So the legend, Omid Safi (YES, the author of the fantastic book Memories of Muhammad) is planning a group trip to Turkey.  And honestly, I can't think of anyone BETTER to go to Turkey with; you will return from this trip in a state of proto-enlightenment.  And its SUPER cheap compared to what you are getting for it, and the fact that you are traveling with OMID SAFI, damn, that is priceless in and of itself.  All people are welcome and loved.    

You can find all the information here, but for your convenience here is a brief overview:

May 17th - June 2nd 2011

Site of the trip
This education tour will take place in Turkey, with about half of the time being spent in historical Istanbul (Constantinople), the capital of the Byzantine and Ottoman empires. Istanbul is truly one of the great and scenic cities of the world, and during our week there we will be seeing a wide range of mosques, churches, synagogues, palaces, and museums.  In addition, I will use my wide network of contacts in Turkey to have us meet with various scholars, writers, religious leaders, and artists.  The focus of the trip is simultaneously the rich religious heritage of Turkey as well as the multi-layered history.  Particular close attention is given to the Turkish experience of Islam, and Islamic mysticism.

Time
We are to meet in Istanbul on May 18th, and leave there on June 2nd. Late May-Early June is the most pleasant season of the year to be in Turkey, and you should expect comfortable weather in the 70’s and 80’s, with plenty of sunshine. 

Cost
The cost of the trip will depend on the final enrollment, as Turkish hotels and facilities offer discounts based on the size of the group. If we end up with 15 people (or more), we should be able to keep the cost of the Land-portion per person at $2650. That amount will include the following:    
*Four star hotel accommodation in Turkey for the entire trip
*All breakfasts (in Turkey breakfasts are lavish, all-you-care-to-eat style of meals). Think of them as an all-you-care-to-eat brunch everyday! They are amazing feasts.
*Large, air-conditioned bus for all travel outside of Istanbul
*Licensed Tour guide for travel outside of Istanbul
*All tickets for the museums, shrines, and sites
*Domestic flight in Turkey, from Konya to Istanbul

There are incidental expenses that are not covered. These would include all lunches and dinners, laundry expenses, plus the tipping amount for our bus driver and travel agency tour guide. Since the participants are arriving from different places and may head in different directions, the cost of the international ticket is also not included in the Land-portion cost.

Istanbul is a great place for shopping, with carpets, pashmina shawls, jewelry, ceramic plates being high on most people’s lists. I am more than happy to make some recommendations, but naturally the cost of your souvenir shopping is not included!

Previous tours
Here are some photos from the previous tours that Tekser and I have led, to help you visualize your experience.
http://picasaweb.google.com/omidsafi/Turkey2009SummerProgramPictures# [2009 trip]
http://picasaweb.google.com/omidsafi/Turkeyparadise2008# [2008 trip]
http://picasaweb.google.com/omidsafi/TurkeyStudyAbroadProgram2006# [2006 trip]