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TUTKU NEWS |
Posted: March 13, 2013
 TUTKU
TOURS - TURKEY FAM TRIP GROUP IN
ALEXANDRIA TROAS
PARTICIPANTS FROM KILNS COLLEGE, BIBLE
INTERACT INSTITUTE, TRINITY SOUTHWEST
UNIVERSITY, NORTHWEST NAZARENE UNIVERSITY,
DUKE UNIVERSITY, LE TOURNEAU UNIVERSITY,
TYNDALE SEMINARY. |
Posted: February 11, 2013
Tutku Tours and the Biblical Archaeology
Magazine, in cooperation with the Turkish
Ministry of Culture, hosted a Gala Dinner at
New York’s sophisticated Hilton Hotel
located in the heart of Manhattan on Monday
evening, February 11, 2013.
We had two great lecturers who shared their
travel experiences about the biblical and
archaeological sites in Asia Minor, Turkey
with us; Dr. Ben Witherington from Asbury Theological
Seminary and Dr. Mark Fairchild from
Huntington University.
 Levent
Oral, President of Tutku Tours and Sarah
Yeomans, Director of Educational Programs at
Biblical Archaeology Society. |
Posted: January 23, 2013
Traditional annual TUTKU
TOURS dinner has been organized. Here we
celebrate the beginning of a new season.
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Posted: January 23, 2013
TUTKU TOURS –
Guide Seminar – January 23, 2013
Lecturer: Dr. Mark Wilson and Cumhur
Tanrýver
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Posted: January 13, 2013
 Tutku
Tours made a site inspection visit to
Pergamon. |
Posted: January 5, 2013
 Jina
Lyu from Huntington University, Indiana
started internship at Tutku Tours.
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Posted: November 18, 2012
TUTKU TOURS Annual Dinner
took place at the Park Grill Restaurant in
Chicago.
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Posted: October , 2012
 Mr.
Cenk Eronat and his Canadian Hiking Group in
Cappadocia. |
Posted: September 30, 2012
 Biblical
Archaeology Group photo in front of the
Celsus Library, Ephesus.
With Dr. Mark Wilson and tour guide Meltem
(Mel) Ciftci.
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Posted: September 25, 2012
 Tutku
Tours Canadian Group with Mr. Cenk Eronat at
Bagrati Cathedral in Kutaisi, Georgia.
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Posted: August 11, 2012
 TUTKU
TOURS made a site inspection visit to
Eskisehir.
Prof. Taciser Sivas gave a brief lecture
about the latest excavations in Dorylaeum.
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Posted: August 6, 2012
Prime Travel
Services and Tutku Tours made a site
inspection trip to Bodrum’s new popular
hotels.
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Posted: July 9, 2012
 SILLE
HAGHIA
SAINT HELENA CHURCH
Date :
327 AD
Built by : Mother of
Emperor Konstantin, Helena
Architect : Unknown
According to inscrition plate written in
Karaman language dated 1833 on the gate,
it was built in the name of Haghia Helena in
327. One of the earlier Anatolian churches
the Haghia Helena’s inscriptions also show
that there were many repairs done over the
year: in 1833, 1878 and the last one in
1880.
Haghia Helena church was build using rubble
stone and tuff of Sille region and in the
closed Greek cross plan. The iner
localities, the vaults and dome of the
church is decorated with frescoes containing
the illustrations of Jesus, Virgin Mary and
apostles. Inside the church There is a
wooden rostrum and a cage which are
decorated with stucco that separates apses
from the main premise. |
Posted: July 5, 2012
 TUTKU
TOURS donated Archaeological Maps and free
Turkey trip for two AIA members to be used
at the ARCHAEOLOGICAL INSTITUTE OF AMERICA (AIA)
www.archaeological.org GALA DINNER on
April 25, 2012 in NEW YORK.
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Archaeological Tour of
Turkey |
|
 The
AIA is grateful to Tutku
Tours, a world leader in
Classical and Biblical
tours, for donating a
wonderful auction item
at this yearís gala.
This Archaeological Tour
of Turkey will take you
on an unforgettable
venture into the history
and archaeological
discoveries in Asia
Minor. Available dates
(13 nights/14 Days,
starts/ends Istanbul)
include October 6-19,
2012; April 13-16, 2013,
May18-31, 2013, June
29-July 12, 2013,
September 7-20, 2013,
and October 5-18, 2013.
Rates are $1,890
pp/double or $2,380
pp/single.
Click for more
information or contact
Levent Oral for
questions and bookings
info@tutkutours.com.
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Posted: July 3, 2012
The new Izmir
Tourist Map has been prepared and published
by Tutku Tours. Konak municipality is the
main sponsor of the map.
Please click to view Izmir Map slide show
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Posted: June 15, 2012
JUNE 1-15, 2012
“SAILING WITH PAUL IN THE MEDITERRANEAN
TOUR” organized by Tutku Tours and the
Biblical Archaeological Society.
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“The journey from California
to Turkey crosses so many miles and
so many years. I awoke this morning
to gaze upon the beautiful blue
waters of Bodrum harbor and the 2400
year-old Greek temple on the
hillside. After lunch, the lovely
and graceful Sadri Usta motored our
diverse group of 12 interesting
people to the former port city of
Knidos. Here we wandered among the
ruins gazing upon the protected
harbor below us and conjured up
images of the beautiful statue of
Aphrodite who kept watch over her
community. A beutiful beginning for
the adventure.”
MARILYNN DUNN GUSTAFSON
“I would like to use this
opportunity to thank you for an
absolutely
stunning trip. It was beyond
expectations, so well organised and
no additional charges! I met
extraordinary people whom I hope
will be lifelong
friends. I enjoyed the sites, the
Gulet, the teachings, the excellent
hotels.
I will no doubt promote you as a
tour operator, and if all goes well,
be on one of your tours again in the
future.”
MONIQUE
TERBLANCHE |
“Every time I arrive in Turkey, I
always have the sense that I am, in
a way, coming home. But no matter
how many times I visit, there are
always new surprises and
experiences. There are very few
places in the world where one can
see a beautifully preserved temple
dedicated to Zeus just off the side
of the highway. Bodrum is delightful
with its beautiful Crusader castle
(part museum, part botanical garden
complete with peacocks!), charming
white buildings, and chic
nightclubs. It’s easy to see why it
is a magnet for vibrant people from
all over the world.”
SARAH YEOMANS
“Azure waters of the Mediterranean
Sea amaze me. To cross the same
waters as Paul did is a spiritual
thrill. On land, just as thrilling.
The whole day was one I will never
forget! A water taxi to the ruins.
A vigorous hike to near the top,
many ruins to see, and a wild ride
over
‘crashing waves’ back to the Gulet
with a ‘fish dinner’ to remember.”
CAMILLE
MADELEINE ROGERS
Fantastic and infirmative trip! The
ship and crew were fantastic. The
meals and accommodationswere second
to none.”
MARGIE
GERTRUDE MATOS |
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Posted: May 6, 2012
TUTKU TOURS AND FRIENDS HAD A
‘WELCOME TO 2012 SUMMER’ BREAKFAST PARTY AT
THE RAHATLA RESTAURANT IN URLA
www.rahatla.at
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Posted: March 31, 2012
New Cheap Flights make it
easy to include Cyprus into the tour
programs.
Bellapais Monastery |
View of Krenia from Hilarion Castle |
Frescoes from Salamis Church |
Love Stone in Salamis |
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Posted: March, 2012
  TUTKU
TOURS has prepared a “7 pages Turkey
promotion” section at the Mar/Apr issue of
the Biblical Archaeology Magazine.
Dr. Mark Wilson, Prof. Mark Fairchild, Dr.
Ben Witherington, Prof. Don Westblade,
Assoc. Prof. Linford Stutzman, and Prof.
Carl Rasmussen contributed by articles. |
Posted: February 7, 2012
TUTKU TOURS
hosted the SKAL CHICAGO group at a cocktail
at Swissotel Efes and dinner at Izmir
Hilton.
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Posted: January 24, 2012
TUTKU TOURS
Annual Company Dinner with the participation
of Westmont College students.
HOME STAYS
What the
students said about HOME DINNERS?
Sema and
Yagmur,
We had a wonderful time staying with you
both! The food you prepared was amazing, and
I certainly enjoyed talking with you after
dinner. Thank you so much for being so open
– both in your conversation and in your
home. We will miss you!
Hannah Ross
Coming to
your home, i felt very loved and happy
again. You can be my Turkish parents! I will
never forget you two and I hope that one day
if I come to Izmir again, Can will take me
to a Besiktas game and Damla can go shopping
with me :)
Kristin
Thanks so
much for hosting us ! I so much appreciated
your honesty + discussing politics last
night. I hope you’re well +safe this
year.Thanks again for welcoming us into your
home ! KRISTABEL
Thank you so much for having us in your
home.I liked the lovely food and the
openness in conversation. We will not forget
your generosity ! LAUREN |
Posted: January 24, 2012
TUTKU TOURS – Guide Seminar –
January 24, 2012
Lecturer: Dr. Mark Wilson
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Posted: December 27, 2011
 Mr.
Haldun Palanduz, Vice President of Tutku
Tours, and President of Izmir Skal Club,
gave Commemorative Certificates to past Skal
Izmir Presidents.
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Posted: December 26, 2011
TUTKU TOURS visited MUZIKSEV,
the new and only Music Museum and Voice
Library in Turkey.
Location: Ataturk Avenue, Alsancak, Izmir (accross
Alsancak Train Station) Ph: +90-232-482-0090
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Posted: December 7, 2011
Patrick Hotle and his
students from Culver Stockton College are
visiting Aegean University Archaeological
Excavations Photograph Exhibition.
Levent Oral, Prof. Dr. Nuran Sahin
Head of Claros Excavation, Patrick
Hotle, Macit Saszade. |
Aegean University Archaeological
Excavations Photograph Exhibition. |
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Posted: October 6, 2011
Tutku Tours offer Istanbul
Biennial Tours.
A small group from Santa Fe is touring the
workshop of Bedri Baykam, famous Turkish
painter.
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TUTKU TOURS made a site inspection trip to
Laodicea,
one of the Seven Churches of the Revelation.
There are new discovered churches in
Laodicea and the excavations are going fast.
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Posted: September 12, 2011
TUTKU TOURS made a site
inspection trip to
Hierapolis. Prof. Franceso D’Andrea
is giving information about the new
discovered church in Hierapolis. He believes
the tomb of
St. Philip
is located in that church.
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TUTKU TOURS made a site
inspection trip to Tarsus, birth place of
Paul.
Nadir Durgun, Tourism Advisor of
Tarsus Municipality, Dr. Mark and
Dindy Wilson, Levent and Natali
Oral, Cenk and Yesim Eronat, and
Haldun Palanduz. |
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Posted: July 29, 2011
Imaginary drawing of the Chapel at
the Colonaded Road, Soli-Pompeipolis
at 4th century. |
Foundation of the Chapel, July 2011. |
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Posted: July 26, 2011
TUTKU
TOURS made a site inspection trip to
Soli-Pompeipolis near
Mersin.
Haldun Palanduz, Prof. Remzi Yagci-Head of
the Excavations, Meltem Ciftci, Levent and
Natali Oral, Yesim Eronat, Mark and Dindy
Wilson, Cenk Eronat.
 
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Posted: June 30, 2011
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Posted: May 30, 2011
 EPHESUS
MEETING PROGRAM:
8:00 PM Introduction - Sema, Tutku Tours
Greeting and Speaker Introductions - Mark
Fairchild, Huntington University
First Paper - Mark Wilson, Asia Minor
Research Center "Roman Provinces in Asia
Minor: How Historical Geography Can Help Us
Make Sense of the Biblical Text."
Second Paper - Linford Stutzman, Eastern
Mennonite University "Sailing Acts with Paul
on the Mediterranean Sea"
Third Paper - Ben Witherington, Asbury
Seminary "The Gobeckli Tepe Temple and the
Nature of Humanity--- Are we Inherently
Religious?"
Concluding Prayer |
Posted: May 23-24-25, 2011
 TUTKU
TOURS – HOME STAYS: Listen to them!
"I really enjoyed the homestay, because
I felt like we really were immersed in the
Turkish Culture for the first time and the
home cooked meals were delicious. (çok nefis
!) It was my favorite part of the trip ! I
always feel that by experiencing something
first hand you learn more and I was really
able to get a feel what everyday life is
like for these families by living with them.
Sevda was so welcoming and hospitable as was
Sema."
Teagan Bohn
"I guess what I learned the most is that you
can not assume things about what your
experience will be like. You have to be
willing to have an open mind to the culture,
relationship interactions and food. I had a
lovely time at Sema’s. She was such a fun
yet kind woman who made my time there feel
like I was at home. Her hospitality was
greatly appreciated !"
Rochelle Book
"Hanging out with Damla’s group of
friends to experience the casual atmosphere
and getting to know her grandparents, the
older generation. I also enjoyed trying the
homecooked meals."
Amanda Alexander |
Posted: May 12, 2011
 Mr.
Haldun Palanduz, Vice President of Tutku
Tours (also President of Skal Izmir),
together with Ertugrul Gunay, Turkish
Minister of Culture and Tourism.
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Posted: April 25, 2011
 The
new Turkey Study Abroad web site has been
activated by Tutku Tours with new products
for Student Groups.
URL:
turkeystudyabroad.com |
Posted: March 16 - April 4, 2011
HIKING GROUP AT LYCIAN
WAY
"We are back
from the abroad, kind of unpacked, sort of
rested, and back into the regular class
schedule. It really was a remarkable time of
exploring Islam and primitive Christianity.
Students made some beautiful connections
with what both religions are really about at
their core. Thank you for helping us set up
this program. We really enjoyed learning
from Cenk." - Bobby Lewis -
Director
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Posted: March 7, 2011
 The
new Art Tours in Turkey web site has been
activated by Tutku Tours with new products
for Art Groups.
URL:
arttoursinturkey.com
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Posted: February 21, 2011
 The
new Alumni World Tours web site has been
activated by Tutku Tours with new products
for Alumni Groups.
URL:
alumniworldtours.com |
Posted: February 14, 2011
 Tutku
Tours Paper Marbling Demonstration.
Paper Marbling
is a method of making design on water
surface, which can produce patterns similar
to smooth marble or other stone. The
patterns are the result of color painting
floated on either plain water or a viscous
solution, and then carefully transferred to
an absorbent paper.
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Posted: January 26, 2011
 Traditional
annual TUTKU TOURS dinner has been
organized. Here we celebrate the beginning
of a new season. |
Posted: January 14-21, 2011
 The
University of Montana students visited
Turkey.
Our trip with Tuktu Tours was flawless. Ours
was a large group, many of whom, had never
traveled to Turkey, let alone been abroad.
Our guide, Cenk Eronat, could not have been
better prepared to meet our needs nor more
gracious in introducing us to the
complexities and charms of his homeland. He
was bright and engaging, spoke English
fluently and clearly, was quick to respond
to the group’s particular interests and
special needs, while keeping our itinerary
on track. Our lodgings were perfect and all
of our connections smooth and efficient.
Bravo Tutku Tours and bravo Turkey!
Department of Art History
The University of Montana
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Posted: November 07, 2010
 Tutku
Tours breakfast at Cafe 35, owned by licensed
tour guide Ayse Durak.
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Posted: September 29, 2010
 Tutku
Tours organized Home Dinners for a Church
Group from California. Participants
expressed that this was the highlight of the
trip.
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Posted: September 28, 2010
 Tutku
Tours hosted a Dinner with the participation
of Prof. Karl P. Donfried and his wife Kathy
and their grandaughter, Dr. Mark Wilson,
Stephanie Bucklew, Sharon Holl, Levent Oral
and the tour guide Dilaver (Del). |
Posted: September 15, 2010
 Tutku
Tours guide Caglar Akar recently had twin
boys. |
Posted: August 10, 2010
Tutku Team visited Janet Crisler at her
new house in Kusadasi.
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Posted: July 20, 2010
 Tutku Tours
made a site inspection visit to Zeugma and Gaziantep
Museum.
From left to right: Dr. Mark Wilson, Prof. Kutalmis
Gorkay-Head of Zeugma Excavations, Cenk Eronat and
Levent Oral. |
Posted: July 3 - 25, 2010
 KANSAS
LAW SCHOOL UNIVERSITY
TURKEY AEGEAN TOUR
Tutku Tours was honored to host Kansas Law School
University on their Aegean Tour of Turkey. |
Posted: June 1 - 17, 2010
 HOME
STAY
Tutku Tours provided Westmont College Student Group
with Turkish Family Home Stays. This gave the
students a deeper experience of Turkish life and
culture.
Damla and Family,
Thank you so much for having us in your home.
The meals were amazing great cooking and we truly
enjoyed talking with you all. Thank you for giving
us a good time around town. Good memories. We can’t
wait to hear from you soon and hopefully see each
other again someday in Turkey or America. Come
visit.
Thank you again for hospitality.
With love,
Hilley & Kristin, Westmont College |
Posted: May 29 - Jun 5, 2010
 TUTKU
TOURS SPECIAL GULET TRIP FROM FETHIYE TO MYRA
Participants: Dr. Ben Witherington, Dr. Mark and
Dindy Wilson, Sarah Yeomans, Prof. Mark Fairchild,
Mr Levent and Mrs Natali Oral, Mr Cenk and
Mrs Yesim
Eronat, Ms Meltem Ciftci.
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Posted: May 20-24, 2010
THE EPHESUS CELEBRATION MEETING WAS HELD IN EPHESUS
ON MAY 23, 2010, AND HOSTED MORE THAN 1,600 PEOPLE.
Hi Levent,
I appreciate for your partnership for
this event and also to all of TUTKU
staff.
Simon Lee
Mr. Cenk,
I would like to thank you for all the
support, assistance, and cooperation
that you have shown me for past three
days. I am especially grateful for your
understanding and patience in midst of
many miscommunications. It really was a
joy to work with you.
Wish you a good rest and hope to see you
again. :)
Sincerely,
Peter Choe
Levent Bey,
We were participants in the Efes 2010
event this past weekend, so we were
privileged to see how well your staff
worked. The organization was very
thorough and very smooth. Thank you for
all your work!
Ruth Clark
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Posted: May 12, 2010
 Ben
Witherington and his group from Austin
Graduate School of Theology visited the Cave
Church of Paul and Thecla in Ephesus,
Turkey. The Cave Church visit is not open to
public. The group reached the Cave after a
20 minutes walk beginning from the exit of
the Terrace Houses. |
Posted:
April 13, 2010
 TUTKU
TOURS visited the latest Smyrna Agora
excavations together with Dr. Akin Ersoy,
Head of Smyrna Excavations. From left to
right: Dr. Akin Ersoy, Levent Oral, Haldun
Palanduz, Dr. Mark Wilson and his wife Dindy,
Cenk Eronat. |
Posted:
February 25, 2010
 TUTKU
TOURS
organized a seminar about the Christian
denominations for licensed tour guides.
Lecturer :
Dr.
Mark Wilson, Ph.D., Director,
Asia Minor Research Center and Seven
Churches Network Visiting Professor of Early
Christianity, Regent University
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Posted: January 19, 2010
 Traditional
annual TUTKU TOURS dinner has been
organized. Here we celebrate the beginning
of a new season. |
