The day began with a synthesis. A synthesis is where class fellows share observations and is an opportunity to dig deeper into areas or subjects from the previous days seminars and travels. Topics discussed included the following: there is an aggressive focus on industry, the GAP water project will lead to a rebirth of agriculture in Turkey, the country’s streamlined bureaucracy (though flawed) pushing MAJOR infrastructure projects through. Additionally, the class commented how significant history is to the region dating back thousands of years and also reflected on the impact of female university students demanding their rights to choose to wear a headscarf at class, which was denied them until just recently. Dr. Thomas briefed the class on future travel into Israel as class members had been following developments regarding the Iranian Government’s announcement to locate two battleships to Syria via the Suez Canal. The synthesis ended with some closing comments by Dr. Perry who also delivered some very well deserved awards to fellows for feats accomplished thus far in our travels.
The day also included a walking tour of Gaziantep that included the ancient historical museum of Roman Mosaics, Antep Castle and a bustling Gaziantep Market Bazaar. The bazaar was a fabulous opportunity to expose the class to the people of Gaziantep. We saw small shops of various craftsmen offering their wares. The hardworking coppersmiths, shoemakers and silversmiths offered completed objects displayed out front as they sat behind, working on their next piece. Their shops consisted of not much more than a 5’ by 20’ space sandwiched between his fellow craftsmen. It was such an authentic feeling!
A dinner was arranged by Class 40 Mike Poindexter and involved approximately twenty Kurdish Businessman. These individuals represent Turkey agriculture, transportation, petroleum, banking, manufacturing and export. Topics included eco tourism, California agriculture and the current availability water, agriculture real estate in California, the European Union, social and cultural issues and U.S. investment opportunities in Turkey.
The Class ended with a late evening flight to Istanbul from Gaziantep and experienced an aborted landing due to weather and runway lighting malfunctions. The Pegasus Airline pilot made another attempt and we successfully landed arriving into our hotel at 1:00 AM on Sunday.
Erik Jertberg, Jim Shattuck and Jeff Boldt
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