【2024/8/31-2024/9/9】Went to Turkey, the crossroads of Europe and Asia, with Professor Xu Jilin from the Department of History of East China Normal University
In addition to traveling together and exchanging ideas throughout the whole process, Professor Xu Jilin will also bring three major special lectures
Istanbul: The History of Two Imperial Capitals, A Civilized State Torn Apart: Turkey's Past and Present, China-EU Relations and China-US Relations in the New World Landscape
For details, please scan the code for consultation
Study Tour Instructor
Distinguished Professor of East China Normal University
Xu Jilin
Born in 1957, he is the winner of the first "Wenjin Award" of the National Library of China. Zijiang Distinguished Professor of East China Normal University, doctoral supervisor of the Department of History. He is the executive vice president of the Simian Institute for Advanced Study of Humanities and a member of the Academic Committee of East China Normal University. He is the vice president and secretary general of the Shanghai Historical Society, a director of the Chinese Historical Society, a member of the Shanghai Philosophy and Social Science Federation, and a member of the editorial board of the journal "21st Century" of the University of Chinese Hong Kong. His research interests include the history of Chinese thought and intellectuals in the twentieth century, as well as the study of contemporary Chinese culture. He has been a visiting scholar at Chinese University of Hong Kong, the Australian National University, the National University of Singapore, and Harvard University. He is the author of "Ten Treatises on Chinese Intellectuals", "Enlightenment and Counter-Enlightenment in Contemporary China", "The Spiritual History of a Nation", "How Enlightenment Comes Back to Life: The Ideological Dilemma of Modern Chinese Intellectuals", "Establishing a Life: Intellectuals in the Great Era", "Pulsating China: Xu Jilin's 50 Traditional Culture Lessons", "Family and Country and the World: Individual, National and World Identity in Modern China", etc.
Highlights of the trip
- Avoid the flow of summer tour groups, and don't worry about crowding in scenic spots;
- Visit the world cultural heritage, focusing on the unique historical and cultural routes;
- A famous city across Europe and Asia, a three-day in-depth tour of Istanbul's historic city;
- From the perspective of comparative civilization and modernization, Professor Xu Jilin has a unique interpretation from Byzantium, Ottoman to contemporary Turkey.
When seventy Ottoman ships suddenly appeared in the sky over the Golden Horn, the giant ship of history seemed to be violently propelled. At that moment, the twin eagle flags, which had been flying for thousands of years, slowly fell in the wind and were replaced by a brand new red star and moon flag, and the glorious history of the Eastern Roman Empire was also carved here.
Since then, the 1,100-year-old "Constantinople" has been renamed "Istanbul" and has become a symbol of a new era. The "Ottoman Empire" rose from the ruins, replacing the "Roman Empire", which lasted for 1,500 years, and opened a new chapter in history.
The course of world history, here and now, has changed dramatically. The Middle Ages in Europe had come to an end at this time, and a series of major events that affected the course of human civilization began to be staged, such as the Age of Discovery, the Renaissance, and the Reformation.
Turkey, a mysterious place across the Eurasian continent, is not only a bridge between Eastern and Western civilizations, but also a picture scroll of Christianity, Judaism and Islam, and an important hub for global trade.
It carries nearly 4,000 years of history and culture, and those "cultural heritages" that have been precipitated in time are like a thick historical scroll, silently telling the past and glory of this land.
This summer, let's follow in the footsteps of Professor Xu Jilin and set foot on this land full of charm. Explore, feel, and understand Turkey's evolution from ancient to modern times, and get a glimpse of its true face.
Part of the attractions
A place of faith and history
Blue Mosque
Formerly known as the Sultan Ahmet Mosque, it is one of the famous landmarks in Istanbul, Turkey. Built in the early 17th century, the mosque is famous for its interior walls decorated with blue and white tiles, hence its name.
Faith and History
It is in the Byzantine style and has a unique dome and six minarets that symbolize the six faiths of Islam.
A masterpiece of Ottoman architecture, the Blue Mosque attracts a large number of tourists every year to experience its rich history and cultural heritage.
A clever combination of aesthetics and mechanics
Blue Mosque
Under the Blue Mosque, we analyze its architectural structure, and interpret the development history and mechanical characteristics of the dome.
Here, it is possible to learn the symmetrical aesthetics of mosque architecture and the typical features of Islamic architecture, and look for the symmetrical artistic design of the Blue Mosque.
When we understand the significance of mosques to Islam, we may find evidence that the blue mosque represents the power of the Ottoman Empire.
The glory of the former empire
Topkapi Palace
Located in the old city of Istanbul, Topkapi Palace is the former royal palace of the Ottoman Empire and is now a museum. The palace consists of four courtyards and numerous small buildings, and was once home to about 4,000 people. Weathered by earthquakes and fires, the palace still stands and bears witness to the rise and fall of the Ottoman Empire.
Today, the palace houses a large collection of armour, Ottoman miniatures, original Islamic calligraphy, frescoes and jewels, which are masterpieces of Ottoman architecture.
In 1985, Topkapi Palace was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site along with the adjacent historical heritage site, offering a glimpse of the former empire's splendour.
The imposing Shingu Palace
Dolmabahce Palace
Also known as the New Palace, it is located on the western shore of the Bosphorus in Istanbul, Turkey. It was built in the mid-19th century by the 31st Sultan of the Ottoman Empire, Abdul Mejid I. The palace building stretches for 600 meters along the strait and is a magnificent blend of Ottoman era features and European architectural styles.
The rooms in the palace are magnificent, the Turkish baths are gorgeous and extravagant, and the scenery at the palace entrance is beautiful and pleasant. Dolmabahce Palace is an important cultural heritage in Turkey and one of the famous tourist attractions in Istanbul.
Historic domed church
Hagia Sophia
Hagia Sophia, located in Istanbul, Turkey, is almost 1,500 years old and is the main church of the Byzantine Empire, famous for its huge dome and a representative of Byzantine architecture.
Originally a Christian court chapel, the cathedral was converted into a mosque in 1453 AD.
Today, it is a museum with a beautifully decorated interior that showcases a rich historical and cultural heritage and is one of the important tourist attractions in Istanbul. In 1985, Hagia Sophia was inscribed on the World Heritage List.
Under the guidance of local lecturers, we analyzed the architectural structure of Hagia Sophia and explained the history of the development of the dome structure.
Interpret the characteristics of Hagia Sophia, compare the similarities and differences between its architectural features and mosques, and analyze the structural causes of Hagia Sophia.
Learn about the history of the development of Christianity, understand the significance of churches to Christianity, and find the basis for their representation of the strength of the Byzantine Empire.
A treasure trove of civilizational exchanges
Egyptian obelisk
The Egyptian Obelisk in Turkey is a treasure of ancient Egyptian civilization that was later transported to Turkey and became one of Istanbul's famous landmarks. The obelisk, known for its spired, column-like shape and intricate hieroglyphic carvings, embodies the high artistic and cultural character of the ancient Egyptians.
It is not only a monument to the worship of the sun in ancient Egypt, but also a symbol of the authority of the pharaohs, representing the splendor and glory of ancient Egyptian civilization. In Turkey, this obelisk bears witness to the exchange and integration of different civilizations.
After understanding the origin, development, and place of the obelisk in ancient Egyptian civilization, we explore the symbolic significance of the obelisk as a sun god worship and its role in religious rituals.
Return to ancient Roman civilization
The ancient city of Ephesus
The ancient city of Ephesus, located in western Turkey, is the site of a bustling city during the Roman Empire.
繁华·古城
The ancient city preserves a large number of exquisite architectural relics, such as marble streets, temples, theaters, etc., showing the splendor of ancient Roman civilization. Walking through it, it is like stepping back in time to that prosperous era.
The ancient city of Ephesus is not only a paradise for history buffs, but also a great place to experience the charm of ancient Roman culture.
We will go to the site of the Temple of Artemis for a field trip to observe the ruins, pillars and carvings of the temple, analyze the architectural style, structural features and decorative arts of the temple, and summarize the common characteristics of Greek architecture.
Here you can find the reason why the Temple of Artemis is one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World.
White as cotton, shaped like a castle
Pamukkale
Pamukkale is located in the southwest of Turkey and gets its name from its unique landform that is as white as cotton and resembles a castle.
The reason for this is that the underground hot spring water is rich in minerals, which flows down the hillside over the years, washing the limestone terrain into a stepped shape and precipitating the minerals to form layers of white calcified landscape.
It is a symbol of natural wonder and a testament to history, attracting countless tourists to explore and enjoy the hot springs.
We enjoy the hot springs, close our eyes, listen to the sounds of nature, feel the flow of the hot spring water around our bodies, and let our minds be completely relaxed and purified.
The cultural imprint of the ruined walls
The ruins of Hierapolis
The ruins of Hierapolis, located in the Denizli province of Turkey, were a Greco-Roman spa resort.
The ruins can be seen in the ruins such as a stepped semicircular field, baths, and mausoleums, showing the prosperity of the time. Although it was damaged by the earthquake, it still exudes the charm of history.
It is not only a witness to history, but also a cultural inheritance, attracting countless tourists to explore.
Here, we will learn about the history of the ancient city of Hierapolis, restore the life scenes of the ancient city, and look for the relics and symbols of ancient Greek culture.
Billing of fees
【Time】
August 31 - September 9
(10 Days 8 Nights)
【Route】
Istanbul - Canakkale - Ayvalek - Izmir - Kusadasi - Pamukkale - Antalya
[Meeting/Dismissal]
Istanbul, Turkey
【Number of people】
Small group size, up to 20 people
【Fee Inquiry】
Quick facts about the itinerary
【8/31】
Istanbul (World Heritage)
Pick-up in Istanbul in the morning
Pierre Loti Hilltop overlooking the Golden Horn, the Jewish Quarter of Balat, the Valence Aqueduct, the Suleymaniye Mosque, the Bosphorus (1-hour cruise)
住宿：Burdock Hotel Istanbul, Autograph Collection 或同级5*
【9/1】
Istanbul (World Heritage)
Galata Tower (exterior), Ortakoy Mosque, Taksim Street, Museum of Innocence, Pera Museum, Dolmabahce Palace
住宿：Burdock Hotel Istanbul, Autograph Collection 或同级5*
Xu Jilin special lecture 1
【9/2】
Istanbul (World Heritage)
Sultanahmet Square, Colosseum, Serpentine Columns, Obelisks, Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque, Basilica Cistern, Topkapi Palace, Archaeological Museum, Grand Bazaar
住宿：Burdock Hotel Istanbul, Autograph Collection 或同级5*
【9/3】
Istanbul - Canakkale
Ferry ride across the Dardanelles, the ancient ruins of Troy (World Heritage Site)
住宿：DOUBLETREE BY HILTON CANAKKALE 或同级5*
【9/4】
Canakkale Ayvalek - Izmir
The ruins of Athos, the ruins of the Temple of Athena, the ruins of the ancient city of Pergamum, the central square of Izmir and the bell tower
住宿：KAYA THERMAL 或同级5*
Xu Jilin Special Lecture II
【9/5】
Izmir - Kusadasi - Pamukkale
Ephesus Ancient City Ruins (World Heritage Site), Artemis, Xilinjian Town, Aphrodisias Ruins (World Heritage Site)
住宿：RICHMOND THERMAL 或同级5*
【9/6】
Pamukkale - Antalya
Pamukkale and the ancient city of Hierapolis (World Heritage Site, optional hot air balloon ride)
住宿：HOLIDAY INN-LARA 或同级5*
Xu Jilin Lecture 3
【9/7】
Antalya - Istanbul
Aspendos Ancient Theatre, Antalya Museum, Kalejć Old Town
Fly to Istanbul in the evening
住宿：Burdock Hotel Istanbul, Autograph Collection 或同级5*
【9/8】
istanbul
Fly from Istanbul to China at noon
【9/9】
Arrive in China
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