Courses

We aim to develop a deep appreciation of cultural heritage among Europeans and foster a sense of common identity. Consistent with the European Union’s unwavering commitment to cultural heritage, this program places a strong emphasis on the importance of protecting, promoting and sustainably using our cultural treasures. Recognizing that cultural heritage is a unifying force for Europe, the EU celebrates the vibrant mosaic of cultural diversity that shapes our collective identity.

At its core, this course aims to contribute to the European ideal in which diverse areas of culture, art and cultural heritage play a central role in promoting true openness and protecting fundamental rights. Our vision embraces the belief that open and interactive cultural processes facilitate coexistence and promote effective communication between different communities.

In addition to exploration, this program also integrates educational strategies specifically designed to increase sensitivity and awareness among participants. Through immersive learning experiences, our aim is to instill a deep sense of responsibility towards cultural heritage and encourage participants to become dedicated guardians of this priceless heritage.

This comprehensive educational journey invites participants to explore the unique and profound cultural heritage of Istanbul, directing them to uncover the shining legacy of Istanbul, the heart of Turkey. Participants, particularly those knowledgeable about the history, art, architecture, and culture of ancient Istanbul, will be guided to unveil the cultural riches of this captivating city.

While delving into Istanbul’s cultural heritage, we present the city as an exemplary model, showcasing its multifaceted aspects. From the breathtaking architecture of Hagia Sophia to the vibrant atmosphere of the Grand Bazaar, each element contributes to the rich tapestry of Istanbul’s cultural heritage.

In the spirit of the European ideal, our course aims not only to explore but also to integrate the intrinsic value placed on cultural heritage. This aligns seamlessly with the strategic objectives of the European Union. Join us on this enlightening journey as we uncover the layers of history, art, and culture that define Istanbul’s unique cultural heritage. Let’s actively integrate what we learn into our educational practices by increasing our students’ cultural heritage awareness. Together, let’s embrace and celebrate the diversity that enriches our common European identity.

• To create in Europeans a deep appreciation of their cultural heritage and develop a sense of common identity.
• To emphasize the importance of preserving, promoting and using our cultural treasures in a sustainable way, in line with the European Union’s commitment to cultural heritage.
• Provide a perspective that recognizes cultural heritage as the unifying force of Europe and celebrates the mosaic nature of the European Union’s cultural diversity.
• Provide strategies for integrating cultural heritage topics into lesson plans and teach methods to effectively reach students using digital tools.
• Provide participants with the skills to apply various interactive learning strategies to increase students’ sensitization towards cultural heritage

Cultural Heritage Awareness:

• Participants from across Europe develop a deep understanding of cultural heritage.
• To enable participants to become more sensitive to their own cultural heritage and the heritage of other European countries.

Sense of Common Identity:

• Participants develop a common sense of identity with each other and with the European community.
• To foster greater commitment to and understanding of the core values of the European Union.

Preservation and Promotion of Cultural Treasures:

• To ensure that participants understand strategic approaches to the preservation, promotion and sustainable use of cultural heritage.
• To understand the importance that the European Union attaches to cultural heritage and to show greater respect for these values.

The Central Role of Culture, Art and Heritage:

• To ensure that participants understand the central role of culture, arts and cultural heritage in the core values of the European Union.
• To increase communication between different cultures and contribute to open, interactive cultural processes.

Developing Sensitivity and Responsibility:

• Participants develop a deeper sense of responsibility towards cultural heritage.
• To increase the sensitivity of participants towards cultural heritage with interactive strategies during the education process.

Discovery of Istanbul’s Cultural Riches:

• To ensure that participants have comprehensive information about the history, art, architecture and culture of Istanbul.
• To provide participants with the ability to explore the cultural heritage of Istanbul and integrate these riches into their own educational practices.

Integration of the Course into Education and Use of Digital Tools:

• Providing strategies for integrating cultural heritage into lesson plans and using digital tools effectively.
• Supporting training content with online resources, such as interactive materials and virtual tours.

Raising Awareness to Students:

• Developing teachers’ skills in applying interactive learning strategies to enhance students’ cultural heritage sensitivity.
• Emphasizing effective methods to encourage active student participation and interest in cultural heritage.
• Focusing on project development to create awareness and understanding among students.

Day 1: Cultural Heritage and European Identity

• Ice-breaking and trust-building activities for effective and positive interaction throughout the course
• Introducing participants’ schools
• Course Introduction and Participant Introductions
• The Role of the European Union in Cultural Heritage
  • Definition and significance of cultural heritage
  • European Union’s commitments to cultural heritage
• European Identity and Celebration of Cultural Diversity
  • Europe’s cultural mosaic and the process of forming a common identity
• Educational Strategies for Teachers
  • Integration of cultural heritage topics into lesson plans
• Interactive Learning Strategies
  • Use of digital tools for interactive learning

Day 2: Cultural Heritage and European Art

• The Place of Art in European Identity
  • The impact of art on cultural heritage
  • European Union’s approach to art
• Contribution of Art and Cultural Heritage to Communication
  • Communication between different cultures and open, interactive cultural processes
• Workshop on Interactive Learning with Digital Tools
  • Use of digital materials
  • Virtual tours and interactive resources
• Integrating Cultural Heritage with Sensitivity and Responsibility
  • Strategies to increase sensitivity among teachers and students

 Day 3: UNESCO Cultural Heritage of Istanbul – Discovery Day 1

• Hagia Sophia: Architectural Marvel of Ancient Istanbul
• History, architecture, and cultural significance
• Topkapi Palace and Sarayburnu: Center of Ancient Politics
• Political and cultural center of Ancient Istanbul
• Sultanahmet Mosque: Ottoman Religious Heritage
• The religious structure of Ottoman Istanbul
• Grand Bazaar and Turkish Traditions
• Zenith of Ottoman art

 Day 4: UNESCO Cultural Heritage of Istanbul – Discovery Day 2

• Istanbul Archaeology Museums: Center of Art and Historical Heritage
• Chora Church: Byzantine Art and Mosaics
• Karaköy and Galata: Modern Istanbul Culture
• Folklore, traditions, and local art
• Istanbul Modern: Contemporary Art
• History and artworks of Istanbul Modern
• Cultural Tours in Various Districts of Istanbul
• Interaction between unique cultures and neighborhoods

 Day 5: Course Evaluation and Certificate Ceremony

• Course evaluation: Discussion and evaluation of the skills acquired, feedback, and course content
• Sharing course documents and records
• Awarding the Course Participation Certificate

Trainees will be given hard copies of all course materials that they can present to their colleagues in their organization to spark interest in the strategies learned during the training course.

In addition, a mailing list of participants will be created to exchange ideas/experiences.

Self-assessment materials will be provided.

At the end of the course, participants will fill out a questionnaire to get detailed feedback on the effectiveness of the training event.