“My experience during the program From Anatolia to Europe is filled with enjoyment. During the period from 1st to 11th June, I had a great time meeting all the participants as well as the organizers. Our stay at WOW Hotel was outstanding, the rooms were clean and the food was tasty. During our workshops, we made sure to engage in conversations regarding our traditional and cultural differences and I am grateful for this. It allowed us to get a better understanding of how all of us are similar to a certain extent as well as make us as individuals more familiar with each other. The festival, was huge and we had an opportunity to use tools of other people’s cultures, and try new arts such as Ebru. The entertaining program of the festival was the most fun part. It portrays how cultures from Central Asia and Turkiye showcase their heritage. The organization and the organizers made sure we had a great time. My favorite part was interacting with other people, their cultures, and traditions. Friendships that we got a chance to create will last for a lifetime I hope so, and I am very grateful that we got a chance to travel to such a city as Istanbul and create unforgettable memories. The object of this programme is something that I would like to be more talked about seeing as the only way for people to cherish their differences is by knowing them. Memories I have created are something great to think about for the rest of my life.”
– Samra Salkica“I had the wonderful opportunity to join the Youth Exchange project titled “Inter-Civilizational Culinary Arts from Anatolia to Europe,” held from June 1st to June 11th, 2024. Throughout the project, we participated in various enjoyable workshops where I learned about different cultures and met incredibly talented people. Each workshop was special in its own way, but I have to single out some that I particularly enjoyed. Making flower bracelets, ebru bookmarks, wood carving, archery competition and watching all the talented people who filled the festival with their talent, by dancing, acting, singing, were the moments I enjoyed the most. The hotel where we stayed was fantastic, providing a comfortable stay and the meals we had were really delicious, offering us Turkish specialties every day that truly impressed. One of the best parts of the project was connecting with a diverse group of people from around the world. I made new friends whom I know I can rely on, and they can count on me too. Looking back, this experience was incredibly wonderful and helpful. I learned about different culinary traditions and cultures, and the friendships I formed made it even more special. I’m grateful for being part of such a meaningful and memorable project.” – Sumeja Huskić
“From June 1st to June 11th, 2024, I had the privilege of participating in the Youth Exchange project titled “ Inter-Civilizational Culinary Arts from Anatolia to Europe “ . I am incredibly grateful for this opportunity, as it allowed me to explore different cultures, try new experiences and forge new friendships . During this project we got a chance to engage in various different workshops, my personal favourites were: Ebru, silk flowers workshop , glass workshop… But what I enjoyed the most was witnessing many different cultures and traditions and their intersection throughout history. The festival gave us a chance to see many talented people and artists who gave this festival even more character and charm. Our accommodation, Hotel WOW, was exceptional from the hygiene and service to hospitality and entertainment. The hotel’s offerings allowed us to enjoy numerous Turkish delicacies. However, the most rewarding part of the project was the chance to connect with people from various countries. Even in our free time, we learned so much about each other’s cultures and countries. Reflecting on this experience, it was truly enriching and impactful. I gained insights into diverse culinary traditions and cultures, and the bonds I formed with others added a unique touch. I’m thankful for being involved in such a significant and unforgettable project” – Lejla Smajlović
“Although it has been almost 7 days since I returned from the Erasmus+ youth exchange as part of the “Inter-civilizational culinary art from Anatolia to Europe” project, a completely new kind of adventure and challenge in my life, which lasted from June 1 to June 11, 2024, I am still under the euphoria of Istanbul, socializing, workshops, festivals and learning through fun. Just as the very name of the hotel “Hotel Wow” where we stayed during the project suggests, for me, along with the service at the hotel, this experience was exactly that; Wow! The project was a symphony of workshops where I enjoyed presenting the cuisine of my country, its history of taste and a somewhat more modern version, but also getting to know the same elements in the kitchens of other countries. At the beginning of the festival, we started with some more practical challenges such as making flower decorations, drawing and calligraphy workshops. The highlight of the project itself was turning the differences of our cultures into their beauty. The participants of the festival presented their cultures on stage with dancing, singing, games and food at the stands. The horse riding workshop really left an indelible mark on my heart, that’s when I felt freedom. With comments and applause from colleagues, everything was more fun. Thanks to this project, my cultural and culinary horizons were expanded, and some prejudices were broken. As I reflect on this incredible journey, I am grateful to be a part of such a meaningful project that celebrates unity in diversity.” – Armina Imamović
“I had an opportunity to participate in the “Culinary Arts from Anatolia to Europe” project in Istanbul at the beginning of June. This was a really groundbreaking experience for me. First of all, I had to step outside of my social bubble and interact with new people. I had a chance to communicate with friendly individuals with diverse backgrounds and views. They all had an authentic story behind them, and I had a wonderful time talking about habits in general and their traditional cuisine in particular. Aside from the other participants, I must add that the trainers were also extremely kind to me, and I never felt uncomfortable. Through this project, I was also able to go to a festival, which opened my eyes to a completely different aspect of Asian culture. Walking around the festival, participating in workshops using centuries-old artist techniques, and enjoying traditional music gave me the impression that little bits of history were being etched into my heart. My greatest festival experience was seeing people perform their traditional dances, which made me feel as though their country’s history was displayed in front of my eyes. Exploring Turkye and Central Asia’s rich cultural heritage through the festival has certainly opened my eyes to the beauty of diversity, and I look forward to creating more memories in this enchanting country. I think this experience will always hold a special place in my heart and mind.” – Mubina Hodžić
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