At the completion of my first semester at Al Akhawayn University (AUI) as an assistant professor, I boarded a plane May 19th with two colleagues, Dr. John Shoup and Dr. Eric Ross, and several AUI students (Moroccan and exchange students from the United States) bound for an educational opportunity in Istanbul, Bursa, Iznik, and Edirne–The Imperial Cities of Turkey.
Auditing the International Field Seminar class, even during my first semester in Morocco, was not a mistake. The course presented me with my first but not my last trip to this Eurasian country.
Though I attended the presentation given by His Excellency Tunç Ügdül, Ambassador of Turkey to Morocco who came to our campus and shared perspectives on Modern Istanbul; visited several of Dr. Shoup’s classes; listened to guest lectures; and read several of the assigned readings, including Orhan Pamuk’s Istanbul: Memories and the City, which compelled me to experience the Bosphorus during an enchanting ferry ride on this treasured Turkish icon,
Turkey-in person was a living text.
The mere experience of walking the streets of Turkey, visiting its cultural and historical sites, and meeting its delightful people were the compelling victors for solidifying my appreciation for this thriving unique country. The Moroccan Muse, the portrait of my May memories, will show you exactly what I mean.
Enjoy,
Avis
P.S. The tree above may live some 800 years. One was often found in or near the courtyard of the mosques in Turkey. Just imagine if these trees could talk. You will understand such a comment when you explore the Moroccan Muse page and see a glimmer of what I observed and discovered.
Avis 