An in-depth look at Richmond’s Immersive Study Abroad Experience to Istanbul, led by Dr Catherine Dille.
The group in front of the Galata Tower
During the Spring 2025 Tutorial Week (12-15 March), Richmond undergraduate and postgraduate students had a unique chance to visit Istanbul, one of the world’s most historic cities, deepening their understanding of history and art. Organised by Dr Catherine Dille and the Tokay Fund, students from various academic levels and disciplines, including art history, international relations, advertising, and public relations, had a transformative opportunity to broaden their worldview and explore a society that has distinguished itself as one of the most notable in the world.
Academic and Cultural Insights
The excursion focused on art and history, two areas of immense importance regardless of one’s field of study. Excursions like this demonstrate the effectiveness of Richmond’s liberal arts model and commitment to expanding students’ global perspectives through outside-of-classroom experiences.
During the trip, we were guided by an immensely knowledgeable and personable tour guide who did more than share the historical overview and significance of the sites. He took us on tours of the Hagia Sophia, The Blue Mosque, Topkapi Palace, Galata Tower, and a Bosphorus cruise, providing unique anecdotes and intimate stories of the happenings in these centuries-old, hallowed walls. Uniquely, he provided us with an authentic look at Istanbul through his eyes as a university student – introducing us to what he described as his “temple,” These adventures were intellectually enriching and aesthetically stimulating, encouraging students to appreciate the inherent beauty of the sites.
Cultural Immersion and Social Experiences
Another significant part of our trip was exploring the vibrant streets of Istanbul. The Grand Bazaar offers one of the most unique shopping experiences available. In its labyrinth of 4,000 shops, jewellers, lamp sellers, carpet merchants, and ceramic traders entice tourists and locals alike, providing an unforgettable look into a practice that originated in ancient times. The Grand Bazaar was the perfect place to hone my negotiating techniques, as many merchants welcomed and encouraged customers to haggle. Those who impressed them with their skills were often rewarded with prices far below market value.
The Grand Bazaar photographed by Julia Lerner, MA Advertising & Public Relations 2025
We immersed ourselves in the fragrant sensations of the Spice Market, a pleasant reprieve from manoeuvring through the intensity of the Grand Bazaar the day before. Inside the Spice Market, the aromas of spices, dried fruits, nuts, and teas enveloped us, providing a glimpse into the Golden Horn trade during one of the golden eras in the Ottoman Empire.
The Star of the Show – The Turkish Cuisine
I would be remiss not to mention the culinary sensations we experienced in the city. I could write a separate blog post about the city’s fantastic food. The street vendors enthusiastically sold pretzels, corn on the cob, and roasted chestnuts, providing an impressive and fragrant backdrop to our experience. Fresh pomegranate, cherry, apricot, and orange juices quenched our insatiable thirst under the blazing Bosphorus sun. The flavourful seafood caught from the Bosphorus by local fishermen had the most refreshing and crisp flavour profile I’ve ever encountered. The rich and strong coffee is more than just a drink; it holds many traditions, including fortune telling upon finishing your cup.
A fully stocked pretzel cart in the Sultanahmet Square
The Saltanat Grill Kebab & Fish House
The desserts were an entirely different story. The Turkish ice cream vendors performed, impressing all the onlookers in their wake. The star of the show was the honey-dripped baklava, the delicately flavoured, aromatic Turkish Delight sweets, and the rich, sweet lemon cakes, which were the perfect conclusion to a meal.
Baklava – an iconic dessert associated with Turkish culture
A Remarkable Success
The journey to Istanbul was a life-changing experience. The historical sites, the cuisine, the weather, and the culture made it a trip I will never forget. I am grateful to Richmond for broadening my global perspective and visiting a place I have always yearned to explore and learn about. I remain forever thankful to Dr Catherine Dille, the Tokay Fund, and Richmond. I hope future students have similar experiential learning opportunities and can learn, grow, and develop as I did.
