It’s midnight as I write this, just hours after returning from one of the most enriching experiences of my life—a field trip to Istanbul. As I sit here reflecting on my journey, I feel excited to share my story. I hope this inspires future students to embark on similar adventures and experience the wonders of...
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...
As part of my ‘Development and Politics in the Middle East’ module, I eagerly look forward to participating in an academic trip to Istanbul. This immersive experience promises to deepen my understanding of Turkish politics and culture, enabling me to connect theoretical insights from my coursework with the complexities of real-world Middle Eastern politics. Our...
As a Romanian, my understanding of the Middle East, particularly Turkey, and my engagement with the culture and traditions are widely developed. As we may all know, Romania is rooted in the Ottoman Empire’s history, as it was under its influence for more than 200 years. Trade, political relations, and the list can continue from...
As a born and raised Romanian, and an experience I am sure most other people who wereraised in Romania can relate, Turkey, Greece and Bulgaria are certainly hotspots for Romaniancitizens to travel to. Of those, specifically it is among the favourites due to its inherent very uniqueenvironment, with many influences from the Middle East and...
As I prepare for the upcoming university field trip to Istanbul—my first visit to a city renowned for its rich history, diverse cultures, and stunning architecture—I am filled with curiosity and excitement about what lies ahead. In this blog, I want to share my expectations and perceptions of Istanbul before the journey begins. Our trip...
Istanbul is the largest city in Turkey, uniquely bridging Europe and Asia. With its rich history from the Roman and Ottoman empires, it attracts many tourists every day. My upcoming trip to Istanbul will enhance my studies of politics and development in the Middle East, providing me with first-hand experience of its political, economic, and...
The way the Middle East was taught and presented to me was entirely different from my observations, as I was born and raised in London, a city known for its uniqueness and diversity. This module has helped to disprove many preconceived notions and has fostered a better understanding of what the Middle East truly encompasses....
As an Egyptian born and raised in Egypt, I am familiar with Turkey, even though I’ve never visited it. Growing up, I learned about the deep historical connections between Egyptian and Turkish cultures, particularly during the Ottoman era, as well as their shared religious ties. Because of this background, both Turkish culture and history feel...
I have always believed that context shapes our understanding of reality. Unfortunately, this is something we often overlook when consuming news from the Middle East, especially through a Western lens. Many people hold preconceived notions about this region, often laden with stereotypes. In my opinion, opportunities like travelling to Turkey for academic purposes are essential...
My name is Edward Dean, and I am a 19-year-old undergraduate in my first year of an international relations bachelor’s degree. Back in sixth form, when I was 17, I felt completely lost and aimless. I had no aspirations or goals to direct my energy toward, and I was convinced my A-levels would be useless....
Istanbul, filled with history, culture, and traditions, is a popular tourist destination that attracts many visitors each year. Its unique geographical location, straddling both Europe and Asia, offers plenty for tourists to explore. The city’s rich history, from the Ottoman Empire to the present day, has left a significant mark on its identity. For politics...