A REUNION FOR TRAVELLERS TO TURKEY

Seated L-R: Dora Finley, Devereaux Bemis, Perilla Wilson and Paul Filben. Standing L-R: David Ellis, Osman Kucuk, Debbie Quinn, Hank Caddell, Umit Gunebir, Joe Davis, Don Berry, Estela Dorn, Sally Berry, Mahin Ghavamian and Gulcan Gunebir. (Photo credit: Anis Shaperov.)

The coined words, “Turkey Trippers”, refer to those who have travelled to Turkey under the auspices of Peace Valley Foundation and Istanbul Center of Atlanta. The first group went to Turkey in May 2006. They visited different historical cities and archeological sites. Since then, an annual group of people from the community have been invited to visit Turkey. The Turkish students from University of South Alabama are actively involved in this project and some act as chaperones to their native country, Turkiye, during these trips. These University of South Alabama students represent Turkey in Mobile International Festival. Many Turkey Trippers are members of the festival.

This year’s batch of Turkey Trippers includes Joe Davis, president of Mobile International Festival.