 

http://www.tarihvakfi.org.tr/english/default.asp 

The History Foundation is a scholarly NGO with the objective of developing and extending historical 

consciousness in Turkey. They provide information on publications, projects and resources. The 

Foundation aims to enrich and lend a new content to the way in which people regard history and 

encourage the conservation of historical heritage with deep-rooted sensitivity and active participation 

of wide sections of the population. 

The Smithsonian Institution: Gobekli Tepe—The World’s First Temple? 

http://www.smithsonianmag.com/history-archaeology/gobekli-tepe.html 

Predating Stonehenge by 6,000 years, Turkey's stunning Gobekli Tepe upends the conventional view 

of the rise of civilization. 



Catalhoyuk 

http://www.catalhoyuk.com/ 

This website is designed for those interested in the ongoing excavations at Çatalhöyük, Turkey. Its aim 

is to provide information about the activities of the project and of the different aspects of the research 

being conducted at Çatalhöyük. The Neolithic site of Çatalhöyük was first discovered in the late 1950s 

and excavated by James Mellaart between 1961 and 1965. The site rapidly became famous 

internationally due to the large size and dense occupation of the settlement, as well as the spectacular 

wall paintings and other art that was uncovered inside the houses. 

Mysteries of Catalhoyuk! 

http://www.smm.org/catal/ 

This site, sponsored by the Science Museum of Minnesota, allows students to explore the ancient site of 

Catalhoyuk through games, video, virtual tours and other media. The site also offers hypothetical 

explanations for various findings in both video and comic book format. Students can explore the dig 

site, play a game to prepare a Neolithic dinner or practice archeological methods by restoring a 

postcard. 

National Geographic: Gobekli Tepe—The Birth of a Religion 

http://ngm.nationalgeographic.com/2011/06/gobekli-tepe/mann-text 

We used to think agriculture gave rise to cities and later to writing, art, and religion. Now the world’s 

oldest temple suggests the urge to worship sparked civilization. 

BBC: Religion and Ethics—Islam (Ottoman Empire) 

http://www.bbc.co.uk/religion/religions/islam/history/ottomanempire_1.shtml 

This seven-page overview asks “why was the Empire successful?” It covers Constantinople, the status of 

other religions, sultans and the court, Suleiman, and the empire’s decline. Also included is a Salah 

(prayer) calculator and interfaith calendar, so students can explore the cultural impacts of religion on 

daily life. 

Project Troia 

http://www.uni-tuebingen.de/troia/eng/index.html 

Project Troia is an archeological excavation taking place in the northwest region of Turkey. The site at 

Troy has become an important point of reference for the chronology of the ancient world from the early 

Bronze Age through the Roman Empire. In 1988, the excavations at Troy were resumed, and this site 

tracks the international groups carrying out the work in the area. 

UNESCO World Heritage Turkey Site 

http://whc.unesco.org/en/statesparties/tr/ 

This site contains information about places in Turkey that have been placed on the World Heritage List. 



ARTICLES & LESSON PLANS 

Turkey: a Curriculum Guide for Secondary School Teachers 

http://www.outreachworld.org/Files/university_of_pittsburgh/Turkey_guide_final.pdf 

Turkey: A Curriculum Guide for Secondary School Teachers was created to provide information on the 

historical and contemporary development of the Turkish nation, and in so doing, to assist teachers in 

meeting some of the criteria indicated in the Pennsylvania Department of Education’s Academic 

Standard Guidelines. This document was published by the University of Pennsylvania’s Center for 

Russian and Eastern European Studies department. 

Outreach World 

http://www.outreachworld.org/index.asp 

This unit aims to expose students to a Middle Eastern country in a positive way. The activities focus on the 

theme of Turkey, comparing Turkish life with American students' experiences. Here you can find 

downloadable instructional materials for educators on Turkey and other countries and international topics. 

Turkey Unit 

http://www.outreachworld.org/resource.asp?curriculumid=33 

Touches on the history, culture, and people of Turkey. 

The Ottoman Empire—Discovery Education 

http://school.discovery.com/lessonplans/programs/suleyman/ 

In this lesson plan students will come to understand the state of the Ottoman Empire during the reign 

of Suleiman the Magnificent, as well as its strategic position as a crossroads of trade between Europe 

and Asia. (Grade Levels 9-12) 

Byzantium—Discovery Education 

http://school.discovery.com/lessonplans/programs/byzantium/ 

Students will draw a large timeline to talk about the history behind the city of Byzantium, which later 

became Constantinople, and which is now called Istanbul. Students will learn about major leaders, 

economic developments, social changes, military activity, and other major events in the city during that 

time. 

Teaching Ottoman History: A Primer 

http://cmes.hmdc.harvard.edu/files/Teaching_Ottoman_History.pdf 

The Ottoman Empire was an innovative and multicultural state that lasted for over 600 years. In its 

heyday, its economic power and military successes made it feared as well as admired in Europe and 

elsewhere. This resource introduces brief background information and resources on the often 

misunderstood Ottoman Empire as well as a few innovative curriculum possibilities. 

(All grade levels) 

Illinois University: Center For South Asian and Middle Eastern Studies 

http://www.csames.illinois.edu/outreach/mideast/ 

Many of these curriculum units focus on a varied blend of cultural, social, traditional, and religious 

issues, each discussed in appropriate depth. In order to foster curiosity many of these units focus on 

hands-on activities, such as making a Ramadan Lamp, designing your own currency, or creating a 

Turkish carpet. 



Remains of the Day: Learning About Ancient Civilizations Through Artifacts 

http://learning.blogs.nytimes.com/2001/12/26/remains-of-the-day/ 

In this lesson, students learn about how archaeologists discovered and pieced together artifacts that 

indicate a Celtic presence in ancient Turkey. Students then research ancient civilizations and create 

archaeological digs containing items representative of these cultures. (Grade Levels 6-12) 

Digging Into the Past 

http://learning.blogs.nytimes.com/2000/08/15/digging-into-the-past/ 

In this lesson, students participate in an excavation simulation. Then, students learn about the ruins of 

Sardis and determine what clues scientists would use to determine if artifacts found in the excavation 

are of Persian, Greek, Roman, Byzantine, or Lydian origin. 

Byzantium 

http://www.discoveryeducation.com/teachers/free-lesson-plans/byzantium.cfm 

Students will create a timeline to conceptualize the shifts in leadership, technology, and the arts that 

occurred in what is now called Istanbul from 700 B.C.E. to 1600 C.E. 

Ottoman Lyric Poetry 

http://cmes.arizona.edu/sites/cmes.arizona.edu/f 

iles/Ottoman%20Lyric%20Poetry.pdf 

This unit exposes students to a necessary yet 

little-known body of literature, and involves them 

in the examination of selected aspects of Turkish 

culture and history. Much of what we most often 

identify as “Islamic” or “Middle Eastern” (in terms 

of music, food, architecture, dress, art, etc.) is a 

product of the Ottoman synthesis of a vast array 

of multicultural elements that coexisted under 

the canopy of Ottoman rule. Accounting for the 

fact that students have varied learning styles, and 

that literary imagery is multi-sensory, this unit is 

interdisciplinary, integrating Ottoman literature with art, music, and history. 

Till the day I die, I shall never leave her beauty’s sun: 

She has antelope eyes, rose face, pearl teeth— 

she is the one. 

What if my heart is ablaze from the candle of her face? 

The moth must catch fire and burn away till its 

deed is done. 

Moths to the candle: The moth and candle theme is a major 

one in both Persian and Ottoman 

poetry. Though the imagery in this poem is not new, it should 

be noted that it is beautifully and delicately expressed; thus, 

in Ottoman poetry old images are constantly transformed. 

Here the moth's annihilation in the flame is likened to the 

annihilation of self desired by the dervish. 

An Ottoman Garden Grows in St. Louis 

http://www.saudiaramcoworld.com/issue/201006/an.ottoman.garden.grows.in.st.louis.htm 

There is something about a walled garden that suggests a world set apart, special and secret. The 

garden offers us its haven. Gardens, like nature, are never static. They change not only with weather 

and seasons, but also with the vagaries of human tastes and fashions from age to age and place to 

place. This site explores the variations of Turkish style gardening around the world. 

Note: There is a virtual tour of the Suleymaniye Mosque in the sidebar of this site. 

World of Words 

http://wowlit.org/catalog/?s=advanced&content=<strong>turkey</strong> 

You will find useful resources on this site for building bridges between cultures. These resources include 

strategies for locating and evaluating culturally authentic international children’s and adolescent 

literature as well as ways of engaging students with these books in classrooms and libraries. 



Turkey Unit by Connie Johnson & Tammi Lundberg 

http://www.outreachworld.org/resource.asp?CurriculumID=33 

This unit touches on the history, culture and people of Turkey. It aims to expose students to a Middle 

Eastern country in a positive way. The activities focus on the theme of compare and contrast, 

comparing Turkish life with American students' experiences. 

The Byzantine Empire "Constantinople, the Capital of the Byzantine Empire" 

http://www.glencoe.com/sec/socialstudies/worldhistory/hh2004/content.php4/1320/5 

Students will use information from The Travel Guide for Istanbul and Turkey Web site to learn about 

the ancient city of Constantinople. Students will browse "The Byzantine" topic to read about the city's 

history and its Byzantine art and architecture. Students will then answer four questions and apply this 

information by preparing an oral presentation on the people and culture of Constantinople. 

Turkey Traditions and Today 

http://www.lessonplanet.com/search?keywords=<strong>turkey</strong>+country+of&media=lesson 

Students research and analyze nation building, identifying countries established for various reasons. 

They study the history of the land now called Turkey and Ataturk, Father of the Turks. They identify the 

different ethnic groups that make up the nation and create a visual representation of their cultural 

studies to present orally to classmates. (Rated grades 4-12) 

All Roads Lead to Istanbul: 1550 World’s Fair Simulation 

Lesson plan: http://cmes.arizona.edu/sites/cmes.arizona.edu/files/files-picturegallery/1.%20Lesson%20plan.pdf 

This series of five lessons, Students will learn about the historical importance of Turkey as an 

intersection for global trade. Students will brainstorm, map, compare timelines, and finally create a 

presentation for a class room “world’s fair” , representing different nations which had trading interests 

in the Ottoman Empire. 

Nasreddin Hodja: Turkish and Middle Eastern Folklore Philosopher 

http://www.cmes.arizona.edu/outreach/lessonplans.php 

This lesson introduces Nasreddin Hodja, the Turkish and Middle Eastern folk philosopher. It can be used 

in conjunction with other folk stories from around the world. Students already should have a working 

knowledge of folk tales, fables, as well as tall tales. Two of the Hodja tales have in turn been written 

into a reader’s theater script to help students work on their fluency. 

The Ottoman Empire 

http://school.discoveryeducation.com/lessonplans/programs/suleyman/ 

Students will understand the geographic span and economic importance of the Ottoman Empire during the 

reign of Suleyman the Magnificent. (Grade Levels 9-12) 



CULTURE AND THE ARTS 

Turkish Cultural Foundation 

http://www.turkishculturalfoundation.org/ 

The Turkish Cultural Foundation aims to promote and preserve Turkish culture and heritage worldwide, 

support education for disadvantaged students in Turkey, support research related to Turkey, and help to 

build cultural bridges between Turkey and other countries. This website contains a wealth of information 

concerning Turkish cuisine, lifestyle, philosophy, art, music, military, culture, and more. 

Turkish Culture.org 

www.turkishculture.org 

This site contains information on architecture, literature, music, culinary arts, lifestyle, 

philosophers, fine arts, nature, the military, and much more. 

Turkish Culture: Ceremonies 

http://www.turkishculture.org/pages.php?ParentID=12&ID=57 

This website provides a comprehensive list of traditional ceremonies, as well as descriptions 

and explanations of each of these ceremonies. 

Share Turkish Culture.org 

http://www.shareturkishculture.org 

At shareturkishculture.org, you can upload, store, share, download, record, link and view 

file, music, photo, video, document and other types of digital media related to your visits to 

Turkey. 

Kilim and Carpet Weaving 

http://www.turkishculture.org/pages.php?ChildID=600&ParentID=13&ID=62&ChildID1=600 

Carpet weaving is one of the most ancient crafts in Turkey, and for centuries, women have 

played a pivotal role in their creation. This website provides information on the carpet 

weaving process and the role of Turkish women in this ancient art. 

Republic of Turkey: Ministry of Culture and Tourism 

http://www.kultur.gov.tr/EN/Genel/Default.aspx?17A16AE30572D313AAF6AA849816B2EF4376734BED 

947CDE 

This website was created by the Turkish government to inform the public about the importance of 

culture in Turkey. Contains links to television clips, Turkish music, promotional films, as well as general 

information on Turkish arts, archeological information, tourism and more. 

Virtual Turkey 

www.3dmekanlar.com/sites.html 

By clicking and dragging through 3-D panoramic photos, students can explore several different 

traditional Turkish environments including a traditional bath (hammam), the Blue Mosque, a 

reconstruction of a late nineteenth century Ottoman home or Miniaturk Park in Istanbul. Downloading 

of viewing software may be required. 



The Atlantic: The Ottoman Mystique (December 2008) 

http://www.theatlantic.com/doc/200812/fallows-istanbul 

Travel article and slideshow by James Fallows, an Atlantic National Correspondent. “Before going to 

Istanbul, I barely thought about the place. Now, a year later, it is often on my mind. That is mainly 

because it provides what is rarest in travel: an aesthetic and even sensual surprise.” 

The Glory of Byzantium 

http://www.metmuseum.org/toah/hd/byza/hd_byza.htm 

The Byzantine Empire, founded when the capital of the Roman Empire was transferred from Rome to 

Constantinople in 324, existed in the eastern Mediterranean area until the fifteenth century. This article 

was created specifically for educators by the Metropolitan Museum and contains a brief history of the 

Byzantine Empire. 

All About Turkey. Com: Turkish Baths 

http://www.allabout<strong>turkey</strong>.com/hamam.htm 

"Turkish baths," are also known in Turkey as “hammams.” The tradition of the Turkish bath extends far 

back, to a time before Turks had reached Anatolia. When the Turks arrived in 

Anatolia, they brought with them one bathing tradition, and were confronted with another, that of 

Romans and Byzantines, with certain local variants. The traditions merged, and with the addition of the 

Moslem concern for cleanliness and its concomitant respect for the uses of water, there arose an 

entirely new concept, that of the Turkish bath. In time it became an institution, with its system of 

ineradicable customs. 

Istanbul Modern Museum 

http://www.istanbulmodern.org/en/f_index.html 

This website comes from the Istanbul Museum of Modern Art. Here one can find information about 

current, past, and upcoming exhibits, as well as view a wide selection of paintings, photographs, and 

educational material. 

Sakip Sabanci Museum 

http://muze.sabanciuniv.edu/main/default.php?bytLanguageID=2 

Sakıp Sabancı Museum, located in Istanbul, is part of Sabancı University, and therefore also functions 

as an educational institution. The museum website gives online coverage of both permanent and 

temporary exhibitions, as well as other museum events. 

The Turkish Ministry of Culture and Tourism: Festivals, Ceremonies, and Celebrations 

http://www.kultur.gov.tr/EN/Genel/BelgeGoster.aspx?17A16AE30572D313A781CAA92714FCE0907A482 

26BB53664 

This site provides a link to descriptions, pictures, and examples of Turkish religious, seasonal, and 

national festivals, as well as cultural ceremonies. 

National Geographic: World Music—Turkey 

http://worldmusic.nationalgeographic.com/worldmusic/view/page.basic/country/content.country/turke 

y_45?fs=www3.nationalgeographic.com&fs=plasma.nationalgeographic.com 

The music of Turkey is wonderfully diverse, and despite the historical presence of various political 

strategies and decrees meant to dampen down (if entirely not stamp out) individual traditions, these 

rich styles have managed to survive and even flourish. This site allows you to listen to both traditional 



and contemporary Turkish music, and provides general information on music in Turkey, as well as 

profiles for specific Turkish artists. 

Turkish Music Portal 

http://www.turkishmusicportal.org/ 

The Turkish Music Portal is the most comprehensive website about Turkish Music. This site contains the 

history of the different types of Turkish music, information on instruments, published articles, and 

information on organizations, composers, and artists. The site is accessible both in English and Turkish. 

Timeline of Art History 

Age of Suleyman “the Magnificent”: http://www.metmuseum.org/toah/hd/suly/hd_suly.htm 

Art of the Ottomans before 1600: http://www.metmuseum.org/toah/hd/otto1/hd_otto1.htm 

Greater Ottoman Empire: http://www.metmuseum.org/toah/hd/grot/hd_grot.htm 

The Timeline of Art History is a chronological, geographical, and thematic exploration of the history of 

art from around the world, as illustrated by the Metropolitan Museum of Art's collection. 

Traditional Turkish Puppet Shadow Play 

http://www.karagoz.net/english/shadowplay.htm 

Puppet shadow play had an important place in Turkey as well as throughout the larger area of the 

Ottoman Empire. This site looks at the different traditions of puppet shadow play in Turkey, including 

a chance to hear the music, see the main characters, and learn about the technique of this art form. 

Saudi Aramco World: Ottoman Art (Vol. 38, Number 4: July/ August 1987) 

http://www.saudiaramcoworld.com/issue/198704/the.golden.age.of.ottoman.art.htm 

Ottoman art flowered magnificently in the sixteenth century…They formulated unique and indigenous 

styles themes and techniques that not only came to characterize the artistic vocabulary of the period, 

but which also had a lasting impact on Turkish art. The vestiges of that impact are still visible today. 

Ceramic Studio Prague 

http://ceramic-studio.net/ceramic-history/czech-republic/iran_and_<strong>turkey</strong>/ 

This site, sponsored by a Czech ceramics school, examines the history and practical concerns of making 

Iznik pottery. 

Iznik Foundation Tiles 

http://www.iznik.com/en 

An interesting view of how modern decorators use old styles in new ways. Includes images of Iznik 

pottery used in commercial (the Istanbul Four Seasons and shopping malls), home and religious 

environments. 

Ebru Marbeling 

http://www.uoguelph.ca/~agokcen/ebruli/ 

Marbled paper, called ebru in Turkish, was used extensively in the binding of books and wihin the 

calligraphic panels in Turkey…Ebru technique consists of sprinkling colours containing a few drops of 

ox-gall on to the surface of the bath sized with kitre (gum tragacanth) in a trough. By carefully laying 

the paper over the bath, the floating picture is readily transferred to paper. 



Video: Ebru Marbeling 

http://www.metacafe.com/watch/452851/art_on_the_water_art_of_marbling_ebru_sanati_birlikde_ay 

rili/ 

A video representation of traditional Ebru marbling is used to create art with non-traditional subjects, 

such as people. 

Islamic Art: Early Ottoman Art 

http://www.discoverislamicart.org/exhibitions/ISL/the_ottomans/?lng=en 

From humble origins as a small emirate in Northwest Anatolia, the Ottomans rose to become one of 

the greatest Islamic empires in history…Although its roots were in Anatolia, and it drew inspiration 

from sources as disparate as the cultures the empire had subsumed, the art of the Ottomans was in a 

very large part devised in and disseminated from the imperial-court workshops in Istanbul. 

New York Times Modern Women Artists in Turkey Meet Their Trailblazing Counterparts 

(12/14/2011) 

http://www.nytimes.com/2011/12/15/world/europe/modern-women-artists-in-<strong>turkey</strong>-meet-theirtrailblazing-counterparts.html?_r=1&scp=9&sq=36%20hours%20in%20istanbul&st=cse 

“Dream and Reality”, a show at the Istanbul Modern art museum, pairs “nearly forgotten” painters 

from the Ottoman era with some of the most intriguing artists in Turkey today. The common thread? 

All are women. 

Arabic Calligraphy 

http://www.islamicart.com/main/calligraphy/index.html 

While many religions have made use of figural images to convey their core convictions, Islam has 

instead used the shapes and sizes of words or letters. In Islamic and Arabic cultures, calligraphy became 

a highly respected art—the art of writing. 

LITERATURE 

Turkish Literature 

http://www.turkishculture.org/pages.php?ChildID=715&ParentID=3&ID=4&ChildID1=473&miMore=1#P 

ageContent 

The history of Turkish Literature may be divided into three periods, reflecting the history of Turkish 

civilization as follows: the period up to the adoption of Islam, the Islamic period, and the period under 

Western influence. 

Author Spotlight: Orhan Pamuk 

http://www.orhanpamuk.net/ 

Orhan Pamuk is a noted novelist born in Istanbul in 1952 who recently won the Nobel Prize in 

Literature. His novel My Name is Red, has been translated into twenty-four languages and won 

international literature’s most lucrative prize (excluding the Nobel), the IMPAC Dublin Award, in 2003. 

My Turkish Library (12/18, 2008) 

http://www.nybooks.com/articles/22182 

In this New York Review of Books article, Nobel-prize winner Orhan Pamuk reflects on his library of 

books and what various authors and their writings mean to him. 



Archive of Turkish Oral Narrative 

http://aton.ttu.edu/ 

This archive contains links to a number of audio files and video files concerning music, folklore, 

narratives, literature, and other themes from the Turkish tradition. 

Hodja Stories 

http://www.cs.biu.ac.il/~schiff/Net/ 

Wit, common sense, ingenuousness, ridicule and the kind of humor that reflects human psychology, 

exposes the shortcomings of a society, criticizes even state and religious affairs yet always settles 

matters amicably are the elements which together create a special kind of logic, the Nasreddin Hodja 

logic. This is a collection of stories compiled by Alpay Kabacali, beautifully illustrated by Fatih M. 

Durmus, and published by NET. It also contains a historical introduction to the stories and a 

bibliography. 

ADULT FICTION 

Birds Without Wings, Louis de Bernieres 

The Museum of Innocence, Orhan Pamuk 

Istanbul: Memories and the City, Orhan Pamuk 

My Name is Red, Orhan Pamuk 

Snow, Orhan Pamuk 

The Flea Palace, Elif Safak 

Dear Shameless Death, Latife Tekin 

Human Landscapes, Nazim Hikmer 

The Garden of Departed Cats, Bilge Karasu, translated by Aron Aji 

A Mind at Peace, Ahmet Hamdi Tanpinar, translated by Erdag Goknar 

ADULT NON-FICTION 

The Turks Today, Andrew Mango 

A Peace to End All Peace: The Fall of Ottoman Empire and the Creation of the Modern Middle East, 

David Fromkin 

Crescent and Star, Stephen Kinzer 

Biblical Treasures of Turkey, Anna Edmonds 

The Turks in World History, Carter Findley 

Sons of Conquerors, Hugh Pope 

Tales from the Expat: Harem, Ashman & Gokmen 

A Fez of the Heart, Jeremy Seal 

House with Wisteria: the Memoirs of Halide Edib, Halide Edib 

Modernity and National Identity in Turkey, Sibel Bozdogan and Resat Kasaba 

Fragments of Culture, Deniz Kandiyoti and Ayse Saktanber 

The Alevis in Turkey: The Emergence of a Secular Islamic Tradition, David Shankland 

The Age of the Beloveds: Love and the Beloved in Early-Modern Ottoman and European Culture and 

Society, Walter Andrews and Mehmet Kalpaki 

Culture Smart! Turkey, Charlotte McPherson 

Turkey from Empire to Revolutionary Republic: The Emergence of the Turkish Nation from 1789 to the 

Present, Aksin Sina 

The Turks in World History, Carter Vaughn Findley 



Turkish Traditional Art Today, Henry Glassie 

The Emergence of Modern Turkey, Bernard Lewis 

Ataturk: The Biography of the Founder of Modern Turkey, Andrew Mango 

History of the Ottoman Empire and Modern Turkey. Volume II: Reform, Revolution and Republic: The 

Rise of Modern Turkey 1808-1975, Ezel Kural and Stanford J. Shaw 

The Formation of Turkey: The Seljukit Sultanat of Rum: Eleventh to Fourteenth Century, Claude Cahen 

Osman’s Dream: The Story of the Ottoman Empire 1300-1923, Caroline Finkel 

The Armenian Massacres in Ottoman Turkey: A Disputed Genocide, Guenter Lewy 

The Ottoman Peoples and the End of Empire, Justin McCarthy 

The Unmaking of the Middle East, Jeremy Salt 

Turkish Reflections: A Biography of a Place, Mary Lee Settle 

The Turkish Tale, Barbara Walker 

Iznik: The Artistry of Ottoman Ceramics, Walter B Denny 

Anatolian Carpets. Washington, D.C.: The Textile Museum, Walter B. Denny 

The Rumi Collection, Rumi (2005) 

The Essential Rumi, Rumi (1997) 

BOOKS FOR YOUNG READERS 

The Deliverance Of Dancing Bears, Elizabeth Stanley (2003) 

Against the Storm, Gaye Hicyilmaz (2009) 

The Frozen Waterfall, Gaye Hicyilmaz (1998) 

Grandmother’s Tale, Moy McCrory (1989) 

The Hungry Coat: A Tale from Turkey, Demi (2004) 

Nancy Drew #42, The Mysterious Mannequin 

The Ottoman Empire, Adriane Ruggiero (2003) 

Parade of Shadows, Yoo Kyung Sung (2008) 

Perihan’s Promise: An American Teen Visits Turkey 

Rumi: Whirling Dervish, Demi (2009) 

Santa Who?, Gail Gibbons (1999) 

The Silk Route: 7,000 Miles of History, John S. Major (1996) 

Sister Shako and Kolo the Goat: Memories of My Childhood in Turkey, Vedat Dalokay (1994) 

Stories From The Silk Road, Cherry Gilchrist (2005) 

Turkey, Tamra Orr (2003) 

Turkey, Sarah Shields, (2009) 

Welcome to Turkey, Vimala Alexander (2002) 



TURKISH NEWS SOURCES 

Turkish Daily News 

http://www.turkishdailynews.com.tr/ 

So let us tell you a bit about both elements of the Hürriyet Daily News & Economic Review. 

In the first sense, we are a newspaper unchanged from the first issue printed on March 15, 1961, in 

which founder İlhan Çevik explained our mission, to "be the world's window on Turkey." Çevik also 

emphasized the principles that have served the newspaper for nearly half a century: fairness, 

impartiality, objectivity. 

Turkish Press Daily News 

http://www.turkishpress.com/ 

Based in Plymouth, Michigan, TurkishPress.com is a comprehensive Web site featuring news and 

information about Turkey. TurkishPress.com features daily news, sports, business, travel, weather, and 

more. 

ABHaber.com 

http://www.abhaber.com/english/ 

EU-Turkey information network ABHaber (EUNews) is an independent, non-profit organisation, 

founded by a group of journalists and scholars in Belgium. Its partner ABHaber Turkey is founded in 

2006. ABHaber.com, intends to offer an “alternative information source” on EU and Turkish affairs 

through an independent, objective information network…[the site’s] general aim is to facilitate 

Turkey’s EU integration, by meeting the information requirement of a wide community of people 

influencing this process (decision-makers, professionals, NGOs, the media.) 

Cornucopia: The Magazine About Turkey 

http://www.cornucopia.net/main_page.html 

Cornucopia, an Istanbul-published English-language bible of all things Ottoman, from travel to food 

and design. 

Anadolu Agency 

http://www.aa.com.tr/en 

Turkish state news agency. 

Istanbul Daily 

http://istanbuldaily.com/ 

Turkish News. 

Turkey Post 

http://www.<strong>turkey</strong>post.com/ 

Turkish and World News. 

Turkish Weekly 

http://www.turkishweekly.net/ 

The JTW is one of Turkey's most respected English-language sources for international political news 

and analysis. Established in 2004, the JTW is published by the International Strategic Research 

Organization (USAK), a Turkish think tank based in Ankara. 


LOCAL AND NATIONAL OPPORTUNITIES WITHIN THE 

TURKISH COMMUNITY 

Turkish Cultural Foundation 

http://www.turkishculturalfoundation.org/ 

The Turkish Cultural Foundation aims to promote and preserve Turkish culture and heritage worldwide, 

support education for disadvantaged students in Turkey, support research related to Turkey, and help 

to build cultural bridges between Turkey and other countries. This website contains a wealth of 

information concerning Turkish cuisine, lifestyle, philosophy, art, music, military, culture, and more. 

Information about the Anadolu Folk Dance classes and presentations can be found at this site. 

Turkish-American Cultural Association of Washington (TACAWA) http://www.tacawa.org/ 

TACAWA is an active non-profit organization dedicated to guiding and enhancing awareness of the 

Turkish culture, art, and heritage and to sponsoring positive relationships between various Turkish and 

local communities. We do this through cultural, educational, and community events and outreach. 

Information about the Anadolu Folk Dance classes and presentations can be found at this site. 

Islamic School of Seattle 

www.islamicschoolofseattle.org 

The Islamic School of Seattle is a local nonprofit and cultural and educational that emphasizes mercy, 

compassion and limitless love. Students are encouraged to always wonder at Allah’s creation; looking 

through Muslim eyes at history, math, science and all of human knowledge and to think, as Allah (SWT) 

has commanded, inquisitively and creatively. 

Turkfest 

http://www.turkfest.org/ 

Turkfest is an annual festival held at the Seattle Center (Seattle, WA) celebrating the Turkish culture 

through music, dance, exhibits, shows, lectures, food, arts, crafts, and films since 2001. 

Anatolian Artisans 

http://www.anatolianartisans.org/ 

Anatolian Artisans is a non-profit organization with a unique mission to provide sustainable economic 

benefits to low-income artisans through product development, marketing, and training, and to raise 

awareness about arts and culture of Turkey by organizing exhibitions, festivals, fairs, conferences, and 

seminars. 

American-Turkish Council (ATC) 

http://www.americanturkishcouncil.org/ 

The American Turkish Council is dedicated to effectively strengthening U.S.-Turkish relations through 

the promotion of commercial, defense, technology, and cultural relations. Its diverse membership 

includes Fortune 500, U.S. and Turkish companies, multinationals, nonprofit organizations, and 

individuals with an interest in U.S.-Turkish relations. Guided by member interests, ATC strives to 

enhance the growing ties between the U.S. and Turkey by initiating and facilitating efforts to increase 

investment and trade between the two countries. 




Assembly of Turkish-American Associations (ATAA) 

http://www.ataa.org/ 

The founding principle of ATAA was the need to create cohesion and cooperation between the large 

numbers of social/cultural Turkish American organizations around the U.S. The Assembly's main goal is 

to be a link between all communities, large or small, and pursue their interests in Washington and 

beyond. 

The American Turkish Society 

http://www.americanturkishsociety.org/ 

The American Turkish Society achieves its mission by bringing together leaders in government, 

including Prime Ministers, Ministers of State, and Ambassadors, as well as business leaders, journalists, 

artists, and scholars covering a spectrum of fields. In addition, the Society sponsors educational 

programs such as the Global Educators Program in partnership with the American Field Service; other 

similar programs are currently under development. 

Friends of Anatolia 

http://www.friendsofanatolia.org/index.htm 

Friends of Anatolia was formed in order to contribute to peace and democracy by supporting the 

Turkish educational system as well as the Turkish nonprofit organizations in Turkey and the U.S. They 

also aim to create a mutual understanding among people of different backgrounds by using Anatolian 

culture and heritage as a unifying tool. 

Bridges of Hope Project 

http://bridgesofhopeproject.org/site/ 

Bridges of Hope Project was started by a group of committed Turkish-Americans who have come 

together to raise awareness and resources for nonprofit organizations that promote economic and 

social development in Turkey. 

Muslim Women’s League 

http://www.mwlusa.org/ 

The Muslim Women's League is a non-profit Muslim American organization working to implement the 

values of Islam and thereby reclaim the status of women as free, equal, and vital contributors to society. 

Their main goal is to strengthen the role of Muslim women through increased awareness of their rights 

guaranteed by Islam. 

Moons and Stars Projects 

http://www.maspny.org/ 

The Moon and Stars Project was founded in 2002 in New York. It is a not-for-profit organization 

dedicated to highlighting the changing face of Turkish arts and culture and establishing a two-way 

cultural interaction between the United States and Turkey. 

Turkish-American Scientists and Scholars Association (TASSA) http://www.tassausa.org/index.cfm 

Turkish American Scientists and Scholars Association (TASSA) is an independent, non-profit and nonpolitical 

organization established in June 2004 in Washington, DC. TASSA's vision is to build a 

sustainable science bridge between the U.S. and Turkey. 




Middle East Studies Association (MESA) 

http://www.mesa.arizona.edu/ 

The Middle East Studies Association (MESA) is a private, non-profit, non-political learned society that 

brings together scholars, educators and those interested in the study of the region from all over the 

world. 

Turkish Coalition of America (TCA) 

http://www.tc-america.org 

The Turkish Coalition of America (TCA) is an educational, charitable organization incorporated in 

February 2007 whose objectives are to educate the general public about Turkey and Turkish Americans 

and voice their opinions on critical issues. 


INTEGRATING STEM TOPICS INTO YOUR TEACHING 


Global Classroom supports the Washington STEM Initiative which seeks to improve student 

achievement and opportunity in areas critical to our state’s economic prosperity: Science, 

Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM). The Initiative aims to catalyze 

innovation in the state’s K-12 education system, increase teacher effectiveness and student 

learning, and dramatically raise the number of Washington students graduating ready for 

college and work and succeeding in STEM degree programs. These efforts are intended to 

benefit every student in the state, with a particular emphasis on accelerating the achievement 

of low-income and minority students. 

Below are resources that might help you integrate STEM into your into your humanities/social 

studies classroom. We encourage RESOURCES you to pass ON these TURKISH suggestions NEWS on to your colleagues in 

other subject areas. All of the resources below can be applied to STEM lessons. 

Introductory Resources 

GENERAL AND INTRODUCTORY RESOURCES 

Economist Country Briefing: Turkey 

http://www.economist.com/countries/Turkey/ 

Contains recent articles on Turkey, a basic fact sheet, statistics, an explanation of the political structure, 

and a map, among other useful links. 

World Bank Profile: Turkey 

http://www.worldbank.org.tr/ 

Turkey joined the World Bank in 1947 and the International Finance Corporation (IFC) in 1956. Since the 

start of the country program, 163 projects for a total amount of $25.3 billion were approved by the 

World Bank’s Board of Directors. Overall commitments for active projects reached about $6 billion, 

corresponding to 37 percent of the World Bank’s Europe and Central Asia Region lending and six 

percent of the institution’s overall active lending. 

Turkish Statistical Institute (TURKSTAT) 

http://www.turkstat.gov.tr/Start.do 

With the growth and increasing complexity of the Turkish economy changes, there has been an 

increasing complexity the Turkish economy and the resulting societal changes, there has been an 

increasing interest in statistics as a means of monitoring many aspects of the country’s development, 

including the functioning of government…The almost universal recognition of the importance of 

statistics and the compliance studies to the EU standards have placed a heavy responsibility on the 

State Institute of Statistics. 

TURKISH LANGUAGE RESOURCES 

Ethnologue Report for Turkey 

http://www.ethnologue.com/show_country.asp?name=TRA 

There are 23 languages spoken in Turkey. This site provides statistical information on each language, 

who speaks it, and where it is spoken. 



Internationalization for Turkish: Dotted and Dotless Letter “I” 

http://www.i18nguy.com/unicode/turkish-i18n.html 

Many software and web applications that are already internationalized and successfully support many 

languages often suffer catastrophic failure when they add support for the Turkish language. This page 

explains the difficulty of supporting the Turkish language and typical solutions. 

RESOURCES ON EDUCATION 

Republic of Turkey Ministry of National Education 

http://www.meb.gov.tr/english/indexeng.htm 

Link leads to several annual statistical reports on the state of education in Turkey. Reports are largely 

bilingual (English and Turkish). 

Structure of the Turkish Education System 

http://www.disiliskiler.sakarya.edu.tr/master2.pdf 

This two-page guide contains technical data on the structure of the Turkish education system (including 

grading scale and requirements); page two contains a flow chart showing how the Turkish educational 

system is organized. 


Energy and Turkey’s Foreign Policy: State Strategy, Regional Cooperation and Private Sector 

Involvement 

http://www.turkishpolicy.com/dosyalar/files/81-92.pdf 

This article defines Turkey’s energy vision with regard to its foreign policy. Turkey wants to take 

advantage of its geographic location, and is launching an energy agenda that requires new pipelines, 

regional relations and massive investments. As the article shows, the interaction between state 

strategy, regional cooperation and private sector involvement in the energy sector strongly affects the 

shift in Turkish foreign policy. 

Business Cycles in Turkey and the European Union Countries 

http://www.bilkent.edu.tr/~berument/jec02.pdf 

This article assesses how the business cycles in Turkey coincide with the business cycles of member and 

candidate countries of the European Union… The evidence provided in the paper suggests that… 

policies enhancing the macroeconomic stability and preventing crises are crucial for healthier 

synchronization of the Turkish economy with its EU counterparts. 

Turkey and the International Monetary Fund (IMF) 

http://www.imf.org/external/country/TUR/ 

This site contains information and reports provided by the IMF concerning their projects in Turkey. 

Invest in Turkey: Benchmark Comparison 

http://www.invest.gov.tr/en-US/Benchmarking/Pages/BenchmarkTurkey.aspx 

Search, analyze and compare Turkey’s level of competitiveness in different aspects by using userfriendly 

charts. 



The Southeastern Anatolia Project 

http://www.outreachworld.org/Files/u_texas/GAP_project_<strong>turkey</strong>.pdf 

The Southeastern Anatolia Project is a development project created by the government of Turkey to 

build a series of dams and hydroelectric plants along the Tigris and Euphrates rivers in the southeastern 

part of the country. This case study was created to help students understand the complexities of largescale 

construction and development projects. 

Christian Science Monitor: With Wildlife Corridor, Turkey Tackles and Ecological Crisis (03/02/2012) 

http://www.csmonitor.com/World/2012/0302/With-wildlife-corridor-Turkey-tackles-an-ecological-crisis 

In Turkey, where conservation tends to get short shrift, environmentalists are excited about a plan to 

create a 58,000-acre wildlife corridor in hopes of bolstering dwindling populations of wolves, bears, and 

lynxes. 

THE ENERGY INDUSTRY IN TURKEY 

Turkey At An Energy Crossroads (11/20/08) 

http://www.cfr.org/<strong>turkey</strong>/<strong>turkey</strong>-energy-crossroads/p17821 

Turkey is an energy-transit nation that links Caspian and Central Asian suppliers with European 

consumers. Inadequate domestic energy supplies, spiking electricity costs in 2008, and an overreliance 

on Russian gas raise questions about Ankara’s own energy future and viability as a critical crossroads for 

fuel, experts say. 

Bulgaria’s Denial from Trans-Balkan oil Pipeline to Strengthen Turkish Energy Corridor’s Role 

(12/09/11) 

http://www.menafn.com/qn_news_story.asp?storyid={e7ade1f6-bab1-44f4-8dcf-d7b4151e665f} 

The agreement on the construction of the Burgas-Alexandroupolis oil pipeline was signed between 

Russia, Greece and Bulgaria on March 15, 2007. The route of the oil pipeline was to pass from the 

Bulgarian city of Brugas on the Black Sea coast to Greek Alexandroupolis on the Aegean coast. [Russian 

oil company] Transneft announced about the freezing of the negotiations on the pipeline due to its 

economic unreasonableness in autumn 2011. 

Turkey as a Transit Country and Bottleneck for the Transportation of Caspian Energy Resources 

http://csea.wikispaces.com/file/view/7.+Turkey+as+a+transit.pdf 

Energy trade will expand rapidly, in particular the major oil and gas consuming regions will see their 

imports grow substantially, while demand for natural gas will rise more strongly than for any other 

fossil fuel. Given this energy demand outlook, and taking into consideration Turkey’s unique 

geographical location whereby three fourths of the proven oil and gas reserves of the world are located 

is within its neighboring regions, it should come as no surprise to see Turkey emerging as a major player 

in energy diplomacy. 

Financial Times.Com: Turkey Turns To Coal and Nuclear Power 

http://blogs.ft.com/beyond-brics/2012/02/06/<strong>turkey</strong>-turns-to-coal-and-nuclearpower/#axzz1mTo3AnSW 

Much of Europe may be moving towards cleaner power but in Turkey it is a different story. For 

economic and diplomatic reasons, Ankara is keen to cut its dependence on gas imports from Russia and 

Iran and to boost its – hitherto insufficient – domestic energy production. About three quarters of the 

country’s energy comes from abroad. 



Turkish Weekly: Koreans to Invest in Turkish Energy Sector (02/06/2012) 

http://www.turkishweekly.net/news/131031/koreans-to-invest-in-turkish-energy-sector.html 

South Korea will sign a preliminary pact to build power plants in Turkey in a deal worth about $2 billion, 

Yonhap News reported. 

EDUCATIONAL RESOURCES FOR POLITICS AND ECONOMICS 

Arizona University Center for Middle Eastern Studies: Ratios and Proportions 

http://cmes.arizona.edu/sites/cmes.arizona.edu/files/Ratios%20and%20Proportions%20in%20Turkey. 

pdf 

Students apply their knowledge of ratios and proportions to Turkish art, geography and currency. 

NYTimes: Istanbul (Not Constantinople!) 

http://learning.blogs.nytimes.com/2007/01/31/istanbul-not-constantinople/ 

In this lesson, students learn about the growing trade and tourist relationship between Greece and 

Turkey. They then research key events in Greco-Turkish history from each side’s perspective to create 

political cartoons and a timeline for classroom display. 

Nobel Prize. Org: Trade Game 

http://www.nobelprize.org/educational/economics/trade/ 

The Heckscher-Ohlin Trade Theory is about how two countries can get greater gains from trading with 

each other if they have different resources – one have more labor and the other have more capital (that 

is technical equipment and machinery). By specializing in production, and by trading with other 

countries, it is possible for countries to increase their incomes. 

TEACHING ABOUT ENERGY RESOURCES 

Climate Challenge: Earth’s Future Is In Your Hands 

http://www.bbc.co.uk/sn/hottopics/climatechange/climate_challenge/ 

A game where you are president of the European Nations. You must tackle climate change and stay 

popular enough with the voters to remain in office. 

National Environmental Education Foundation: Energy Curricula 

http://www.eeweek.org/resources/energycurricula.htm 

Site provides links to over 25 lesson plans for grades K-4, 5-8 and 9-12. 

World Without Oil 

http://www.worldwithoutoil.org/ 

World Without Oil is an alternate reality event, a serious game for the public good. It invites everyone to 

help simulate a global oil shock. People participate by contributing original online stories, created as 

though the oil shock were really happening. The game’s masters rank the participants (“players”) 

according to their contributions to our realistic portrayal of the oil shock. The game also places value on 

player-created communities, collaborative stories, and collective efforts. 



TURKEY AND THE EU 

Lesson Plan: Turkey Joining the European Union 

http://cmes.arizona.edu/sites/cmes.arizona.edu/files/Turkey%20Joining%20the%20EU.pdf 

Geographically and culturally poised between East and West, with strong critics on both sides, Turkey 

has had a long and multifaceted relationship with the west. As talks on Turkish membership 

commence, one of the fundamental questions being confronted by many European countries is: how 

can Middle Eastern culture, specifically Islam, coexist in a predominantly Catholic Western world? 

EU Kids Corner 

http://europa.eu/kids-corner/index_en.htm 

Students have access to over twenty different games on topics as varied as organic farming, the Euro 

and citizen’s rights, as well as comics and links to the other EU resources. Games are rated by age level 

for difficulty. This site is especially suitable for elementary and middle school students. 

EDUCATIONAL RESOURCES ABOUT ISLAM 

Islamic Art 

MATH SEGMENT: http://www.dartmouth.edu/~matc/math5.pattern/lesson5math.html 

ART SEGMENT: http://www.dartmouth.edu/~matc/math5.pattern/lesson5art.html 

Two coordinated units which demonstrate basic Islamic principles through (art in) math and (math in) 

art. Most appropriate for students with knowledge of basic algebra and geometry. 


World Bank Report: Opportunities for Men and Women 

http://siteresources.worldbank.org/ECAEXT/Resources/258598- 

1322580725430/WB_gender_report_EXE_SUM_11_21_11.pdf 

This report reviews changes in gender inequalities in Europe and Central Asia over the last decade, with 

a particular focus on economic opportunities both in labor markets and entrepreneurial 

activity…[G]iven the importance of health and education in opening up opportunities for men and 

women in the economic sphere, the report discusses the changes in human capital endowments as 

well. 

TURKISH HISTORY 

Catalhoyuk 

http://www.catalhoyuk.com/ 

This website is designed for those interested in the ongoing excavations at Çatalhöyük, Turkey. Its aim 

is to provide information about the activities of the project and of the different aspects of the research 

being conducted at Çatalhöyük. The Neolithic site of Çatalhöyük was first discovered in the late 1950s 

and excavated by James Mellaart between 1961 and 1965. 

Mysteries of Catalhoyuk! 

http://www.smm.org/catal/ 

This site, sponsored by the Science Museum of Minnesota, allows students to explore the ancient site of 

Catalhoyuk through games, video, virtual tours and other media. The site also offers hypothetical 

explanations for various findings in both video and comic book format. Students can explore the dig 

site, play a game to prepare a Neolithic dinner or practice archeological methods by restoring a 

postcard. 



National Geographic: Gobekli Tepe—The Birth of a Religion 

http://ngm.nationalgeographic.com/2011/06/gobekli-tepe/mann-text 

We used to think agriculture gave rise to cities and later to writing, art, and religion. Now the world’s 

oldest temple suggests the urge to worship sparked civilization. 

The Smithsonian Institution: Gobekli Tepe—The World’s First Temple? 

http://www.smithsonianmag.com/history-archaeology/gobekli-tepe.html 

Predating Stonehenge by 6,000 years, Turkey's stunning Gobekli Tepe upends the conventional view of 

the rise of civilization. 

Project Troia 

http://www.uni-tuebingen.de/troia/eng/index.html 

Project Troia is an archeological excavation taking place in the northwest region of Turkey. The site at 

Troy has become an important point of reference for the chronology of the ancient world from the early 

Bronze Age through the Roman Empire. In 1988, the excavations at Troy were resumed, and this site 

tracks the international groups carrying out the work in the area. 

EDUCATIONAL RESOURCES ABOUT TURKISH HISTORY 

Remains of the Day: Learning About Ancient Civilizations Through Artifacts 

http://learning.blogs.nytimes.com/2001/12/26/remains-of-the-day/ 

In this lesson, students learn about how archaeologists discovered and pieced together artifacts that 

indicate a Celtic presence in ancient Turkey. Students then research ancient civilizations and create 

archaeological digs containing items representative of these cultures. (Grade Levels 6-12) 

Digging Into the Past 

http://learning.blogs.nytimes.com/2000/08/15/digging-into-the-past/ 

In this lesson, students participate in an excavation simulation. Then, students learn about the ruins of 

Sardis and determine what clues scientists would use to determine if artifacts found in the excavation 

are of Persian, Greek, Roman, Byzantine, or Lydian origin. 

Byzantium 

http://www.discoveryeducation.com/teachers/free-lesson-plans/byzantium.cfm 

Students will create a timeline to conceptualize the shifts in leadership, technology, and the arts that 

occurred in what is now called Istanbul from 700 B.C.E. to 1600 C.E. 

The Ottoman Empire 

http://school.discoveryeducation.com/lessonplans/programs/suleyman/ 

Students will understand the geographic span and economic importance of the Ottoman Empire during 

the reign of Suleyman the Magnificent. (Grade Levels 9-12) 


GLOBAL COMPETENCE MATRIX 

Global Competence is the capacity and disposition to understand and act on issues of global significance. 

INVESTIGATE 

THE WORLD 

RECOGNIZE 

PERSPECTIVES 

COMMUNICATE 

IDEAS 

TAKE 

ACTION 

Students investigate the 

world beyond their immediate 

environment. 

Students recognize 

their own and others’ 

perspectives. 

Students communicate 

their ideas effectively with 

diverse audiences. 

Students translate their 

ideas and findings into 

appropriate actions to 

improve conditions. 

Students: 

Students: 

Students: 

Students: 

■■ 

Identify an issue, generate 

a question, and 

explain the significance 

of locally, regionally, 

or globally focused 

researchable questions. 

■■ 

Use a variety of languages 

and domestic 

and international 

sources and media 

to identify and weigh 

relevant evidence to 

address a globally 

significant researchable 

question. 

■■ 

Analyze, integrate, and 

synthesize evidence 

collected to construct 

coherent responses 

to globally significant 

researchable questions. 

■■ 

Develop an argument 

based on compelling 

evidence that considers 

multiple perspectives 

and draws defensible 

conclusions. 

■■ 

Recognize and express 

their own perspective 

on situations, events, 

issues, or phenomena 

and identify the 

influences on that 

perspective. 

■■ 

Examine perspectives 

of other people, 

groups, or schools of 

thought and identify 

the influences on those 

perspectives. 

■■ 

Explain how cultural 

interactions influence 

situations, events, 

issues, or phenomena, 

including the development 

of knowledge. 

■■ 

Articulate how differential 

access to knowledge, 

technology, and 

resources affects quality 

of life and perspectives. 

■■ 

Recognize and express 

how diverse audiences 

may perceive different 

meanings from 

the same information 

and how that affects 

communication. 

■■ 

Listen to and communicate 

effectively with 

diverse people, using 

appropriate verbal and 

nonverbal behavior, languages, 

and strategies. 

■■ 

Select and use appropriate 

technology and 

media to communicate 

with diverse audiences. 

■■ 

Reflect on how effective 

communication 

affects understanding 

and collaboration in an 

interdependent world. 

■■ 

Identify and create 

opportunities for personal 

or collaborative 

action to address situations, 

events, issues, 

or phenomena in ways 

that improve conditions. 

■■ 

Assess options and plan 

actions based on evidence 

and the potential 

for impact, taking 

into account previous 

approaches, varied perspectives, 

and potential 

consequences. 

■■ 

Act, personally or collaboratively, 

in creative 

and ethical ways to contribute 

to improvement 

locally, regionally, or 

globally and assess the 

impact of the actions 

taken. 

■■ 

Reflect on their capacity 

to advocate for and 

contribute to improvement 

locally, regionally, 

or globally. 

The Global Competence Matrix was created as part of the Council of Chief State School Officers’ EdSteps Project 

in partnership with the Asia Society Partnership for Global Learning. 

Copyright 2011 

www.edsteps.org

turkey on our minds and in our classrooms - World Affairs Council

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