An academic trip to Istanbul provides a priceless chance to enhance my knowledge of Middle Eastern politics and development. With its distinct geographical and social location at the meeting point of Europe and Asia, Istanbul provides an ideal setting for the topics covered in this module. Through direct engagement with the region’s complexities and a deeper contextualisation of the concepts and case studies discussed in class, this trip will greatly advance my academic development.
Firstly, Istanbul’s significance in Middle Eastern and international politics will enable me to gain a deeper comprehension of the geopolitical dynamics influencing the area. Given Turkey’s distinct position as a candidate for EU membership, a member of NATO, and a major player in Middle Eastern conflicts including the Syrian civil war, I have the chance to put my theoretical understanding of international relations to use in a practical setting. I will be able to examine how Turkey’s internal and foreign policies impact regional stability and growth thanks to this trip. In addition to deepening my knowledge of how international relations theories relate to a geopolitical environment that is continuously changing, this will help me further comprehend regional power dynamics.
Secondly, comprehending the Middle East’s development issues requires an awareness of Istanbul’s fast urbanisation and socioeconomic change. Although Turkey’s economy has advanced significantly, social issues like income inequality, rural-urban migration, along with the integration of marginalised communities have arisen as a result of these developments. I will learn more about the practical effects of development policies by researching Istanbul’s urban development, talking to locals, or watching the legislation in action. These insights are essential for my future development studies. I will be able to relate theoretical frameworks to real-world issues by seeing how political decisions impact daily life, which will give me a deeper understanding of the connection between politics and development. In conclusion, by giving the ideas that I have studied in my module a real-world context, my trip to Istanbul will directly advance my academic goals. Through firsthand witnessing one of the most vibrant cities in the Middle East, it will present a singular chance to investigate the relationship of politics, development, and international relations. I will be able to combine my studies with real-world experience by observing Istanbul’s political, economic, and social realities, which will greatly improve my comprehension of the area and the difficulties it faces.
Iqra Sethi