Oklahoma Senator Gary Stanislawski (from District 35) met with Turkish community of Tulsa at The Institute of Interfaith Dialog’s (IID) Tulsa office on Friday, January 14. Several members of the community, totaled more than 50 attended the event. Senator Stanislawski talked about his experience about his recent trip to Turkey which was organized by IID in the summer of 2010.
Senator started his presentation with a small discussion he had with an Oklahoma House member who joined one of the earlier trips of similar kind. The house member described the trip as “life changing”. “Life changing is a strong phrase”, Senator said he thought. “However, I saw it was true after spending a couple of days in Turkey. The presentation was followed by a power-point slide show composed of beautiful pictures from Turkey including the places visited, food and people that had the chance to meet with Oklahoma delegation. Senator Stanislawski told the audience told the audience that his views on Turkey, Turkish Culture and Islam have changed in a positive and constructive way during his journey. He described the trip as “eye-opening” and he said he would recommend this trip as it has more to offer than any standard visit to a country. Senator was asked what would be his main take-away from the trip. “The places were all historical and interesting, food was great, the environment was marvelous, but my pick is the people of Turkey. I made great friend and I realized there are people who care about others. Senator Stanislawski also talked about his visits to schools, a hospital and Journalists and Writers Foundation and he mentioned his appreciation for Hizmet (Service) Movement which was initiated by Mr. Fethullah Gulen. Senator said the approach of education that the movement is taking, is a perfect solution for the problems the world is facing. Senator thanked those in attendance and shared several delicious homemade Turkish food including baklava and tea. The members in attendance enjoyed the presentation as one said he wants to go with one of these trips. “Although my parents are originally from Turkey, I think I will have a better understanding of my country if I go with this trip as I have not lived in Turkey my entire life” she said.
A closer look into Intercultural Dialog Trips to Turkey
- Tulsa
Oklahoma Senator Gary Stanislawski (from District 35) met with Turkish community of Tulsa at The Institute of Interfaith Dialog’s (IID) Tulsa office on Friday, January 14. Several members of the community, totaled more than 50 attended the event. Senator Stanislawski talked about his experience about his recent trip to Turkey which was organized by IID in the summer of 2010.
Senator started his presentation with a small discussion he had with an Oklahoma House member who joined one of the earlier trips of similar kind. The house member described the trip as “life changing”. “Life changing is a strong phrase”, Senator said he thought. “However, I saw it was true after spending a couple of days in Turkey. The presentation was followed by a power-point slide show composed of beautiful pictures from Turkey including the places visited, food and people that had the chance to meet with Oklahoma delegation. Senator Stanislawski told the audience told the audience that his views on Turkey, Turkish Culture and Islam have changed in a positive and constructive way during his journey. He described the trip as “eye-opening” and he said he would recommend this trip as it has more to offer than any standard visit to a country. Senator was asked what would be his main take-away from the trip. “The places were all historical and interesting, food was great, the environment was marvelous, but my pick is the people of Turkey. I made great friend and I realized there are people who care about others. Senator Stanislawski also talked about his visits to schools, a hospital and Journalists and Writers Foundation and he mentioned his appreciation for Hizmet (Service) Movement which was initiated by Mr. Fethullah Gulen. Senator said the approach of education that the movement is taking, is a perfect solution for the problems the world is facing. Senator thanked those in attendance and shared several delicious homemade Turkish food including baklava and tea. The members in attendance enjoyed the presentation as one said he wants to go with one of these trips. “Although my parents are originally from Turkey, I think I will have a better understanding of my country if I go with this trip as I have not lived in Turkey my entire life” she said.
