Istanbul was once called Constantinople and Byzantium. It is the biggest city of Turkey and located at the entrance of the Bosporus Str. From Greece-Roman era to the Ottoman Empire, there are many remains, which show the fuse of oriental and western culture.

Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic calendar.  During Ramadan Muslims, practice fasting. 'Fasting' means Sawm, which is one of the five pillars of Islam. On the 27th day of Ulkadeureu Lattes Lyle (The night of power), the Koran was revealed to the prophet Mohammad.  The Islamic holiday of Id al-pitteureu announces the end of Ramadan. Ramadan started September 11, 2007 in the evening, and ends October 11, 2007.

To learn more about Ramadan and Islam, the Istanbul Culture Center offered dinner on Saturday, 20th September. In Turkish culture, this usually means that neighbors are invited into their homes to eat together. This dinner was prepared a few weeks ago and anyone who was interested could join. There was lots of delicious food and the people looked so thankful to have it. During Ramadan, food, drink, smoking, and all sexual activity is prohibited.  During Ramadan, Muslims refrain from violence, anger, envy, greed, and any cause that leads to serious injury. However, there are some exceptions toward people who are travelers, soldiers of war, children, the priority of health, pregnant or breast-feeding women, etc.

Teaching patience and self-control by fasting makes people think about alienated people, and represents obedience to God. By keeping, the commandments of fasting faithfully and forgoing evildoing, Muslims attain personal atonement for errors, which will lead to heaven. The fasting period is to strengthen faith.

Therefore, that dinner had special meaning to us. Let us feel Turkey’s culture and respiration in the Istanbul Cultural Center.

<Ongoing beneficial lessons>
Turkish lesson class
Turkish is spoken by over 250,000,000 people of the world including several countries of Central Asia. From foundation course to high-level course, a talented speaking teacher provides Turkish grammar and conversation.
The courses are classified with primary, intermediate, high level. Moreover, each level takes three months to learn. Once every two weeks there is free talking course for each level.

Turkish cooking lesson
a Turkish cook who is working in a Turkish restaurant is teaching many kinds of dishes and people can learn about Turkey’s food. The world’s best three dishes consist of French, Chinese, and Turkish.
Everyone can apply for the course. New courses are available every two months. The lessons are two hours every week. There is an introduction to Turkey’s food culture and practice cooking for the next four weeks.

Literature, history lesson
The Seljuk Turks have a long culture and history. Through this course, people can learn about the past, present, and the future of Turkey. All school and groups can take a lesson by appointment.

Enjoying movies, music
On the last Saturday of every month, people can watch popular and important movies, which related to Turkey. ‘Turkish Empire’, ‘Hunchback of Nortre Dame’, and ‘Tom and Jerry’ are famous ones.

Tea Party
In Turk tradition, there is tea party on the last Saturday of the month. Moreover, the Istanbul Cultural Center runs the tea party at the same time. Turkey’s special black tea and refreshments are offered, along with delightful conversation. It is a restful time away from busy every day life.

From the Korean War to Korea & Japan World Cup, Korea and Turkey’s friendship is continuing. The Istanbul Cultural Center does the maximum amount of effort to broaden people’s interest. People can participate by themselves such as at the tea party or some lessons that makes their experience enrich.

Tips
Address: Seoul-si Gangnam-gu Yeoksam-dong 629-6 ‘Istanbul. Turkey culture center’
Tel: 02-3452-8182
Fax: 02-3452-4056
Homepage: http://www.turkey.or.kr
The opening hour: Monday to Friday 10:00 a.m ~18:00 p.m, Saturday-10:00 a.m ~12:00 p.m
(Closed on holidays)