‘Faith Tourism Days’ was held by The Association of Turkish Travel Agencies, in cooperation with the Presidency of Religious Affairs of the Republic of Turkey between 25 – 27 October 2002, in Kusadası.

Nearly 500 guests, were present at the meetings. In addition to the Turkish participants, guests from several other countries including Great Britain, Egypt, Greece, Germany, Israel, Italy, Federation of Russia and U.S.A. also attended and contributed to the event.. The Turkish Minister of Culture, diplomats, high rank government officials, mayors, religious leaders, academics, representatives of tour operators, travel agencies, NGO’s, chambers of commerce and members of media were among the distinguished guests who honoured the event.

The speeches delivered in the meetings have been collected in a TURSAB’s publication ‘Faith Tourism Days’, under the following headings;

• Opening Speeches
• Religions Co-existing in the Cradle of Civilization,
• Anatolia and Religious Tolerance
• Faith Tourism In Meeting of Religions and World Peace
• Faith Tourism
• Guests Speakers and Closing

The presentations of different ideas and views with particular reference to Turkey’s historical heritage, socio-cultural values and their significance, underlined the important subjects to be taken into consideration in the process of development of faith tourism.

"Faith Tourism Days" has been an ideal platform for dialog and mutual understanding as well as for evaluating Turkey’s cultural legacy of inestimable value, in the context of Faith Tourism. It has been a memorable event and encouraging for TURSAB, to continue its programme of such events in the years to come.

The 2nd ‘Faith Tourism Days’ was held by The Association of Turkish Travel Agencies, in cooperation with the Presidency of Religious Affairs of the Republic of Turkey between 16-18 April  2004  in Izmir. 

The Main Topics were as follows

Opening Speeches Contribution of  the “influence  between cultures and religions”  to the “world  peace”  in Anatolia where the civilizations have met.Faith Tourism & Divine Religions

Faith Tourism

Closing Ceremony

 The 3rd  ‘Faith Tourism Days’ was held by The Association of Turkish Travel Agencies, in cooperation with the Presidency of Religious Affairs of the Republic of Turkey between 12 – 14 May 2006  in Istanbul at Lütfi Kırdar Convention & Exchibition Center.

 2010 ISTANBUL FAITH TOURISM SUMMIT  Istanbul Lutfi Kirdar Convention & Exhibition Centre /  23 – 24 November 2010 

Turkey, has been the cradle for many civilizations and religions for thousands of years. Being well aware of her unique cultural richness; numerous governmental institutions as well as Non - Government Organizations in Turkey, take the initiative to raise awareness about country’s cultural and historical privilege. Believing that diverse cultures and faiths are the components of an entire mosaic, Turkey values the importance of introducing it’s heritage to the world.

 The “Faith Tourism Days” which has been organized 3 times respectively in 2002, 2004 and 2006 with the cooperation of The Presidency of Religious Affairs of the Republic of Turkey and Association of Turkish Travel Agencies (TÜRSAB), is an example of above mentioned approach. 

2010 is in fact a very significant year for Istanbul. As Istanbul has been designated as the European Capital of Culture 2010, we are preparing an enhanced, international event called “Istanbul 2010 Faith Tourism Summit” between November 23 – 24, 2010. 

The “Faith Tourism Days”, aims generally to emphasize the important role of Turkey, and particularly Istanbul as the intersection point of religions, cultures and ideas throughout the centuries until present time; though this year’s event, which is the “2010 Istanbul Faith Tourism Summit”, is going to examine this main theme in six different terms which are Theology, Archeology and Art History, Coexistence and Cultures, History, Inter – Religious Affairs, Faith Tourism. We strongly believe that this summit will contribute to the promotion of Istanbul as a Faith Tourism Attraction Center.

"Fore more information please contact"

Gamze Çiçek                                                                     Özge Başar

Resp. of Regional Chapter &Committees                  Corporate Affairs Dept

Tel: 0212 259 84 04                                                         Tel.0212 259 84 04  

Fax:0212 260 29 58                                                          Fax:0212 260 29 58                                                   

e-mail:byk.komiteler@tursab.org.tr                                e.maiL.turizmborsasi@tursab.org.tr