This course, The History and Culture of Turkey: from the ancients to the Ottomans to the birth of Modern Turkey, explores how Turkey bridges the continents of Europe and Asia and continues to maintain a major presence in Middle East affairs. This course examines the vibrant culture, literature and arts that exists throughout Turkey and explores the challenges of rapid modernization on the peoples and cultures. During this courses, students will explore a rich history through field visits to the extensive archaeological sites still visible in the landscape of Turkey, see buildings ranging from Ottoman Empire era mosques to inspiring palaces to ancient ruins steeped in legends, and visit the famous covered markets, filed with textiles and ceramics.