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Leadership and Trustees in New York

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Leadership and Trustees in New York

The Board of Trustees of Robert College is based in New York City. The president of the board is John S. Kennedy. The secretary is Edward B. Coe, and the treasurer is Frederick A. Booth. Other members of the board include John Sloane, Cleveland H. Dodge, William T. Booth, William C. Sturgis, Robert W. de Forest, and William Church Osborn. These trustees help guide the college and provide support from the United States Sofia Guided Tours.

A Diverse and Dedicated Faculty

The faculty at Robert College is diverse, with many teachers coming from the Eastern countries. These include Greeks, Armenians, Bulgarians, Romanians, and Turks. Most of them are also graduates of Robert College and belong to the Protestant faith. This creates a strong and united teaching community.

The current president of the college is Dr. George Washburn. His father-in-law, Dr. Cyrus Hamlin, was the actual founder of the college Sports and Character Building.

The Founding of Robert College

In 1860, a New York businessman named Christopher R. Robert visited Constantinople. He was very impressed by the city but saw a great need for higher education. He invited Dr. Hamlin to help him start a college that would offer a true American education to young men of all races and religions.

In 1863, Dr. Hamlin opened the college in a rented house in Bebek. Mr. Robert provided all the funding needed to run the college until his death in 1878. In his will, Mr. Robert left one-fifth of his estate, around $400,000, to the college.

Official Recognition and Growth

The college was officially incorporated in New York in 1864. Later, in 1869, the Sultan of Turkey, encouraged by the American minister in Constantinople, gave the college imperial recognition, granting it the same rights as other approved schools in the Ottoman Empire.

On July 4, 1869, the cornerstone of the first permanent building was laid by E.J. Morris, the American minister. The building was finished in 1871 and still stands today as the main structure. It is called Hamlin Hall, named after the college’s founder.

Continued Support and Financial Stability

Since that time, more buildings have been added with donations from American supporters. After Mr. Robert’s death, other generous American citizens helped grow the endowment fund. Today, the college is nearly self-supporting.

The money from tuition fees covers the salaries of professors, and the remaining costs are paid from the endowment income. On average, the annual expenses are less than $50,000, which is considered very efficient for a college serving 311 students. Out of these, 182 students live and eat on campus.

A Lasting Legacy in Education

Robert College stands as a strong and successful example of how international cooperation, visionary leadership, and generosity can build a lasting institution. With its solid foundations, it continues to provide high-quality education to students from many backgrounds across the region.

Sports and Character Building

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Sports and Character Building

At Robert College, the gymnasium and playground are not just for fun—they are seen as very important parts of a student’s education. The college faculty strongly supports sports and physical activity, not only for health, but also for moral and social development.

Games like football, cricket, and baseball help students learn important life skills. These sports are great equalizers—meaning they bring students from all backgrounds together on the same level. While students come from many different social classes, cultures, and traditions, everyone is treated the same on the field Students from Across the Region.

In some cases, it can be difficult for students from privileged backgrounds to accept the idea of human equality, especially if they are used to special treatment. But on the football field, everyone is equal. The person who shows the most skill and teamwork earns the most respect and influence.

Not a Missionary School

Although Robert College was founded with Christian values, it is not a missionary school, and it is not connected to any religious group. Its main goal is to give young men from Turkey and nearby countries a strong, practical education that prepares them for professional careers or business life.

The college wants to develop strong moral character as well as mental discipline. It encourages Christian values like honesty, respect, and responsibility, but it does not try to teach religious doctrine or convert students.

American-Style Education in Turkey

Robert College follows the same teaching methods and school structure as regular American colleges. All classes, lectures, and textbooks are in English. Only American textbooks are used Sofia Sightseeing.

Students must attend chapel services daily, as well as religious services on Sundays, no matter their background. This includes Jews, Christians, Muslims, and others. Everyone is also required to study Christian values, just like they study moral philosophy, political economy, or science.

A Practical and Well-Rounded Education

The college’s curriculum is designed to help students grow both intellectually and practically. The full college program takes five years to complete.

Tuition fees are as follows:

$200 per year for full tuition, including room and board. $40 per year for tuition only. $65 per year for tuition with daily lunch.

Helping Students in Need

Robert College also offers scholarships to help students who cannot afford to pay. These are given to deserving young men, based on faculty recommendations. This support allows more students to attend and benefit from the education offered.

A School of Opportunity and Equality

Robert College stands as a rare example of educational equality and moral strength in a region full of differences. With its focus on character, fairness, and quality learning, it continues to shape future leaders from across many nations and traditions.

A Day in the Bazaar

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A Day in the Bazaar

One day, I walk by the bazaar without going in. The next day, I stroll along with a friend. We pass the store, and the shopkeeper, a Jew, hears about me. He runs out to greet me, out of breath. He tells me his heart has been longing to see me. He invites me to come into his shop and have a cup of coffee. I tell him I’m leaving tomorrow morning, but I haven’t bought anything yet. He brings out the same items again for me to look at Facing the Dogs.

Negotiating the Price

My friend knows a lot about Turkish antiques, and we start talking about their value in English. Based on his advice, I decide to offer one total price for everything instead of picking individual items. The shopkeeper is interested in the total price because it catches his attention. He would like to sell the things that make a profit and keep the rest. But I insist on a fixed price for everything. After some thinking and looking over the items, the shopkeeper says he will accept twenty-five lira, but he looks unhappy.

The Deal

I offer ten lira. He shrugs, looking disappointed. We start to leave, glancing at other items as we go. The shopkeeper says he’ll take twenty lira. I pretend to be uninterested. He shows signs of sadness. I tell him I might visit him again when I come back to Salonika. We say goodbye and leave the shop Walking Tours Istanbul
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“I want the items,” I say to my friend, “so I’ll give him the twenty lira.”

“Wait a moment,” my friend replies. Just then, the shopkeeper runs up to us. “It’s a loss for me, but I’ll give them to you for sixteen lira,” he says.

“That’s his final price today,” my friend explains.

I agree. The shopkeeper is thrilled and dances with joy. He says he’ll accept a cheque and bring everything to my hotel in an hour. He’s happy to make the deal!

A Lesson in Bargaining

“My friend,” says my companion, “if you had stayed for another two days, you might have gotten them for twelve lira. I think I could have got them for ten, living here myself.”

That’s how business is done in Turkey. In general, no one asks for a fair price. They ask for the highest price, regardless of the item’s value. If you don’t know the value and pay too much, that’s your responsibility. Usually, the seller asks twice as much as what he is willing to accept, and the buyer offers half of what he is willing to pay. Both sides spend time trying to change the price. It’s simply the custom.

A Story from England

A friend of mine, who had lived in Turkey for many years, went to a shop on Bond Street in England to buy a pair of gloves.

“How much?” he asked.

“Three shillings and sixpence, sir,” replied the shopkeeper.

“I’ll give you two shillings,” said my friend.

The shopkeeper just gave him a look and quickly closed the box. As he was putting it away, he said, “I said three and six.”

My friend, remembering he wasn’t in Turkey, laughed, explained the situation, and bought the gloves.

The Road to Ochrida

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The Road to Ochrida

The road we traveled was clear and easy to follow. It curved around long hills that had no trees. Goatherds, people living a simple life similar to the goats, sat by small fires to stay warm. They looked at us with curious eyes, and their dogs, which looked half-wolf, growled and jumped in front of our horses, acting as if they wanted to attack A Day in the Bazaar.

The Hills and Villages

Across the valley, we could see hills that rose gently. Between the trees, there were small villages that looked beautiful from a distance, but seemed unwelcoming up close. The hills, like the ones we were on, were barren and not good for farming. However, the cracks and valleys in the hills were filled with green plants, thanks to the many streams coming from the mountains Customized Istanbul City Tour.

The Captain’s Warning

“This is a dangerous place,” the captain of the guard said. “The hills are full of brigands (bandits). We are getting close to the village of Kazanihu. Everyone there are brigands. But don’t worry, you’re safe with us—no one will attack while we have soldiers with us!”

The Villagers as Brigands

Even though the captain said the villagers were brigands, they didn’t seem very scary. They were thin, dirty, and wore ragged clothes. They looked weak, and I doubted they could attack a mule caravan, let alone a group of soldiers.

“The brigands have gone into the hills,” the captain explained. “We might see some later. Do you have a revolver?” I think he was trying to show that without him and his soldiers, the life of a single foreigner wouldn’t be worth much.

A Close Encounter with the Goats’ Dogs

While the horses rested for a few minutes before we started a tough climb into the hills, I decided to take a short walk. I had barely walked a hundred yards when two fierce goat-dogs ran toward me, barking and looking ready to attack. I reached for my revolver. In situations like this, the first thought is often to shoot. But I remembered some advice from a British Consul, who had told me never to shoot a dog belonging to an Albanian goatherd unless I was ready to shoot the master as well—because he would shoot me in return. Then I remembered something I had read: a dog will never attack a person who is sitting down.

Facing the Dogs

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Facing the Dogs

With little belief that it would work, but with the quickness of a man in a comic opera, I sat down. Just in case something went wrong, I quickly took out my revolver, ready to use it on the dogs and their owner if needed.

The Dogs’ Reaction

However, the dogs didn’t seem to care about me. In fact, they probably thought I looked funny, just like I later realized. They stopped about five steps away, standing still with their hair raised, showing their teeth at me as I sat there Tour Guide Istanbul.

Sitting Down and the Goatherd

I don’t know how long sitting down like that would stop an Albanian dog from attacking. But soon, the goatherd—who had a gun on his back—came rushing over the rocks, yelling at his dogs in what I imagined was angry Albanian. His dogs had been rude to a calm foreigner like me. The goatherd was a true country man, and as the goats ran around, it made a funny scene. I took out my camera to capture the moment.

The Goatherd’s Mistake

The goatherd misunderstood what I was doing. He thought the camera was some dangerous device that I would use against him. Instead of getting angry or fighting, he lowered his gun and begged me not to be upset. Even though I didn’t understand his words, I could tell he was apologizing.

The Dragoman’s Intervention

My dragoman, who was very upset that I had wandered away from him and the soldiers, quickly ran up to me, cursing all Albanian people, dogs, and goats in Turkish. The goatherd, through my dragoman, kept apologizing, afraid I would have him punished by the soldiers The Road to Ochrida.

Making Peace

I told the goatherd that he hadn’t done anything wrong and gave him a cigarette as a peace offering. He seemed very grateful, as if I had saved him from serious trouble.

Where Was the Crowd

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Where Was the Crowd

There was no cheering crowd. All the windows and doors were shut, and people who wanted to see the Vali were forced to use side streets, where they were pushed around by soldiers. With the help of the dragoman (translator) from the British Consulate and the kavass (guard), I had an easy path. I was treated like an important person, and every soldier saluted me as I passed. But instead of feeling proud, I felt ridiculous and wanted to laugh. It reminded me of two other times in my life: when I received a book prize as a boy and when I walked up the aisle at my wedding.

A Glimpse of the Women

Though people weren’t allowed to watch the procession, it was easy to spot women behind the windows. On a mosque wall, a group of women was gathered, all dressed in thick coverings, with only their eyes visible Private Bulgaria Tours.

The Exhibition in Adrianople

The Vali was about to open the first-ever exhibition in Turkey, featuring products from Adrianople. This was a sign of Turkey’s progress. The exhibition felt like a smaller version of a big event, like the Earl’s Court Exhibition in London. The main item on display was cigarettes. The Turkish women selling them were as persistent as those you would find in any market. These girls were Christian Turks, and their faces were uncovered. Older, heavier Turkish men watched and made suggestive comments.

The Exhibition Products

There were many tobacco products in various stages of preparation. There were bad paintings, some decent woolen items, and excellent embroidery. While farming tools were on display, most of them were imported.

A Sweltering Crowd of Officials

The exhibition was crowded with officials, all of them very fat. They wore a lot of gold and silver lace, broad sashes, and many medals. The greetings were very enthusiastic. When you greet someone in Turkey, you perform a deep bow and then wave your hand from the ground to your chest, up to your forehead, as a sign of respect. This gesture means that all parts of you—your feet, heart, head, and even your boots and fez—belong to the other person. When entering a room, everyone does this to you, and you return the gesture to everyone in the room. This made it impossible to do anything except bow and wave The Fear of the Turks.

My Inability to Keep Up with the Ceremony

I quickly realized I was too awkward to keep up with all the formal greetings from the thirty old Turkish men in the room. So, I chose to hide behind my nationality and only bow and shake hands with the few people near me. After a long round of formalities, we all went into the garden, listened to the band, and ate some bland ice cream.

The Fear of the Turks

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The Fear of the Turks

The Turks live in fear. When traveling through Turkey, it’s better to wear a European hat than a fez. Your hat will serve as a better protector than an escort. And that’s what I always did.

A Military Display at Dawn

It was just before sunrise, and in the distance, I could hear the sound of drums and sad Turkish music. Troops were marching quickly into Adrianople, with the heavy thud of many soldiers’ feet. This was a special day—the anniversary of Abdul Hamid’s rise to power as the Sultan The Great Fire of September 1905.

The Military Gathering

The soldiers gathered in front of the Konak, the official home of the Vali, the governor of the region. In the grey light of early morning, there was something strange about the scene: the dark blue uniforms, the swarthy faces, and the red fezzes. The officers wore bright medals on their chests. Flags with the red crescent fluttered, and sometimes the green flag of Islam was displayed Tours Bulgaria Beglik Tash.

The Vali stood on a balcony, and for a moment, everything was silent. Then the military bands began to play a slow, solemn tune, like the start of an important anthem. When the music stopped, the soldiers shouted, “Patishahim tchok Yacha!” which means “Long live the Sultan!” The sound was powerful and moving. After the shout, the band switched to a livelier tune.

Decorations for the Celebration

The main streets were decorated for the occasion, as ordered. Countless flags fluttered in the wind. Red and green crescent flags waved proudly. Triumphal arches were put up. The whole event had a festive look, but in truth, it felt somewhat artificial—just like many celebrations are.

The Great Fire of September 1905

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The Great Fire of September 1905

In September 1905, I was in Adrianople during a devastating fire that left 60,000 people homeless. The fire started in the Armenian quarter, and many Armenians believed that the Turks or the Jews were responsible. They couldn’t be convinced otherwise, even though the fire was caused by an accident—a lamp being knocked over.

Accusations and Tensions

After the fire, rumors spread quickly. One day, some Christian women in a narrow street near the British Consulate became ill. An Armenian told me, “Ah, sir, the Turks must have poisoned the well!” I pointed out that the well was also used by Muslim women, yet none of them had become ill. The Armenian could not explain this, but he was determined to believe that the Turks were responsible for poisoning the Christians.

In Adrianople, every bad event is often blamed on religious enemies, and this fuels the deep tensions between the groups Bulgaria Private Tour.

Life in a City of Fear

Adrianople is a city filled with fear. Christians and Armenians often whispered about revenge against the cruel Turks, but nothing ever came of these stories. The Turks were also fearful of attacks, bombs, and other violence from Bulgarians or Armenians.

Strict Curfews and Control

At sundown, every Christian was required to stay indoors, or they risked arrest and imprisonment. No Christian house could have a light on three hours after sunset, or soldiers would knock on the door, demand explanations, and often extort money. Muslims, too, had their own restrictions. They had to carry a lantern to walk through the streets at night, and they couldn’t be outside after 10 PM without special permission. At night, the only sound you’d hear was the heavy footsteps of the patrols Where Was the Crowd.

Free Books for a Society Who Reads Project

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Free Books for a Society Who Reads Project

Q: Could you elaborate on your efforts to encourage a reading society?

Nevzat Bayhan: Fostering a “society who reads” is integral to civilization, yet certain obstacles hinder this ideal in our country. Despite having suitable conditions, excuses prevail. The stark reality is that our country has one coffee house per 95 persons and one library per 64,600 persons, placing us at the bottom of reading rankings A Conversation with Nevzat Bayhan. We’ve identified three main excuses: financial constraints, lack of time, and the overwhelming choice among thousands of books.

To address these challenges, our project, “Free Books for a Society Who Reads,” in collaboration with the Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality, aims to provide accessible reading materials. We plan to publish pocket-sized books, comprising 100-120 pages made from newspaper-grade paper with visually appealing designs. These books will contain condensed yet informative content suitable for reading on the go.

The books will be placed on shelves in high-traffic areas like undergrounds and sea bus stations. Readers can access these books for free, and at the end of each book, there will be blank pages for readers to share information about themselves. The cover will encourage readers to contribute to the reading society by leaving the book in a suitable place for others Istanbul Day Tour. This ripple effect ensures the books reach new readers, creating a network within society.

Our goal is to eliminate the barriers to reading – no cost as the books are free, no extra time required as they can be read during transportation, and no extensive searching since the books are readily available wherever one desires. Commissions are actively working on this project, determining the titles for the books.

Journey Through Culture at Miniaturk

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Journey Through Culture at Miniaturk

Setting Goals for Miniaturk A Conversation with Nevzat Bayhan

Q: Can you share the objectives behind the Miniaturk project?

Nevzat Bayhan: Miniaturk, initiated in 2003, aimed to attract 1 million visitors annually. Currently featuring 105 mockups with a capacity for 300, our initial goal is to expand to 120 pieces in the upcoming years. Simultaneously, we aspire to introduce dynamic mockups. Miniaturk is evolving into a cultural space where children can enjoy puppet shows and experience panoramic views with a single ticket Free Books for a Society Who Reads Project.

Q: What are the new projects at Miniaturk in 2006?

N. Bayhan: Sponsored by the Istanbul Water and Sewage Corporation, our latest project delves into Istanbul’s historical water shortages Istanbul Daily Tour. Mimar Sinan’s ingenious solution during Suleiman the Magnificent’s reign involved constructing 40 fountains at a considerable cost. The project depicts this historic event and illustrates the water procurement methods of the Istanbul Water and Sewage Corporation. Additionally, we’re unveiling mockups of the Ortakoy Mosque and dynamic boats from Maritime Lines. These projects define Miniaturk’s ventures for 2006. Some mockups will be repositioned for better alignment with their historical context.

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