CULTURAL PROGRAM

CT 01, CT 02: Historical Peninsula 1
Date: CT 01: 08.09.2009, 14:00-18:00
 CT 02: 09.09.2009, 09:30-13:30



After a bus trip along the Golden Horn some sights located in Sultanahmet and Eminönü quarters of Historical Peninsula will be visited. The Hagia Sophia is a former basilica, later a mosque, now a museum. This splendid example of Byzantine architecture is famous in particular for its massive dome. It is considered as one of the most magnificent monuments of late antiquity. The Sultan Ahmed Mosque is known as the Blue Mosque for the blue tiles adorning the walls of its interior. It is the first mosque in Turkey that has six minarets. In the Turkish and Islamic Arts Museum you can see recreated rooms or dwellings of various cultures in Turkey from different time periods. At the Hippodrome, the former sporting and social centre of Istanbul, the Serpentine Column, the Obelisk from Egypt, and the German Fountain can be seen. The Grand Bazaar is one of the largest covered markets in the world with more than 58 streets and 3500 shops. It is well known for its jewellery, leather, souvenirs, and carpet shops.

Participation: min. 10 persons
Price: Will be announced later.
Meeting point: Kabataş Cultural Centre
Language: English


CT 03, CT 04: Historical Peninsula 2
Date: CT 03: 10.09.2009, 09:30-13:30
CT 04: 11.09.2009, 14:00-18:00


The Topkapı Palace was the official and primary residence of the Ottoman Sultans as well as the administrative centre of the Ottoman Empire for centuries. It is located on the promontory of the historical peninsula and has a spectacular view of Marmara Sea, Bosphorus, and Golden Horn. The palace contains large collections of porcelain, robes, weapons, portraits and calligraphies. It is also famous for the collection of the Ottoman treasure and jewellery. Sülaymaniye Mosque is located in the Süleymaniye quarter of Historical Peninsula. This mosque was built by the master architect Sinan as a part of the huge complex of scholastic, religious and charity buildings. It is one of the most impressive works of the Ottoman Architecture and contributes Istanbul’s picturesque silhouette. The tour ends up with a bus trip along the Golden Horn.

Participation: min. 10 persons
Price: Will be announced later.
Meeting point: Kabataş Cultural Centre
Language: English


CT 05, CT 06: Historical Peninsula 3
Date: CT 05: 10.09.2009, 09:30-18:00
CT 06: 11.09.2009, 09:30-18:00


This tour is a combination of Historical Peninsula 1 and Historical Peninsula 2.

Participation: min. 10 persons
Price: Will be announced later.
Meeting point: Kabataş Cultural Centre
Language: English


PCT 01: Ephesus and Virgin Mary’s House
Date: 12.09.2009, 07:30-20:00



Ephesus is an ancient city with a number of Greek and Roman ruins. It is located in the west Anatolia, about 70 km south of Izmir. In addition to the Temple of Artemis, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, visitors find several temples, streets, cultural and official buildings, fountains, and hillside houses with preserved mosaics and fresco paintings in the ancient city. The house of the Virgin Mary is believed to have been the last home of Mary, mother of Jesus. It is today a popular place of pilgrimage located in the vicinity of Ephesus.

Course of events: Flight to Izmir, bus ride to Ephesus, visit of St. John’s Basilica, the Temple of Artemis and Virgin Mary’s House, lunch in Selçuk, visit of the city Ephesus (Marble Street, Odeon, Temple of Hadrian and Serapis, Forum, Celsus Library, Great Theatre, Double Church, Arcadian Way, Gate of Magnesia), return flight to Istanbul.

Participation: min. 10 persons
Price: Will be announced later.
Language: English


PCT 02: Cappadocia
Date: 12.09.2009-13.09.2009


Cappadocia is a region of exceptional natural wonders characterized by fairy chimneys in central Anatolia. The Region comprises mainly the Nevşehir Province and some of its bordering provinces. Göreme is the most visited site in Cappadocia with its houses and churches carved out from soft rocks. The Frescos decorating these cave churches show the traces of ancient civilizations. The region is also famous for its underground cities.

Course of events:
12.09.2009: Flight to Ankara, lunch on the way, bus ride to Cappadocia, visits of the Ağzıkarahan caravanserai, Kaymaklı underground city and Natural Citadel of Uçhisar, dinner and overnight in Cappadocia.
13.09.2009: Visit of Göreme Valley, lunch in this area, visit of Paşabağ Valley, bus ride to Ankara and return flight to Istanbul.

Participation: min. 10 persons
Price: Will be announced later.
Language: English


PCT 03: Antalya
Date: 12.09.2009-15.09.2009



Antalya is a city on the Mediterranean coast of south western Anatolia. It bears the traces of Lycian, Pamphylian, Hellenistic, Roman, Byzantine, Seljuk and Ottoman architecture and cultures. There are many antique places in Antalya. Aspendos, Perge and Termessos are some of the closest ones to the city centre. The city, also very famous for its beaches and waterfalls, is today a popular tourist centre.

Course of events:
12.09.2009: Flight to Antalya.
13.09.2009: Visit of the ancient cities of Perge and Aspendos, trip to the Manavgat waterfall.
14.09.2009: City tour along the sights such as the Hadrian’s Gate, the old harbour and the old city walls, visit of the Antalya Archaeological Museum, visit of the ancient city of Thermessos and Düden waterfalls.
15.09.2009: Return flight to Istanbul.

Participation: min. 10 persons
Price: Will be announced later.
Language: English

Cancellation of the Cultural Program
In case of cancellation of the cultural program written notification should be sent to the Topkon Conference Organizer and Travel Bureau. All refunds will be processed after the conference.

If the cancellation is received;
- before/on August 12th, 2009, the full payment will be refunded.
- after August 12th, 2009, there will be no refund.