Exploring Cultural Heritage Through Museums & Monuments
This course invites participants to discover host city’s rich cultural heritage by stepping beyond the classroom and into the city itself. Through guided visits to museums, historical landmarks, and monuments,Participants will explore the legacies of empires, religions, and communities that shaped İstanbul. Outdoor activities and site-based learning will provide an immersive experience.
Description
İstanbul is a city where history and culture come alive in every corner. This course offers an immersive journey into the city’s cultural heritage through visits to its world-famous museums, iconic monuments, and historic neighborhoods. Participants will learn about the diverse civilizations that shaped İstanbul, from the Byzantine and Ottoman Empires to the modern Republic, while experiencing the city as a living museum. Blending outdoor activities, site-based discussions, and hands-on exploration, the course provides a unique opportunity to connect with İstanbul’s past and understand its role in shaping today’s cultural identity.
Learning objectives
By the end of this course, participants will be able to:
- Recognize the key historical periods and cultural influences that shaped İstanbul.
- Explore museums, monuments, and historic sites as living sources of knowledge.
- Understand the significance of İstanbul’s cultural heritage in both local and global contexts.
- Develop an appreciation for the city’s diverse traditions, communities, and identities.
- Experience history through interactive learning, site visits, and outdoor activities.
- Reflect on the connections between past and present in shaping cultural heritage.
- Meet colleagues of different nationalities within EU,Engage in cross cultural learning experience, exchanges ideas and build a network for future international cooperation
- Enrich communication skills, improve foreign language competences.
- Gains broader understanding of the history , culture and people of the host country
Certification
Certification adheres to Erasmus+ KA1 Quality Standards, ensuring European recognition
- Certificate of Attendance (includes course title, venue, training hours, and provider details)
- Europass Mobility Document
- Learning Agreement & Erasmus Quality Commitment
Materials, digital tools & other learning resources
- Course Handbook: Includes key readings, maps, timelines, and background information on İstanbul’s history and cultural heritage.
- Museum & Site Guides: Official brochures, catalogs, and audio guides from visited museums and monuments.
- Digital Tools:
- Mobile apps for interactive maps and augmented reality experiences at heritage sites.
- Online archives and virtual collections from institutions such as Topkapı Palace, Hagia Sophia,
Methodology of the Course
The course is designed as an experiential learning journey. Instead of being confined to a classroom, participants will explore İstanbul through:
Guided museum visits to observe and analyze artifacts and exhibitions.
On-site lectures and discussions at historical monuments and neighborhoods.
Outdoor cultural activities to engage with local traditions and practices.
Group reflections and short presentations to share insights and perspectives.
This hands-on approach allows students to connect theory with lived experience, making cultural heritage both accessible and memorable.
Assessment will be based on active engagement and reflection rather than exams. Participants will be evaluated through:
Participation and engagement during site visits and activities
Reflective journals or field notes documenting personal observations
Group presentation/project on a selected museum, monument, or theme
This structure encourages critical thinking, collaboration, and personal connect
Course fee
- The courses start on Sunday afternoon and end on Saturday 13.00 (7 days).
- Fee for tuition and materials: 560 euro
- The courses for five days start on Sunday afternoon and end on Thursday (5 Days )
- Fee for tuition and material €400
- Administration Cost :0
Course Venues
İstanbul, Antalya, İzmir, Budapest, Rome, Amsterdam, Paris, Prague, Bucharest and Krakow
P.S: If you are a group of 6 or more,you can ask for a tailor made course at any place and date.
