Istanbul, Turkey
Islam Meets the West: Dialogue versus a Clash?
Dates of Instruction: August 21 to September 15, 2006

Turan Kayaoglu ~ Interdisciplinary Arts and Sciences (UWT)

Do religious and cultural identities inevitably lead to conflict with those with other identities? Can Islamic and Western values never live together peacefully? We will explore these questions in Istanbul—a city which has been the center of Islamic arts and Sufi orders but also is famous for its nightlife and bars; a city whose dazzling mosques are filled by the staunchly secular Turkish people; a city where a church, mosque, and synagogue share the same block. Asia and Europe meet in Istanbul, which knits together many civilizations. In Istanbul, we will explore the dynamics of this coexistence and harmony of Islamic and Western values. In detail this course explores the history, arts, and different communities of Istanbul to examine the interactions of Islamic and Western civilizations.

First, we will explore art during Byzantine and Ottoman periods to see the tension and synergy between Greek Orthodox, Latin, Jewish, and Islamic influences in the history of Istanbul. Second, we will study the interactions of the Ottoman Empire with Europe and the role of Islam in Ottoman foreign policy. We will explore the penetration of Western arts and ideas into the Ottoman Empire. Exploring the transformation from the Ottoman Empire to republican Turkey, the second part allows us to understand how and to what extent an Islamic society can internalize Western culture, particularly its scientific worldview and separation of church and state. Third, we will explore the contemporary Muslim (both Turkish and Kurdish), Greek Orthodox, Catholic, Jewish, and Armenian communities in Istanbul to look into their extensive experiences of living together. Particularly, we examine the extent to which they are able to sustain a pluralist environment of living together while retaining their distinctive identities. We will also explore how these religious communities accommodate and resist the increasing Westernization of Turkey.

Participants will earn 5 credits of CHID 477 Middle East Study Abroad. Participants should check with their advisors to determine how these credits can apply to departmental requirements.

Student Costs:
$ 2,350 Program fee
$ 200 IPE Fee
Additional costs include round trip travel to Turkey, visa, health insurance and vaccines, meals, course materials and personal expenses

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