Turkey figures prominently into the backdrop of biblical history and the earliest church communities.
None of these places are holy sites. We’re not offering sacred pilgrimages. But, at the same time, we’d be remiss not to invite you to the deeply enriching experience of tasting and seeing the places the Bible describes to us. Throughout the Bible, God was pleased to work in real people, people who lived in real places, people who had to cross real terrain, people who spent their lives seeking to walk faithfully in real places that you can come and see.
Kieler has been an expat since 2016 and has visited over two dozen countries. He holds a Master of Theology as well as a Master of Business Administration. He spent years as a college admissions counselor, giving him insight into the the needs of students of all ages. He also served as Director of Communications, where he was responsible for multiple magazines and marketing campaigns for events involving 50,000+ visitors. This has given him a wealth of experience in taking the ideas from someone's mind and making them reality.
We work directly with trusted locals. (Heard of sustainable sourcing? Well, meet sustainable traveling). Ever been to a new hotel only to discover it needed some TLC since they took the photos? Hence, we vet. Each of us is unique—we weren't made for a one-size-fits-all package. We cater travel experiences to suit your specs and expand your horizons. Need ideas? We have plenty of those. Have some ideas? We'd love to hear them.
Osman is the owner of Can Carpets and an enthusiastic carpet expert. Osman was determined to take traditional Turkish carpet weaving to new heights since his early years in his father's renowned carpet shop. He developed a profound understanding of carpet quality and authenticity through extensive travel and rigorous study throughout Anatolia.
Osman and his talented team are now producing exquisite handmade carpets using hand-spun wool and natural dyes derived from indigenous plant sources, motivated by a desire to revive the genuine craftsmanship of this ancient art form. He is dedicated to developing the next generation of artisans and offers comprehensive training and support to young women in the intricate art of carpet weaving. Through his vision and unwavering dedication, Osman has revitalized traditional Turkish carpet making, ensuring its survival in the twenty-first century while providing discerning customers with the opportunity to own a piece of Turkey's rich cultural heritage, meticulously crafted with the utmost respect for tradition and quality.
Serkan founded Cafe Friendzone 3rd Wave Coffee & Roastery in 2015 in the Özkanlar district of Bornova, Izmir. Driven by a passion for exceptional coffee, his mission is to take the "Specialty Coffee" movement in Turkey and around the world to new heights in the Izmir region. Serkan has positioned Friendzone as the gold standard of delectable and premium coffee experiences, offering meticulously roasted beans sourced from the finest cultivars.
Aside from its unwavering commitment to quality, Friendzone is committed to educating and empowering coffee enthusiasts through an extensive curriculum of workshops and training programs. These initiatives ensure that customers not only enjoy the superior flavors, but also gain a deep appreciation for the art and science of specialty coffee, from cultivation to roasting and preparation.
Esra is a calligraphy artist who adorns plates and wood with intricate Turkish-themed designs. Each piece demonstrates her exceptional talent, as she meticulously creates custom calligraphy tailored to the client's preferences. With a careful eye for detail and a deep appreciation for the art form, Esra's creations are more than just decorative pieces; they are outstanding works of art that elevate any space they grace. Her ability to seamlessly blend traditional Turkish aesthetics with calligraphic styles has made her work beloved by her customers.
Hazel is an expert in the ancient art of handcrafted parchment making. At her "Bergama Paper Parchment" studio in Bergama, Turkey, she continues a tradition that began thousands of years ago in the birthplace of parchment. Using skins sourced from local butchers and leather producers in the Pergamon region, Hazel prepares each hide using labor-intensive processes and ancient tools and methods, avoiding modern chemicals. Her parchments are authentic recreations of those used for biblical texts and early codices, connecting us to our common history. Hazel's craft upholds millennia-old techniques, right where parchment originated. Each piece exemplifies the beauty of artisanal skills passed down through generations.
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