Lale January-February 2011 by MARLET CORPORATE PUBLICATIONS

MAGAZINE OF THE INTERNATIONAL WOMEN OF ISTANBUL

IWI X-mas Bazaar: an overwhelming success The ultimate city Mind... Body... Spirit... The art of patience

January - February 2011

CMY

Contents Board Information 2 Board letter 3 IWI Christmas Bazaar 4 Previous Activities 8 Programs Calendar 10 Regular Activities 12 Programs 14 IWI Interest Groups 26 Charity 28 IPWIN 30

the IWI OFFICE

Members’ Views Mind... Body... Spirit... 32 Sponsored Article Now at Arter (Time Out) Healthy & Delicious (Rezztoran.com) Bathing Beauties (Cornucopia) Turkish Laws 101 – Working in Turkey (Akıncı Law Office) Photo Club (PCIIW) Lale Features Make 2011 Your Year Astrology & Eating Habits The Art of Patience The Ultimate City New Year’s Resolutions Excerpts from a Book

34 38 48 64 36 40 42 44 46 62 41

Book Review Sacred Treasures 50 Mums ‘n Kids Happy Birthday Mother Earth! Announcements Leading a Life of Their Own Encouraging a Lifetime of Reading Adenoid Infection in Children Sleep in Babies and Young Children Other Groups & Associations Directory Partner Offers Classified Ads IWI Policies & Advertising

January & February 2011

52 54 56 58 59 60

Every Wednesday, from 10.30am to 1pm, the office will be open and we encourage members and newcomers to drop in for a chat and a coffee. If you know of anyone new to Istanbul who would like to find out more about the IWI, and then let them know we are open for questions every Wednesday between 10.30 and 1pm. The office address is: Adnan Saygun Cad., Öz Topuz Sok. Çamlıtepe Sitesi, No. 74 Blok C1 / D2 Ulus, Ortaköy. (Entrance to the Çamlıtepe Sitesi is opposite Ulus Park.) Map to the office is behind the a magazine.

66 68 70 71 72

Board Information The IWI Board members 2010-2011

IWI Office Hours: Wednesday from 10:30 AM till 1:00 PM

Chairwoman

Suzy Kaluti

chairwoman@iwi-tr.org

Address:

Vice-Chairwoman

Esbie van Heerden

esbie@iwi-tr.org

Adnan Saygun Caddesi, Çamlıtepe Sitesi No:74 Blok C1 / D2 Ulus Ortaköy Istanbul – TURKEY Telephone: 0534 311 96 46 / 0212 2873571 www.iwi-tr.org

Secretary

Kristina Golovetskaya

kgolovet@yahoo.com

Treasurer

Maj-Britt Riis-Hansen

treasury@iwi-tr.org

Membership Secretary

Patricia Proz

membership@iwi-tr.org

Advertising & Sponsorship

Chrissy Ramski Güleç

chrissy@iwi-tr.org

Programs Coordinator

Lilli İçgören-Zachariadou

lilli@iwi-tr.org

Lale Coordinator

Güldehan Neng

guldehan@iwi-tr.org

Charity Coordinator

Mirjam van der Lubbe

mirjam@iwi-tr.org

Volunteers Coordinator

Anne Martin

anne@iwi-tr.org

X-mas Bazaar Coordinator

Laurina van Dam

laurina@iwi-tr.org

Mums’N Kids Coordinator

Jasmine Yüzer

jasmine@iwi-tr.org

Newcomers Coordinators

Camelia Sağışman

camelia@iwi-tr.org

Hana Danon

hana@iwi-tr.org

Petra Gönenç

petra@iwi-tr.org

Liaison Officer

Ebru Demirel

ebru@iwi-tr.org

IPWIN Coordinator

Marie Theres Raberger

ipwin.mail@gmail.com

Office Manager

Eleonore Gamard

eleonore.remy@gmail.com

Lilli İçgören-Zachariadou

lilli@iwi-tr.org

Tanja Gül

tanja@iwi-tr.org

Nalini Narang

nalini@iwi-tr.org

Martina Schweiher

martina@iwi-tr.org

Mehnaz Nadeem

mehnaz@iwi-tr.org

Stephanie Kansu

stephanie@iwi-tr.org

Camelia Sağışman

camelia@iwi-tr.org

Hana Danon

hana@iwi-tr.org

Petra Gönenç

petra@iwi-tr.com

Jasmine Yüzer

jasmine@iwi-tr.org

Gigi Aksu

gigi@iwi-tr.org

Mirjam van Lubbe

mirjam@iwi-tr.org

Ann Martin

anne@iwi-tr.org

Oona Mathlener

oona@iwi-tr.org

Angela Roberts-Kuzucu

angela@iwi-tr.org

Laurina van Dam

laurina@iwi-tr.org

Maj-Britt Riis-Hansen

treasury@iwi-tr.org

Astrid Traas

traasastrid@yahoo.com

Aileen Soğuksu

aileensoguksu@gmail.com

Aylin Tolu

aylynntr@yahoo.com

Marie Theres Raberger

ipwin.mail@gmail.com

Cerstin Diewald

ipwin.mail@gmail.com

Kelly Hevel

ipwin.mail@gmail.com

Tennis

Sydney Yol

sydney@iwi-tr.org

Book Club Team1

Lesley Tahtakılıç

lesley@iwi-tr.org

Book Club Team2

Fiona Houlton

fiona@iwi-tr.org

Istanbul @ Night

Pervin Leenhouts

pervinleenhouts@gmail.com

Laily Neyzi

laily.neyzi@mail.koc.net

Dergi Adı/Magazine Name: Lale, Monthly Programme of the International Women of Istanbul

Yayını Yapan/Publisher: IWI International Women of Istanbul, Dernek Kod: 34-64/027

İrtibat Adresi/Address: Adnan Saygun Caddesi, Çamlıtepe Sitesi No:74 Blok C1 / D2 Ulus Ortaköy Istanbul – TURKEY

İmtiyaz Sahibi/Licensee: Pervin Leenhouts

Adresi/Address: Tahir Paşa Evleleri No. 35 Bağlar Mevkii Yolu 80870 Yeniköy, Istanbul, Tel: 0212 299 21 46

Team members 2010-2011 Programs Team

Sorumlu Yazı İşleri Müdürü/ Responsible Editor: Laily Neyzi

Adresi/Address:

Newcomers Team

Kemerburgaz Mesa Evleri, Lavanta 7, D:9, 34075 Göktürk, Istanbul

Yayın Türü/Issue Type: Yerel Süreli

Mums N’ Kids Team Charity Team

Tasarım/Design: Marlet Advertisement Studios www.marlet.com.tr +90 216 386 32 16

Christmas Bazaar Team

Matbaa/Printer: Punto Baskı Çözümleri www.puntops.com +90 212 231 30 68

Basım Tarihi:

IPWIN Team

28.10.2010 Sayı: 49

January & February 2011

Board Letter

*Suzy Kaluti

Dear Ladies,

is the best way to stay informed about the IWI. We also send out a bi-monthly E-letter that will also help you to stay abreast of all our activities. Please be on the look out for it as the information it contains is time sensitive and will keep you informed of current events.

Looking back briefly, I would like to mention the overwhelming success we had with the Christmas Bazaar 2010 and to extend a huge thanks to our Bazaar coordinator, Laurina. She did an absolutely fantastic job and we are very much in her debt for all of the hard work she managed to do for the IWI. She truely is an inspiration to us all.

We have some interesting programs lined up for January and February and many of them focus on health and well-being. We can all benefit from positive changes in our daily lives and our programs team have put together a mixture of events geared towards promoting healthy change in our lives.

elcome to 2011! It seems hard to believe that another year come and gone and January has arrived at our doorstep once again. It is sometimes really difficult to understand where all the time goes!

I would also like to thank all of the many hard working IWI women who volunteered both before the event and also on the actual day. Without your participation we could have never managed to reach the heights of success that we did. So thank you to everyone! The IWI Charity coordinators are now very busy preparing to distribute the funds we have raised to the many community organizations we support. You can read all about their activities in the Charity News section of our magazine. With every New Year comes the resolve to improve or make changes in our lives and the IWI Board is no different. We always strive to make improvements within our organization and for our members and I would like to touch on the IWI website and the important role that it plays within our association. All members are encouraged to visit and make use of the IWI website as both a way to stay informed about IWI events and also to sign up for the many wonderful programs that we organize for you, our members. Please take the time to familiarize yourself with the website and if you encounter any problems signing in you can always contact our membership coordinator Patricia. All information on the website is current and up-dated on a regular basis...it really

Among the programs on offer in the coming months are a Meditation Workshop on January 24th...a very beneficial practice to learn if you are living a stressful life. An Earthquake Seminar on the 29th will teach you how to cope in the event of a disaster, useful knowledge everyone should know. In February we will be organizing a relaxing visit to a Turkish Hamam which will offer you the opportunity to scrub away 2010 and enter the New Year clean and fresh. We will also be having a Life Coaching class on the 16th which will teach you how to handle everyday problems with ease. Two other interesting programs will be a Feng Shui Seminar on the 21st and an Astrology Workshop on the 25th February. This is just a sample of some of the informative and fun programs which are listed in this monthâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Lale. Be sure to sign up early for the programs which interest you and you can also go online at anytime to check the status of IWI programs and events. Enjoy the New Year!

*IWI Chairwoman

With all the hard work of IWI Board members and volunteers and amazing organizational skills of Laurina Van Dam, the Christmas Bazaar was a huge success.

Photograph by: Mojca Androjna. January & February 2011

r h C i stma

or the IWI board the Christmas Bazaar is an important part of what our organization is all about. This is by far our biggest event and takes over 6 months to organize. Almost all board members are involved and an army of volunteers needs to be found every year. The efforts of all these people are invaluable, thank you so much to each and every person whether your contribution was big or small. We truly believe that the money that is raised makes a difference in the lives of underprivileged people in our community. Our charity team is working

Pervin created a good spirit in the morning on the microphone. Photograph by: Sophie Greiveldinger.

tirelessly to make sure our hard earned funds will be going to deserving causes.

The Members’ Salad Bar winner is Jasmine Yüzer, our Mums ‘n Kids Coordinator, and Jo Pooly took the second place. Here are the 3 judges: Mr Mohamed Hamam, the president of The Chaine des Rotisseurs in Turkey; Mr Hasan Sabuncu, the F&B Operations Manager of all The Hiltons in Turkey; Executive Chef of The Hilton. Photograph by: Mojca Androjna.

tombola and also a lot of support in other tangible and intangible ways. Similarly, as there has been a glimmer of hope that the worldwide financial crisis is lifting, we are happy to report that, due to the support of all visitors to our annual Christmas Bazaar, it has overall been great success. The funds that we have received in 2010 have exceeded our initial expectations! The IWI initiatives, namely the Food Court, the Entrance and Lottery team, Tombola team, second hand Bookstall, and secondhand Children’s Toys and Clothes stalls all raised more money then last year. The teams had a tough task to deal with all the keen shoppers but stayed calm throughout. We would like to congratulate them on their superb organizational and people skills. Visitors started to queue up at 10.30 and they were very keen for the doors to open. Even though it was not possible to count we have a feeling that the Bazaar had a record number of visitors in 2010. Many visitors commented on the lovely decorations both on the Bazaar main floor and in the Food Court area. The decorations

Furthermore, we rely on the Turkish and foreign business community in the form of donations and prizes for our lottery and

Photograph by: Sophie Greiveldinger

Lovely decorations both Bazaar floor and Food Court. Photograph by: Christine Reitz.

Photograph by: Farzana Benabeljalil.

January & February 2011

z a a a B r s a teams are extremely skilled and were very organized, considering the size of the venue and difficulty of decorating that huge space. As the first reports are coming in it seems that most of the National groups raised more money then last year. Especially France and Belgium did much better this year. We would like to thank all the volunteers within the national groups - we cannot do this without your help and special stands and would like to remind everyone that these are the stalls that make the bazaar unique and

Little Sisters of the Poor.

Photograph by: Regina Kleps.

Mistletoe: Wendy Tamer and her team participate every year and donate 100% of Photograph by: Farzana Benabdeljalil. their proceeds.

keep the crowds coming! Again the ‘Best of Holland’ was crowned as the Best fundraiser and a well deserved “Hartelijk dank ” Similarly none could compete with TEIS! Again they were the winners of the best decorated stall and this beautiful stall was so in keeping with the Christmas atmosphere. Congratulations!

Photograph by: Farzana Benabdeljalil.

Photography by: Sophie Greiveldinger.

Photograph by: Christine Reitz.

Best of Holland again the Best fundraiser.

January & February 2011

Photograph by: Farzana Benabdeljalil.

Christmas Bazaar This year we would like to extend a special thanks to the Mistletoe stand: Wendy Tamer and her team participate every year and donate 100% of their proceeds. This year we had a unique competition in the Food court. Every year the salad bar is getting more and more popular and the winners for the most popular salad were, in first place, our Mums ‘n Kids coordinator Jasmine Yuzer, and in second place Jo Pooley (look for recipe in this Lale). A special thanks to our jurors: Mr Mohamed Hammam of the Chaine de Rotisseurs, Mr. Hasan Sabuncu, F & B Operations Manager of Hilton Hotels and Mr. Andreas Scheuregger the Excutive Chef of the Istanbul Hilton (see photo). In general, the Food Court was packed and the food sold out early. This surely is a sign of great success. Thanks Food Court team! As always, the Champagne and Wine bar was very popular and we are looking forward to many happy returns.

Photography by: Sophie Greiveldinger.

Thanks to Gymboree, The Kids’ Corner was especially lovely this year. Photograph by: Elizabeth Coughlan.

Photograph by: Elizabeth Coughlan.

Pervin Leenhouts, who yet again took care of announcing the lottery created a good atmosphere in the morning on the microphone. Thank you! She was helped by the enthusiasm of the carol singers and the Best Christmas Carol singers were the team from Turkey. A Special thanks to Santa who visited us again, and kept the kids occupied at the Kids corner in the food court. We had many comments that the Kid’s corner was especially lovely this year. All pictures that you can see here were taken by volunteers from the IWI photo club. It’s hard to take photos in that huge space with its poor lighting but all the pictures we received were so lovely it was hard to make a selection. Thanks to all of you!

Article by: Suzy Kaluti, Esbie van Heerden, Laurina Van Dam

6Food Court was packed and the food was already sold out by 2.30pm.

Photograph by: Mojca Androjna.

Santa visited us again.

Photograph by: Sandra Saquero.

January & February 2011

IWI thanks all sponsors, stall holders and volunteers for their contribution to the Christmas Bazaar 2010. Thanks to your support the event as been a great success. A sincere thank you to all! Net proceeds distributed to IWI sponsored Charities.

PLATINUM SPONSORS

GOLD SPONSORS

SILVER SPONSORS

January & February 2011

Information: Laurina van Dam, laurina@iwi-tr.org www.iwi-tr.org

Previous Activities

Watercolour Club going strong! This first part of the membership year, the IWI Watercolour Club has been holding workshops at the IWI office twice a month on Thursday at 5 pm. Our group ranges from beginners to more experienced members and we have a lot of fun trying out a range of subjects. These workshops are free if you bring your own materials. Check our website and e-newsletter for more details and if you would like to join e-mail, esbie@iwi-tr.org or lilli@iwi-tr.org

IWI Chess Club International Chess Grandmaster and 2006 European Champion Ekaterina Atalık plays chess with IWI members.

Turkish cooking demo... Ayşe Yücel demonstrated how to make delicious Turkish food. Ladies enjoyed learning and then eating the Turkish cuisine in a truly Turkish atmosphere with a beautifully set sit-down table. Thank you Ayşe for sharing all your secret recipies with us all!

Sadberk Hanım Museum A small group of ladies visited this lovely waterfront museum in Sarıyer. We discovered the rich collection of Ottoman women`s costumes, archaeological and fine art objects, Iznik ceramics and finishing with a tea at the museum souvenir shop. A very cultural and educational outing! Thank you ladies for participating!

January & February 2011

Previous Activities

IWI Christmas Lunch Members enjoyed a lovely meal at the Pera Palace Hotel as Christmas was approaching. The event was a huge success... Almost 200 ladies attended wearing their pearls. Thanks everyone!

Movie Club Our latest movies were the “Social Network”, a story about the Facebook founder and “The Tourist” starring Johnny Depp and Angelina Jolie. They were both widely enjoyed by the whole group. Afterwards we all enjoyed a nice lunch discussing the movie. Thank you Ladies for supporting the Movie Club!

Camhane... glassmaking workshop The Glassmaking workshop was attended by 10 very enthusiastic and creative ladies! Everybody made their own Christmas glass gift which was followed by a lovely lunch outside. Thank you to Yasemin Bakiri for inspiring us and giving us the opportunity to discover our hidden talent!

January & February 2011

Programs Calendar January Monday

Tuesday

Wednesday

Thursday

Friday

•

Regular activities

•

Programs

•

Mums’n Kids

•

IPWIN

Saturday

Sunday

11 Turkish Cultural Foundation seminar

12 NCM

13 Alkent Coffee Morning (ACM)

14 Wine tasting

20 ACM

21 Transmed

Cooking at El Beso

Pizza making mania

27 ACM

29 Earthquake

Watercolor 17

24 Meditation

18 Asian Coffee Morning

26 Movie Club

Istanbul @ night Watercolor 31 Kiehl’s

February Monday

Tuesday 1 Asian Coffee Morning

Wednesday

Thursday

Friday

Saturday

Sunday

2 Board meeting

3 ACM

4 Leyla Gencer house visit

8 Turkish Cultural Foundation seminar

9 NCM

10 ACM

15 Asian Coffee Morning

16 Lifecoaching workshop

19 First Aid

IPWIN 7 Sushi cocktail

14 Valentine’s Hamam

Valentine’s tarts&truffles

17 ACM

Cooking with Ayşe 21 Feng Shui

23 Movie Club

24 ACM

25 Astrology workshop

Istanbul @ night 28

January & February 2011

regular activities The Weekly Meeting Place of the IWI Café Nunyo - Alkent

Asian Side Coffee/Lunch Meeting at Food & Co

All new comers and IWI members mark your calendars for Thursdays! Our popular weekly meeting spot in Etiler welcomes you anytime between 12 noon and 2 pm for lunch, coffee and a friendly chat. Camellia and Hana, our newcomer coordinators, will be there to greet you with a smile and introduce you to the other members. We look forward to seeing you there!

Mark your calendars for our monthly coffee meeting at the new chosen place for you to discover FOOD & CO. art of eating and drinking !

Café Nunyo offers 10% discount for the IWI members for coffee or tea. Also if you have lunch, tea / coffee is for free.

Meet new members , establish new friendships or else renew existing ones in Istanbul. Food & Co. offers 10% discount for the IWI members for coffee or tea. Also if you have lunch, tea / coffee is for free. Remember it’s the first Tuesday of the month!

Date

: See calendar for details

Date

See calendar for details

Time

: 12 Noon

Time

11:00 am

Venue

: Café Nunyo

Venue

FOOD & CO. Restaurant

Pay as you order (with your special 10% discount)

Meeting Place

Bağdat Caddesi No: 350 Erenköy at the corner of Nihat Kızıltan Sokak. If you come down from Marks&Spencer walk 400 m on the left side of Bağdat Street. The restaurant is just underneath BODY SHOP. www.foodandco.com.tr

Reservations

Not required

Phone

0216-478 64 63

Cost

: Pay as you order

Meeting Place

: Tepecik Yolu, Alkent Sitesi, Etiler

Reservations

: Not required

Phone

Cost

Camellia Sağışman 0532 236 97 55 Hana Danon 0532 213 31 51

Regular IWI activities YOGA TENNIS MOVIE CLUB ISTANBUL@NIGHT IPWIN BOOK CLUBS 1 & 2 PHOTO CLUB CHESS WATERCOLOR PAINTING NEIGHBORHOOD COFFEE MORNINGS IWI BOARD MEETING

Every day at Life&Co, Etiler at 8:00 am and 2:30 pm Every Monday. Reservation online www.iwi-tr.org Every last Wednesday of the month (In the morning) Every last Thursday of the month (In the evening) Every first Tuesday of the month (In the evening) Please check the website: www.iwi-tr.org Please check the website: www.iwi-tr.org Once a month by reservation: Ekaterina Atalık Every second and fourth Thursday at IWI office. (In the evening) Every second Wednesday of the month The IWI Board meets every first Wednesday of the month

January & February 2011

regular activities

*Nalini Narang

Neighbourhood Coffee Morning

ur Neighbourhood Coffee Mornings (NCMs) are slowly and surely gaining momentum. We had our second Coffee Morning on Wednesday, 10th November and almost all areas had a good turn-out. Ladies were busy exchanging phone numbers of butchers and exclusive peynir shops in their area, their own phone numbers already having been exchanged at the last Coffee Morning. It was encouraging to see new members joining the Coffee Morning and mingling with the group. Here’s a brief description of what some of our Area Coordinators have organized for past NCMs:

Istinye /Yenikoy (Area H) – Area Coordinator, Nancy Wenzel. In Istinye, at the home of Alina Oztoprak, ladies listened to a fascinating talk on “How to hear your Angels” by our guest speaker, Beki Erikli. After the talk, the ladies enjoyed chatting and getting to know each other so much that they didn’t leave until after 2:00 pm. Thank you Beki and Alina. Arnavutkoy/Bebek (Area D) – Area Coordinator, Letitia Unver Hosted by Susan Narayan in her lovely apartment, the Arnavutkoy and Bebek NCM consisted of a mixture of old and new members. There was a discussion led by Letitia on the “Cultural Dos and Don’ts in Istanbul.” The group had a spirited discussion; everyone had something to say. Requests were made for a walking group in Istanbul and to visit various sites in town. (Picture of the group attached). Kadikoy/Moda (Area M) – Area Coordinator, Beatrice Tuncbilek Cindy Bagcioglu hosted the Kadikoy/Moda area ladies while Claudia Turgut gave a demonstration on how to make Cigara Boregi. Everyone enjoyed the lesson and having the tasty treat with their coffee. What a great idea! (Picture of our Master Chefs at work). Tarabya (Area B) – Area Coordinator, Cristina Marx Hosted by Vandana Saxena, the ladies in Tarabya were treated to an inspiring talk on yoga by Vandana herself. Vandana has been practicing yoga for many years, and it was wonderful of her to

share her knowledge with the group. All Neighbourhood Coffee Mornings were well organized and each hostess and facilitator spent a lot of time organizing and preparing for the events. Many groups expressed a desire to just catch up on life and get acquainted with each other before inviting a speaker to their groups, which is a great idea as well! So ladies, if you still haven’t joined your Neighbourhood Coffee Group, you are missing out on a lot of fun. Please note that you don’t have to travel far. The idea of the Neighbourhood Coffee Morning is that it is in your very own neighbourhood. Please support your Neighbourhood Coffee Morning group by either volunteering to host or simply by going to one. Details of your Area and Area Coordinators are all on the website. They are held on the second Wednesday of every Month, 10.30-12.30. Special thanks to the following hostesses for hosting the November NCM: Monica Huemmer, Vandana Saxena, Sara Manera, Susan Narayan, Susanne Cakir, Dr.Saadia Zafar, Julia Senol, Alina Oztoprak, Anne Martin, Mahira Afridi, Claudia Turgut, Mariska Steenkamer Woolderink, Marianne Abrahams, Sukran Ozguner.

BIG THANK YOU TO ALL MY AREA COORDINATORS WHO HAVE BEEN DOING AN EXCELLENT JOB IN MAKING THE NEIGHBOURHOOD COFFEE MORNINGS SUCCESSFUL! Please feel free to call/email me if you have any queries or suggestions. Look forward to seeing you all enjoying your next Neighbourhood Coffee Morning.

*Nalini Narang 05548618058 nalini@iwi-tr.org

Marijana Aladem

ir hosted Kadıkö y area coffee m

orning.

January & February 2011

NCM Ortaköy.

programs Turkish Cultural Foundation lectures

A taste of Turkish wines...

The Turkish Cultural Foundation was established on January 1st, 2000.The Foundation’s main goal is to promote and preserve Turkish culture and heritage worldwide, through original programs and cooperation with like-minded organizations and to support research, documentation and publication in the humanities related to Turkey. One of the educational programs organized by the Turkish Cultural Foundation Turkey Branch office in Istanbul is the Turkish Art and Culture Lecture Series. With this lecture series, the Foundation aims to introduce the rich cultural and artistic heritage of Turkey to resident representatives and officials of foreign institutions in Istanbul, such as members of the consular corps, foreign faculty members and the expatriate community at large. The 2010/2011 Lecture series will feature many distinguished scholars and speakers. The lecture series will run until May 2011 at the Turkish Cultural Foundation Conference Hall in Taksim, Istanbul.

All of you gourmet IWI members will be excited to know that the events team is forming a wine and cheese tasting group for regular gastronomical get-togethers. Our primary goal is to enjoy good wine and food while familiarizing ourselves with the wide range of wines produced in Turkey. Join us for a fabulous wine tasting and lovely cheese buffet. Şerefe!

IWI members are welcome to join in two of these lectures: On the 11th January 2011 “From Prousa to Bursa: The Making of the First Ottoman Capital” by Asst. Prof. Dr. SunaÇağaptay and on the 8th February 2011 “Peace with Nature” by Dr. NihatGökyiğit. PLEASE NOTE THAT THERE ARE TWO SEPARATE EVENTS ON TWO SEPARATE DATES AND RESERVE DIRECT AT istanbul@turkishculture.org Date

11th January 2011, Tuesday & 8th February 2011, Tuesday

Date

14th January 2011, Friday

Time

7.00 pm

Time

14:30 - 16:00

Venue

Four Seasons Hotel (Sultanahmet )

Venue

Turkish Cultural Foundation

Cost

35 TL

Cost

Free

Meeting Place

Address

Cumhuriyet Cad. Cumhuriyet Apt. No.17/1 Taksim Istanbul Turkey

PLEASE CHECK THE WEBSITE FOR INFO SINCE VENUE MAY CHANGE!

Reservations

reservations@iwi-tr.org

Reservations

istanbul@turkishculture.org

Deadline

10th January 2011, Wednesday

#Participants

Unlimited

#Participants

Max. 20 (friends are welcome)

Person to Contact

Lilli İçgören

Contact details

0536 6000011 please sms

Please note CANCELLATION of the attendance after the RESERVATION DEADLINE or NO SHOW is chargeable in full. For non members the cost of this programme is an additional 20 TL.

January & February 2011

programs Mediterranean cooking workshop at El Beso

Give your body the gift of wellness....

El Beso Restaurant, located in the heart of İstanbul, offers wonderful cuisine that is a refined mix of the tastes of the Mediterranean (Spain, Italy, and Turkey). El Beso offers the finest of contemporary mediterranean cuisine in surroundings nothing short of cool elegance and with the breathtaking Bosphorous view. Great passion has been incorporated into every detail of this charming and sophisticated restaurant and club - from the creative mediterranean menus and selected wine list to the inviting interiors which provide a comfortable, intimate and memorable experience. For the cooking workshop, we will divide into two groups of eight people. One workshop will take place from 10:00 am to 1:00 pm and the other from 12:00 pm to 3:00 pm. After cooking, we will have lunch and taste what we’ve prepared with a glass of wine, compliments of El Beso.

Come and enjoy your morning at Transmed Hair and Cosmetic Surgery Clinic and get up-to-date information about how to improve your body. On Friday, January 21st 2011, Transmed’s plastic surgeon, Dr. Uğur Dikmen, will answer your questions about bodyshaping techniques. We all want to feel good about ourselves when we go out. Be it in haute couture, jeans or simply tracksuit bottoms, most of us desire to look fit and attractive out on the street. Thanks to the new technique of LIPOSHAPING – “the art of fine finishing,” it is possible to get the perfect look in just a few hours without any pain. Liposhaping will soon become a “well-known” secret among “in-the-know” women of Istanbul. And this is not all! Dr. Dikmen will not only introduce Liposhaping, but will also inform you about other cosmetic body-shaping solutions. At Transmed, you will receive information about the following fascinating techniques: • Cavitation • LPG • Quantum • Liposhaping

Dishes we’ll be learning to prepare: Ceviche Salad El Beso Patatas Bravas and Chicken Croquette (2 kinds of tapas) Spanish Paella (main course) Crema Catalana (dessert) Please note that there are two different workshops on the same day and please indicate the time that suits you after receiving your confirmation e-mail.

IWI participants will get a 25% discount on their treatments if they book their appointments on the day of the presentation.

Date

20th January 2011, Thursday

Date

21st January 2011, Friday

Time

10.00 am & 3.00 pm (Two groups: 10.00 am-1.00pm & 12.00-3.00pm)

Time

9:00- 12:00

Venue

Transmed Hair & Cosmetic Surgery Clinic

Venue

El Beso Restaurant, Kurucesme.

Cost

Free of charge

Cost

70 TL

Meeting Place

Fulyali Sokak no:7, Uc Levent

Meeting Place

El Beso Restaurant, Muallim Naci Cad64, Kurucesme (behind Macrocentre).

Reservations

Reserve online at www.iwi-tr.org

Reservations

Reserve online www.iwi-tr.org

Deadline

19th January 2011, Wednesday

Deadline

17th January 2011, Monday

#Participants

Max.12

#Participants

max 16

Person to Contact

Mehnaz Karamat/ Stephanie Kansu

Person to Contact

Mehnaz Karamat/ Stephanie Kansu

Contact details

0539-4823018/0533-9222500

Contact details

0539-482 3018/ 0533-922 2500

Please note CANCELLATION of the attendance after the RESERVATION DEADLINE or NO SHOW is chargeable in full. For non members the cost of this programme is an additional 20 TL. January & February 2011

programs Meditation: The Natural Healer

Istanbul@Night at Leb-i Derya Richmond

Ordained Buddhist in the Triratna Buddhist Order Dharmachari Vajracaksu, is presenting a workshop for IWI members... Meditation has been described as a direct method of transforming consciousness, of the mind directly working on the mind. More and more people are finding that meditation is an effective way to relieve stress, to relax more deeply, feel more confident and manage depression better. Over the last forty years in over forty different countries more than 2000 pieces of research have investigated the effects of meditation. These have typically highlighted the physiological, psychological and social benefits of meditation. One piece of research, for instance, showed that meditation effects a reversal in the aging process with the biological age of long-term meditators being 12 years less than their chronological age. Another one showed one hundred percent of insomnia patients who took up meditation reported improved sleep and 91% either eliminated or reduced sleeping medication use.

Let’s raise a glass to a wonderful new year at a fabulous location!

This workshop will include: An introduction to good meditation posture, practising a body awareness meditation, learning & practising ‘The Mindfulness of Breathing’ meditation, sharing experiences & an opportunity for questions and answers, ‘Just Sitting’ meditation with poetry. Date

24th January 2011, Monday

Time

10.00 am - 12.30 pm

Venue

Ortakoy Meditation center

Cost

30.00 TL

Meeting Place

Mecidiye Mahallesi, Fıstıklı Köşk Sokak,N.6/1 Ortaköy *

Reservations

Deadline

From the hubbub of the street to tranquility, Leb-i derya Richmond, the most enjoyable surprise of Istiklal Street, is one of the most dynamic venues in Istanbul. An unexpected sanctuary of joy and taste awaits us from a few stories above. Leb-i derya Richmond is a restaurant with fabulous international cuisine and a panoramic view of the city which will make you fall in love with Istanbul all over again. Come alone or with a friend or significant other – you will not want to miss this evening full of fun and laughter! We will start with drinks at the bar and continue with dinner at one of the tables with a breathtaking view!

Date

27th January 2011, Thursday

Time

20.00 pm Leb-i Derya Richmond Richmond Hotel 6th Floor (towards Tunel/ Galata) Istiklal Caddesi no. 227

Venue

Cost

Individually paid

Meeting Place

Leb-i Derya Richmond

Reserve online www.iwi-tr.org

Reservations

Reserve online www.iwi-tr.org

19th January 2011, Wenesday

Deadline

25th January 2011, Tuesday

Unlimited

#Participants

Max. 15

#Participants

Person to Contact

Dharmachari Vajracaksu

Person to Contact

Pervin Leenhouts / Laily Neyzi

Contact details

vajracaksu@yahoo.co.uk

Contact details

0532-4667573 / 0532-4667573

*On Dereboyu Caddesi, after about 400 metres, on the lefthand corner is a VESTEL. Turn left, it is “ŞEHİT NURİ PAMİR SOKAK”. At the end of the road, on the right is “FISTIKLI KÖŞK SOKAK”.

February Istanbul @ night will take place on the 24th February 2011, Thursday. Please check IWI website for details.

Please note CANCELLATION of the attendance after the RESERVATION DEADLINE or NO SHOW is chargeable in full. For non members the cost of this programme is an additional 20 TL.

January & February 2011

programs Earthquake preparedness

Skincare consultation

Before the big earthquake in the Istanbul area on August 17, 1999, the only volunteer association focused on search and rescue was the AKUT search and rescue association. After the earthquake, however, hundreds of search and rescue groups were formed in different regions of the country. Associations were founded in different provinces and districts in order to react locally to disasters. This movement has turned into a national mission and extremely positive steps have been taken.

Kiehl’s offers a skincare consultation day to IWI members. You can stop by their store in Akmerkez, with your friends or family if you like, and have a quick consultation and receive your complimentary products before you leave.

As a result, AKUT has changed the search and rescue standpoint of many governmental and private sector institutions. It has been a leader in this endeavor and has worked in order to raise consciousness related to situations before and after disasters. AKUT was identified as the organization that people trust the most in the survey that TESEV did after the Marmara earthquake. Most of the public heartily supports AKUT’s commitment to the safety of our society. Come and learn from AKUT how to protect yourself and your family, your house, and help others as well. You may also bring your family or friends with you. This knowledge could save lives!

Kiehl’s is a company founded on family beginning in 1851. Ingredients are the single most important component of our products. At Kiehl’s, our unique formulations are made with the finest, naturally-derived ingredients to assure the high quality of skin and hair care that our customers have come to expect from us. Kiehl’s sales representatives will be happy to give you a healthy skincare approach service; to explain a healthy skincare routine, to analyse your skin, and to determine your personal skincare needs All guests will receive: •3 sample for 1 week of product trial. •A special gift with their purchases: deluxe size samples – approximately 1 month of usage.

Date

29th January 2011, Saturday

Date

31st January 2011,

Time

12:00 - 14:00

Time

All day long event

Venue

Kiehl’s Store

AKUT SEARCH AND RESCUE ASSOCIATION Esentepe Büyükdere Cad. No. 120, at the Metro station Gayrettepe 0212-217 04 10 www.akut.org.tr

Cost

Free

Address

Akmerkez, 2nd floor, opposite Beymen

Venue

Cost

Seminar is free, with an optional 20TL donation to AKUT

Reservations

Please contact store for an appointment

#Participants

Unlimited

Address

AKUT ‘s office building

Person to Contact

Kiehl’s sales representative

Reservations

Reserve online www.iwi-tr.org

Contact details

0212 282 11 48

Deadline

20th January 2011, Thursday

#Participants

min 20

Person to Contact

Lilli İçgören

Contact details

0536 6000011 please sms

Please note CANCELLATION of the attendance after the RESERVATION DEADLINE or NO SHOW is chargeable in full. For non members the cost of this programme is an additional 20 TL. January & February 2011

programs Leyla Gencer House Visit

Sushi cocktail party

Peek inside the exciting life of Turkey’s legendary opera singer, Leyla Gencer!

Enjoy preparing and eating healthy food? The well-known Turkish centre “EFINST” has organized a sushi-making demonstration exclusively for IWI members. EFINST has been teaching Turkish as a foreign language to international students since 1997. Cigdem Unlu, Head of Marketing, has kindly arranged a cocktail party for us with a sushi demonstration from an experienced chef.

Leyla Gencer was one of the most important divas of the 20th Century. A soprano, Gencer was most famous for being the primadonna of the opera “La Scala” for 25 years. Throughout that time period she spent many years in Milan. She eventually bid her farewell to the opera scene in 1985 and became artistic Director of the Academy for Opera Artists at the Teatro alla Scala until her death in 2008. She also served as president of the Istanbul Foundation for Culture and Arts’ Board of Trustees. Because Gencer had a unique place with IKSV, the foundation kept her memory alive by recreating the Milanese life of this great opera star. We will have the exciting opportunity to peek inside the life of this great soprano by visiting a small reproduction of her house in Milan, including a collection of her accessories and clothes, and learning some details about her personal life. After a quick tour of the house, we will enjoy lunch at a cafe in the Pera/Galata area.

The term “sushi” is used to describe food that contains rice seasoned with sweet rice wine vinegar. It was introduced in Japan in the 7th century. Sushi is low in fat and is very nutritious. It is served in four basic forms: Nigiri; maki; temaki; and chirashi. Sushi is different from sashimi (raw fish) and is traditionally served with three contents: Soya sauce, gold coloured slices of gari or ginger, and wasabi, which is a type of spicy horseradish. Do not miss this delightful opportunity to chat with your friends over a cocktail and learn how to prepare sushi. The demonstration is free of charge; we will pay only for our drinks. Spouses are welcome.

Date

4th February 2011, Friday

Date

7th February 2011, Monday

Time

11.00 am

Time

7:00 pm

EFINST TURKISH CENTRE, 1 LEVENT

Istanbul Foundation for Culture and Art Sadi Konuralp Caddesi, No: 5 Şişhane (www.iksv.org)

Venue

Cost

Free, drinks to be paid

Cost

Free

Meeting Place

Canteen Restaurant (below EF Turkish Centre)

Meeting Place

Inside the entrance

Reservations

Reserve online www.iwi-tr.org

Reservations

Reserve online www.iwi-tr.org

Deadline

4th February 2011, Friday

Deadline

1st February 2011, Tuesday

#Participants

No Limit but tour in groups of 5 persons.

Person to Contact

Mehnaz Karamat/ Stephanie Kansu

Person to Contact

Stephanie Kansu

Contact details

0539 482 3018/0533 922 2500

Contact details

0533-922 2500

Please note CANCELLATION of the attendance after the RESERVATION DEADLINE or NO SHOW is chargeable in full. For non members the cost of this programme is an additional 20 TL.

January & February 2011

programs Tarts and Truffles for Valentine`s Day

Relax and rejuvenate for your Valentine

Would you like to learn how to make some extra special sweets for your sweetheart? Join Joy Ludwig-McNutt, a former U.S. pastry chef and fairly new IWI member, in her home to make several French desserts. Joy previously worked for a popular bakery in Kansas City where she also attended culinary school. In 2004, she moved to New York City to work at Jean-Georges restaurant for 2.5 years. Then, she worked as the pastry chef in a fine dining restaurant in Washington D.C. and later in Baltimore, MD. She is classically French trained in pastries with modern touches and focuses on using local ingredients whenever possible.Since moving to Istanbul in September 2010, Joy has been writing about her cooking and traveling experiences on her blog at http://myturkishjoys. blogspot.com/.This Valentine’s Day-themed class will be part hands-on and part demo. Sable’ Tart Dough - Using this buttery dough, you will learn how to make two kinds of tarts. Tarte au Citron, a classic French lemon tart and a Chocolate Ganache Tart with a dark caramel filling. Crème Anglaise – This classic, French vanilla sauce can be served with the tarts or with other desserts.

Historically, the Turkish bath or hamam was much more than just a room for washing and cleansing. It was intimately bound up with everyday life, a place where people of every rank and station, young and old, rich and poor, townsman or villager, could come freely. The hamam was actually an ancient variation of a spa, combining the services of hydrotherapy, massage and beauty treatments. Women often brought their food to be cooked in the hamam’s oven while being pampered. There were reportedly 300 public baths in Istanbul in the 16th century (about 60 of which remain today). The hamam’s benefits are numerous. The most important one is hyperthermia or overheating, which enhances the detoxification process. Steam elevates the body’s temperature, which speeds up metabolism and blood flow. The thermal contrast resulting from the use of cold water after the hot steam is extremely invigorating and boosts cardiovascular activity. In turn, this increased metabolism and blood flow stimulates muscles, getting them to release stored toxins.

Dark Chocolate Truffles - learn how to make a variety of truffles from one recipe. The recipe allows the ganache to be infused with a variety of spices, herbs or citrus zests. You will take home your own box of chocolates for yourself or for a loved one! Date

10th February 2011, Thursday

Time

10.00 a.m.

Experience the complete relaxation of a traditional hamam. Get cleansed, detoxified, and rejuvenated! Date

14th February 2011, Monday

Time Venue European side

10.00 am – 14.00 pm

: Asian side

Çemberlitaş Hamamı Vezirhan Cad. No: 8, Tram station Çemberlitaş www.cemberlitashamami.com Çinili Hamam, Üsküdar Murat Reis Mah. Çavuşdere Caddesi www.cinilihamam.com

Venue

Joy’s home in Fulya, Beşiktaş

Cost

40 TL

Meeting Place

Hakki Yeten Cad No: 14, Terrrace Fulya Center: 2 K:7 D: 27, Beşiktaş

Cost

approx. 50+ TL

Meeting Place

In front of hamam

Reservations

Reserve online www.iwi-tr.org

Reservations

Reserve online www.iwi-tr.org

Deadline

7th February 2011, Monday

Deadline

10th February 2011, Thursday

#Participants

Max. 12

#Participants

Min. 5 Persons (the more the cheaper)

Person to Contact

Stephanie Kansu/ Mehnaz Karamat

Person to Contact

Lilli Icgoren/ Martina Schweiher

Contact details

0533 922 2500/0539 482 3018

Contact details

0536-600-0011 / 0533-3931151

Please note CANCELLATION of the attendance after the RESERVATION DEADLINE or NO SHOW is chargeable in full. For non members the cost of this programme is an additional 20 TL. January & February 2011

programs Exclusive lifecoaching workshops for IWI

Feng Shui

Derryn Snowdon is putting together a series of 5 workshops for IWI members at the first half of 2011. The first two workshops are as follows: January: A NEW START – Discover your core beliefs and values that effect whether your life choices work for you or not. Set an appropriate & achievable ‘Personal Action Plan’ to fulfill your 2011 goals. February: RELATIONSHIPS - Get to the bottom of your communication issues. Identify your strengths and weaknesses. Improve your understanding of yourself and others.

My name is Edwena Finn. I got interested in Feng Shui when I lived in Thailand. I have studied many of the different elements of Feng Shui: the classical Feng Shui compass & form school, the flying star which then led me to take the Master Practitioner’s Course which I passed 5 years ago.

The IWI workshops Snowdon is offering are slightly different from Individual Life Coaching sessions. She works with a group on a set theme for a single session. In the workshops participants do a number of activities and exercises to gain clarity and focus on the theme of the workshop for each individual attending. Each person works on a personal action plan for herself on this theme and leave the workshop with both better knowledge and awareness of the theme as it relates to her own life, needs and values.

Date

16th February 2011, Wednesday

Feng Shui is an ancient Chinese philosophy of understanding the energy that surrounds us and it deals with using positive ‘chi’ or energy to improve a person’s good fortune and success. Literally translated it means wind and water. Chi brings happiness, prosperity, luck and long life. Chi is present everywhere, it is concentrated in some areas which are very sacred in Feng Shui. The five Feng Shui elements are wood, earth, metal, fire and water. When they are balanced in your living quarters, your life is better balanced, and you are more likely to have what you want in life. This coming Chinese New Year 2011 is the year of the Golden Rabbit. Come and learn what the year ahead has installed for you. Find out what your animal sign is, and what the year has in store for you! All I need is your birth date.

Date

21st February 2011, Monday

Time

10:00 am - 12:00 pm

Time

10.00 am - 12.00 pm

Venue

IWI office

Venue

Lilli’s home ( address upon reservation)

Cost

Free (please bring a snack )

Cost

15,00 TL

Meeting Place

IWI office

Meeting Place

Lilli’s home in Balmumcu

Reservations

Reserve online www.iwi-tr.org

Reservations

Reserve online www.iwi-tr.org

Deadline

11th February 2011, Friday

Deadline

17th February 2011, Thursday

#Participants

Max. 15 (please note there are 5 different classes every month)

#Participants

Max. 20

Person to Contact

Lilli İçgören

Person to Contact

Derryn Snowdon

Contact details

0536-6000011 please sms

Contact details

0533 7630777

Please note CANCELLATION of the attendance after the RESERVATION DEADLINE or NO SHOW is chargeable in full. For non members the cost of this programme is an additional 20 TL.

January & February 2011

programs Astrology...... Could It Be True?

Astrology makes it possible to indicate the broad outlines of someone’s personal development, beside his or her skills and talents. To this end, I provide a workshop for individuals as well as for companies in which astrology is introduced as a playful manner. In my work as a (careers) coach and trainer, I have noticed that many people nowadays are seeking for a new source of inspiration, so that they can continue to develop as a means for personal growth. The workshop takes 3 hours and comprises a presentation and an interactive exercise. The presentation begins with a simple introduction to astrology. The workshop explains what can and cannot be done with astrology, if you go about it in an honest and professional manner. One complete chart will be explained during the workshop. After the break, an interactive exercise will be given in order to experience yourself how you relate to yourself and to others. We will seek your strength, original qualities and passion both in working in a team and individually as a basis for effectiveness and pleasure in your work. We shall do this by means of a model: ‘The elements quadrangle: Fire, water, earth and air’. Thinking in elements is a metaphor for the different aspects of individuals. Each element stands for clusters of orientations, affinities, qualities and talents.

Date

25th February 2011, Friday

Time

9.30 am - 12.30 pm

Venue

IWI OFFICE Camiltepe Sitesi/ ULUS

Cost

5 TL

Meeting Place

IWI office

Reservations

Reserve online www.iwi-tr.org

Deadline

22nd February 2011, Tuesday

#Participants

Max. 12

Person to Contact

Herbert Minderhoud

Contact details

0538-899-1807

January & February 2011

programs Photography Seminars

photographer of 30 years Jeff Sutton offers seminars to IWI members in collaboration with Photography Club of Istanbul International Women (PCIIW). There are two level of seminars: The Basic Photography Skillls and Intermediate Photography Skills. The Basic Photography Skills covers very basic tips and techniques for learning solid photography skills. There will be a brief presentation, about 30 minutes, with plenty of examples with the balance of time devoted to going over participants images. Each person attending will be asked to bringin five to ten images.

fırst aıd class

IWI Programs Team is considering to start a First Aid Class. If enough participants are gathered, the classes will start on the 19th February 2011. Minimum 15 people should participate classes. The course is completed in 15 hours, which will be divided over the course of time. If you are interested please send an email to reservations@iwi-tr.org until the 1st February 2011.

The Intermediate Photography Skills covers more in depth areas of composition, technical skill and post production techniques. Basic understanding of digital shooting and editing is a prerequisite. There will be a brief presentation, about 30 minutes, with plenty of examples with the balance of time devoted to going over participants images. Again, each person attending will be asked to bring in five to ten images. The seminars he is organizing in January (13th & 20th) are both full already. But don’t worry! Additional dates both for January and February will be organised. Also Jeff Sutton is planning seminars on different topics such as: An overview of software packages like Adobe Photoshop, Adobe Lightroom, Adobe Elements, Apple Aperture. This will be an overview of the benefits and weaknesses of each. The other topics are Basic Photo Editing with Adobe Lightroom, Advanced Photo editing with Adobe Lightroom, HDR photography - High Dynamic Range (for examples see: www. hdrsoft.com), Night Photography and Shooting Panoramas.

For more information please contact Jeff Sutton through email: www.jeffsutton.smugmug.com

January & February 2011

ıwı ınterest Groups IWI Chess Club Scientists claim that playing chess can improve mental age by up to 14 years; it exercises the brain and helps prevent and fight Alzheimer’s disease. By playing chess, children can develop and adults can strengthen many types of skills, including memory, logical thinking, concentration, capability to predict and foresee consequences of actions, and many others. Join the chess club and experience the benefits of playing chess! Weekly chess group lessons are available for children (IWI members receive a 10% discount) from IWI chess club coordinator, Ekaterina Atalik, who happens to be an International Chess Grandmaster and 2006 European Champion. Date:Monthly (for ladies) Cost:Free Meeting Place: Upon reservation Reservations: Reserve online or makacat@yandex.ru Contact: 0533 -6904782

Book Club 1 News Book Club 1 meets once a month on a Monday morning from September to June. Meetings are held in the homes of members. Books to be read, one per month, are chosen jointly by the participants. We read a variety of books, generally new publications and mainly fiction, but we also read non-fiction and the occasional classic. This book club is currently full, although places may open up in the future. Book Club 1 Coordinator: Lesley Tahtakılıç tahtakilic@superonline.com

Book Club 2 News Why not join us for a chance to discuss, explore and share books from all over the world. We meet every third Tuesday of the month. With such a multicultural group of members and with so many experiences of living in various parts of the globe our discussions are always lively and informative. Members also bring along books they have enjoyed and want to share with us. My bookcase is groaning under the weight of books waiting to be read. Why not come along and join us at one of the following meetings: 18th January 2011 The Lonely Polygamist by Brady Udall 15th February 2011 Samarkand by Amin Maalouf 15th March 2011 Mehmed my Hawk by Yaşar Kemal 19th April 2011

The Hour I First Believed by Wally Lamb 17th May 2011 Finkler Question by Howard Jacobson 21st June 2011 3 Cups of Tea by Greg Mortenson& David Oliver Relin Venue: ‘The House Cafe’ in Kanyon (Metro-LEVENT- and follow the signs through the walk way to Kanyon. The House Cafe is on the ground floor.) Time: 10.30 am – 12.00 pm Book Club 2 Coordinator: Fiona Houlton - houlton4@yahoo.com

IWI Movie Club Are you interested in watching movies? If you are, then join our new IWI Movie Club! Our first meeting was on 29th September at AFM Istinye Park. We watched “Wall Street 2”. The meetings take place every last Wednesday of the month. For more information log onto www.iwi-tr.org and make your reservation.

IWI Tennis Welcoming all level of tennis players. Join us! Every monday we meet at Enka, which is located across from Istinye Park Shopping Mall, to play 1.5 hours of tennis. Last year we had eight teams, so we are sure to have a level that is suitable for you, from beginners to intermediate to advanced. The IWI Tennis Spring Session starts on 17th January 2011 and will finish on 23rd May 2011. Ladies who may arrive in Istanbul in the middle of the session are always welcome to phone as we have a substitute list as well as teams can change as our membership is very fluid since most members are expatriates. IWI Tennis is a great way to meet new ladies, improve your tennis and have a lot of fun. Sydney Ellsworth Yol 0532 287 56 11 sydneyyol@gmail.con

PCIIW

(Photography Club of Istanbul International Women) PCIIW is a group of international women with an interest in photography at all levels. We hold monthly meetings, go on monthly photo treks around Istanbul, and organize photography classes, all of which help us to discover Istanbul, make new friends, and become better photographers. Over the years we have had several exhibits. For more information, please send an email to pciiw@yahoo.com

January & February 2011

Anne Martin Mirjam van der Lubbe

CHARITY

A look at IWI funded charities The IWI helps local charities in number of different ways: Provision of Grants to local organisations, provision of second-hand good to local organisations, provision of IWI volunteers, allowing selected IWI supported charities to have stalls at the IWI Christmas Bazaar...

he Charities Team has been focusing on visiting organisations that have requested funding from the IWI. We have visited organisations that have been receiving IWI funds for many years and organisations that have not yet received any grants. The IWI takes the distribution of funds very seriously. The charities seek to ensure that any funding given in the previous year has been appropriately spent. We focus on organisations that focus on women, children and the underserved in Istanbul. Currently the IWI supports charities that support the elderly, women, and children, the mentally handicapped, physically handicapped and refugees. In the New Year the charities team will present the proposals to the IWI boards and decisions will be made on which organisations will receive grants in 2011. The majority of IWI’s charitable funds come from the Christmas Bazaar with the rest of the funds coming from the Annual Spring Ball.

Yöret Foundation Yöret Foundation has received IWI funding for a number of different projects over the last 8 years. YÖRET Foundation is a nongovernmental, non-profit organization, founded in 1972. In recent years Yöret has implemented a number of different projects but with a common goal is to promote and support children’s rights, to help professional who give service to children, to train the trainers and make sure they contribute to the quality of life for the children whom they provide services. Yöret works in cooperation with the local Ministry of Education in order to work in the school system. Yöret works with universities to motivate and support young professionals in counselling. Yöret believes that counselling students are the future leaders in the educational system, because after they graduate from the university they help thousands of students and parents with many psychosocial problems, and that in turn will have a postitive impact on the people they work with. Summer Arts SMART Project Last year the Yoret Foundation received 8,800TL to assist in funding for a Summer Arts SMART Project for disadvantaged children in two schools in the Bahçelievler district of Istanbul. The summer vacation in Turkey is very long. Children, especially those in the outskirts of the city who have a long holiday, do not have constructive ways for spending their leisure time. Families, who have ties with other cities, usually send their children away to grandparents or to rural areas. Those who are a little older are expected to do work for low pay or go to religious summer

schools. Our project offers an alternative. This project utilises also a violence prevention approach. Research has indicated that children who are involved in constructive activities such as those we offer in our SMART project in their leisure time are less likely to get into trouble with their peers, or vandalise properties in their neighbourhood or get into conflict with law. Yoret collaborates with the ministry of education to select an area that is particularly in need of a Summer Programme and provides the premises for the project. The project aims to introduce the children to many forms of art, to have them enjoy social and cultural activities they would otherwise not have a chance to experience. Counselling students from six universities (Aydın, Marmara, Maltepe, Yeditepe, Istanbul and Boğaziçi Universities) volunteer to work in our project as leaders. Yöret selects up to 25 university students (Genç YÖRET’li) who volunteer to get leadership and art skills training. With the help of these young leaders, Yöret reaches out to children. After a week’s training programme for the volunteers, the activities programme begins. The scheme intends to work with both the children and involve the parents. The volunteer young leaders are supervised by professionals throughout the process and the results of their work are evaluated. This program has deep effects on the children who for the first time in their lives experience an environment of supervised play, arts, make their puppets and create a story around them, get involved in team activities, expressive activities such as drama... etc. The programme also included some health education regarding care of teeth. The parents are invited for lectures and sharing at least once a week during the program. They are also given the opportunity to share their concerns about family life and child development. The project also benefits the volunteer young leaders who are studying to become counsellors. They learn about classroom management, develop leadership skills, they move closer to their future professional activities, they get daily supervision from the director, and weekly supervision form a professional counsellor. IWI is proud to be funding a programme that gives disadvantaged children in Istanbul some wonderful opportunities to go on outings, to take part in artistic activities in a safe environment. 1. IWI Volunteers Coordinator 2. IWI Charity Coordinator January & February 2011

January & February 2011

IPWIN

Esbie van Heerden

All about the Turkish job market... Murat Yeşildere from Egon Zehnder International was the guest speaker at IPWIN event “All about the Turkish Job Market“ in November... IPWIN welcomed 42 attendees and we even had one gentleman participant. The event took place at Point Hotel and started off with a question from Murat Bey to the audience... They replied positively, that the majority of the women there had worked in their home country and almost as many would like to work in Turkey at present. He also stated that Turkey was booming but regardless the honest truth was that Turkey does not accommodate job seeking foreigners as well as other countries. The major difficulties that both the employer and a prospective employee may face are: • Work permits... Not impossible to overcome, but a hard reality. • Language barrier... Especially at lower levels in companies. • A mental barrier from the executive side... Many may not feel confident dealing with foreigners. They may worry how they will fit in the culture of the company. There is a ‘just like me bias’. • Employers only ever consider local applications of Turks, Turks living abroad and foreigners as the absolute last resort. Murat Bey highlighted the importance of networking and gave some interesting statistics about finding jobs in Turkey and stated that in general 65 % find their jobs through their own networks. More specifically: • 70 % of Turks find their jobs through networking – family, friends, neighbours and colleagues. • 20 % find jobs through newspaper ads or the Internet recruitment companies. • 10 % other ways, such as headhunting companies

use these contacts around you! • A “contact” is for Murat Bey, is a person that you have a relation with and he/she calls back within 24 hours. Keep your contacts alive! • An English language CV is fine for the Turkish job market in general but it should be as detailed as possible because partly the titles may make no sense for the local HR. Do not exceed 2-3 pages. • Turkish employers are likely to call your last employer. In response to a question, Murat Bey said that emerging sectors in Turkey are telecommunications and real estate. There is a growing need for legal and that specialist roles like brand activation, marketing services and media planning are getting more prominent. Legal and SAP experts are needed. He included that people rarely find jobs in the newspaper and that interviewing skills are very low here. He also proposed looking in unexpected places for jobs – do not have preconceived ideas. For example, Ülker (a traditionally conservative company) employs the largest number of foreigners. He said that his company, Egon Zehnder deal perhaps only with a percentage as low as 1% when it comes to foreigners and the role they play is still developing similar to Japan and other south-Mediterranean countries.

He asked the audience why they wanted jobs. Was it financial reasons? Stretching career opportunities or do they simply want to get out of the house? He said that there are different ways to start but that it was important to keep in mind that the Turkish employer do not like to “hire” as such but on the other hand they are really keen on the expertise that a foreigner may be able to bring. The secret would then be not to be fixated on getting a conventional job offer but to rather focus on transactional or project work which would be much more palatable to the Turkish employer. He asked us not to focus on the obstacles but rather to asses ourselves and focus on the possibilities. He really emphasized networking and the importance of ‘Linkedin’ – on the Turkish business network there are already more than 27.000 members – and he proposed that that we (the participants in the room) and our spouses are the best contacts that we have and that it was vital for us all to connect using something like Linkedin. In short, he highlighted the following: • Adjust your target to what is available in this market. (Forget about that fantasy job!) • Remember “diversity” policies is on your side: Only 10% of board members are female and the companies need women. • Instead of asking for a job ask for career advice from possible employers or contacts. Ask a little of their time and explain your situation. They may be able to offer invaluable advice or point you in an unexpected direction. • When offering a temporary or project based work be ready to give invoices. • Differentiate yourself from others (For example: Handwritten cards or thank you-mail) • Search for people in your network who could have contacts –

January & February 2011

Mind… Body… Spirit… MEMBER’S VIEWS

Through her own experiences Chrissy Ramski Güleç opens the door to a healthier lifestyle. The key is to be aware of your own body and its needs...

he Advertising and Sponsorship Coordinator of IWI and a board member, Chrissy Ramski Güleç, has been living in Istanbul for two and a half years now. Everyone who knows her knows she leads a healthy life, following her exercises and her diet. It’s impossible not to get inspired by her dedication! As she is starting her own business here with a Turkish jewelry designer friend of hers, she gave us some insight on her lifestyle through answering our questions. How and when did you decide to live a healthier life? What affected your decision? Or have you always been cautious about your health? I have always been health conscious, but have never been considered a “health nut”. I enjoy running and the occasional aerobics class, and generally stay away from bad

foods and heavy meals. But my workout and diet regimen could be considered occasional at best, at least until a few years ago when I moved to Turkey. When I moved to Turkey, everything changed – especially my lifestyle, diet and overall health. I thought I was leading a healthier lifestyle by eating more fresh food and vegetables here, but instead in the first four months I not only gained 5 kilo but found out from routine blood work that my typically record-low cholesterol was now over 330! I had it tested a second and third time by different doctors because I was convinced they mixed up my results with some big kebab-eating Turkish man. But in fact it was my cholesterol that was sky-high and it was at this point that I knew I needed to figure out how to lead a healthier life.

What do you do to live a healthy life? In short, I try to make smart food choices and I work out on average three times a week. But being healthy is more than just ‘doing’ – your mind has to be in it too. If you don’t have the right mindset and attitude towards it, your diet and exercise actions will not be successful long-term. For me, it was a mind-body-spirit thing. I was determined to feel better not just physically, but mentally and spiritually as well. It’s always tough getting started, but once I did, I sort of became addicted to feeling good. Once I got into it, my body began to crave healthy foods and being active, just like how when you’re in an eating rut or period of not working out, your body wants to be more lazy and eat more bad things.

January & February 2011

MEMBER’S VIEWS

cuisine. If there is an option to eat or buy organic, I do. I avoid most foods cooked heavily in olive oil. Making these changes all helped me get my weight and cholesterol back where they should be. I also tried a raw food diet last year and I felt my best ever while I was on it. It was actually very easy to follow, quick to prepare, and allowed me to get creative in the kitchen, but it required preparation (shopping, chopping, soaking) and is difficult to keep up with when traveling. I did a lot of research on how to get the proper amount of vitamins, minerals, protein, fat, carbohydrates, etc, from a non-meat eating diet. Yes, it is possible and it is healthy; it’s just not typical or talked about much especially in Turkey. Therefore a lot of people don’t understand how you can be healthy eating this type of semivegetarian diet. It’s as simple as understanding what nutrients your body needs and how it processes them, and in what foods you can get those nutrients. A little research can go a long way. I arrived at this lifestyle plan over time and through a lot of trial and error. It works for me and I manage to follow it 80% of the time, which is enough for me to be happy with how I feel and the results I see. What sports or exercises do you do? I do Bootcamp three times per week. It is an intense 45-minute group workout at 6:15 in the morning. I was never a morning person so I never thought I could wake up that early to work out, but now I find myself looking forward to it and really feel like I’ve missed out if I can’t go. I have become stronger and more fit because of it, have better posture, feel more mentally alert throughout the day, and have run two (my first ever) 15K races since I started Bootcamp a year and a half ago. Is it difficult to maintain a healthy life in Turkey? What difficulties do you face? It is not difficult for me to maintain a healthy lifestyle in Turkey because I make a conscious effort to lead this type of lifestyle. It all started with me waking up one day wanting to see if I would feel any different if I stopped eating meat. For me, that opened up a whole new window into understanding how food and exercise affects the body AND the mind.

What is your diet like? I no longer eat meat or chicken. I used to crave a cheeseburger once a week, but one day two years ago I woke up and decided I was going to see if not eating meat made me feel any differently. I was surprised because it did – the most noticeable being my meat cravings subsided immediately, I felt more energetic, and after about a month or so I noticed that a problem I had in one of my ears, which always felt plugged and I could hear the whoosh of blood through the veins constantly (which no doctor could diagnose), cleared up. I stopped eating chicken only last year after learning that chicken has just as much cholesterol as a same-sized piece of steak, not to mention the high level of human-induced hormones found in chickens. I imagine one day I will go back to eating chicken, but for now I’m happy not eating it. I do eat fish, but I try to eat fish from the sea instead of the fish farm. I generally don’t eat empty carbohydrates like white bread, white rice or white sugar. And I’m not much of a sweets person so I only indulge in occasional dessert (or Lindt Mint Intense chocolate which is always in my fridge!). I eat a lot of vegetables – raw and partially cooked as these have more nutrients than the over-cooked vegetables typical of Turkish January & February 2011

Thankfully in Istanbul you can find an abundance of fresh vegetables and fish year-round, so I find it very easy to lead a healthy life here eating a fish and vegetarian-based diet. And there are plenty of exercise options to choose from, no matter what your time availability and budget may be. What suggestions do you have for people who want to live healthier? 1. Set your mind to it – you have to make a conscious decision to lead a healthier lifestyle if you are going to succeed at it. 2. Everything in moderation – don’t deny yourself the indulgences you love, but also don’t go overboard. 3. If you have a workout buddy or spouse/significant other to be healthy with, it makes a big difference. 4. If you try something and it doesn’t work for you, change part of it or try something else altogether. You have to find out what is right for you and that might mean trying different things out. If you don’t know where to start, have a consultation with a dietitian or look around you and talk to those who are leading the type of healthy lifestyle you aspire to. 5. Watch the movie Food Inc. – I believe every person owes it to themselves to understand the basics of where their food comes from.

(G. N.)

January & February 2011

Healthy & delicious

SPONSORED ARTICLE

January & February 2011

book revıew

Nancy Öztürk

Sacred treasure Publisher and IWI member Nancy Öztürk falls into publishing and uncovers an Istanbul treasure!

Splendor & Pageantry: Textile Treasures from the Armenian Orthodox Churches of Istanbul Written by Ronald Marchese, Marlene Breau and the Istanbul Armenian Patriarchate, Photographed by Murat Ogurlu and Published by Citlembik Publishing.

ight years ago, my friend Linda Robinson, long-known for her love of books and willingness to share them with one and all, came into my office to introduce me to two people with whom she had newly become acquainted: Both American professors, Ronald Marchese of the University of Minnesota, who is an anthropologist, and Marlene Breu, a textile historian from Michigan’s Western University. On a visit as a tourist to the Grand Bazaar, Marlene had heard some rumors about “textile treasures” that belonged to the Armenian Patriarchate in Istanbul. Intrigued, she managed to get an appointment to speak with Mesrob II Mutafyan, the brilliant and charismatic Patriarch of the Armenian Orthodox Patriarchate of Istanbul. As she was shown some of the textiles in the church’s treasury, she realized that she was viewing a treasure that was hitherto unknown in the world of art and textile history. She got into contact with her friend and colleague Professor Ronald Marchese and the two academicians began a detailed study of all of the sacred textiles being kept in the Patriarchate and in the various Istanbul Armenian churches. While working closely with the Patriarch himself, the two professors worked hand-inhand with Archbishop Aram Atesyan, who helped them solve all of the practical problems of viewing and photographing the pieces being kept in disparate churches throughout Istanbul. The work was immense as the scholars catalogued the pieces and began to uncover their various histories and the wealth of techniques used to create them. I was extremely excited to be asked to join this venture. Having lived in Istanbul for 38 years now, I know about the almost constant uncovering of incredible architectural artifacts that lie hidden under the soil of the city, but here was another kind of treasure, one that lay hidden in church vaults and, while treasured by the Armenian faithful and clergy who use them, not truly understood for their historic and artistic value. Probably the most exciting thing for me about these sacred textiles is that they are the artistic products of women artisans. I have always wondered what the women of this great geography were doing as their men designed and built the magnificent monuments and joined and fought in the many wars waged on and for these lands, and now a bit of this puzzle has been solved. Women not only used their incredible needlework techniques to create these breathtakingly beautiful pieces of textile art, they also infused their needlework with their own visions and artistic sense. Here is a synthesis of symbolic forms reflecting Anatolia and a rich artistic past that must certainly blend Anatolian, Byzantine, Caucasian, Turkic and Mongolian styles. Eastern miniature art is recreated and reformed with soft silken floss and tiny needles. The tiniest of details come to life when viewed through a mag-

nifying glass. The congregations, most likely mostly illiterate at the time, “read” the gospel stories through the images on the cloth and were awestruck—as we are—by the richness of the silk cloth, the colorful embroidery, and the generous use of precious jewels and metals in the pieces. This book has not only been our biggest project to date, in the interim years it has also been hampered by numerous problems, some that seemed insurmountable at times. Our beloved Mesrob II has fallen grievously ill, as many of us know, setting us back both in time and in spirit. The original photographs also were not technically advanced enough to allow for their use in a book of this kind. We had to set up a mobile photography studio in our van and head back to all of the churches and carefully rephotograph all of these priceless pieces. And then of course we were served a heavy blow by the recession, which robbed us of the financial backing to print this very expensive project. A multitude of other problems also appeared, but we have managed, one by one, to overcome all of the hurdles and we are extremely excited as the book is now—finally--going to print. Perhaps the delay was also a blessing, for the book was published last month, in 2010, the year that Istanbul was serving as a Capital of Culture and celebrating its role as a multi-cultural city. This book is perhaps the greatest proof of this multiply layering of cultures, traditions and religions. The book is now available! Please ask for it in fine bookstores, or come down to the office to purchase it on discount. www.citlembik.com.tr It will also soon be in bookstores in the US, UK, Australia and in New Zealand and will also be available on amazon.com and, in the US, from www. nettleberry.com.

Many IWI members know the story of how I opened a translation company and was happily (and sometimes not so) translating away when a friend showed me a manuscript written by American pediatric nurse and amateur sleuth and historian, Rhonda Van der Sluis, who had spent seven years researching and photographing all of the buildings lining the Bosphorus Strait. I fell in love with the book and that became Citlembik’s first publication, A Guide to the Bosphorus. Before I knew it I was in the publishing business, trying -not always successfully- to balance doing translations and learning the publishing trade. Having fallen into the spell of producing books, both in English -books about some aspect of Turkey or translations of Turkish authors- and in Turkish -books on such subjects as gender equality not readily found elsewhere in Turkey- I found myself carrying a burden that was simply too heavy for me. Luckily enough, I was joined by my daughter Zarife Özturk who had finished her doctorate degree in cinema but was stalwart enough to support her mother and exercise her own deep love of books. Zarife is now overseeing the company and I, semi-retired, try to stay on the sidelines as I continue to offer my support to her. Citlembik has now published more than 170 books and continues with its translations services as well. But even as time passes and many more books are printed, I know that nothing quite matches the joy of actually holding in my hands, the product of all of the effort involved in creating a book.

January & February 2011

book rev覺ew

January & February 2011

mums ‘n kids

*Jasmine Yüzer

Happy Birthday Mother Earth! Welcome to 2011! We had some fun in 2010 and now it’s time for a new chapter. I hope that this year brings you all, all of your hearts desires!

ur kids gave their wish lists and took pictures with our very jolly Santa Claus (aka Hakan Ünsal, aka Mr. Esbie van Dam) at the Family Christmas Brunch in the ViewPoint room at the Point Hotel in Taksim. The Istanbul International Chamber Choir put us in the Christmas spirit with their angelic voices. The children were thoroughly entertained by Irmak Devecigil’s father Jason Moore, who showed us what he likes Christmas brunch with Santa.

to do in his spare time! The kids got a kick out of watching and participating in his lively juggling act. Parents got the chance to chat and mingle thanks to the troupe of animators, we had playing games, painting faces, and making balloons for our kids. The small raffle added an edge of excitement as well! I would like to thank everyone that made the brunch a success! Special thanks to our board for sponsoring the brunch and making it so affordable for our members, their families and friends. Thank you IWI! Let’s face it, when you are a mother, life is more unpredictable than usual, and this fact works against us when it comes to activities, so that is why I am streamlining mums ‘n kids programs. I think most of the interest in mums ‘n kids is directed towards our playgroups in members homes, schools, and play centers that we set up and coordinate. However, I would like to give our older children (school aged) the chance to meet each other and socialize with kids like themselves on the weekends. Please show your support and don’t leave us hanging! Remember, these activities are also learning experiences not only for your children, but also for you. You will see different places in İstanbul that you normally might never see, you can meet other mothers, maybe your child’s new best-friend or your next new friend will be at one of these programs! Come to our programs and let your children have more than just one set of friends.

January

Pizza Making Mania! Let your children make you lunch for a change! At this activity they will create their own personalized pizza! Let them decorate it with all the delicious goodies they desire and pop it in the stone oven to enjoy it with them at the new Point Hotel in Gayrettepe. Piola Resturant is a wonderful spot for pizza and other delectable Italian dishes, in an artistic and child friendly environment. There will be a menu decorating contest and entertainment for the kids. No problem with parking, there is an underground lot just meters from the enterance to the restaurant, so no problem with the cold weather! So come and get warmed up with your own personalized pizza! Where: The Point Hotel, Piola Resturant (Gayrettepe) up the street from Beşiktaş When : 21st January 2011, Saturday Time : 1.00 pm – 4.00 pm RSVP : Jasmine Yuzer at jasmine@iwi-tr.org Tel : 0533-717-2889

February

Cooking with Ayşe What a better way to keep warm than with a cooking class with our own member Ayşe. Ayşe has years of experience giving cooking lessons to kids and she wants to share her knowledge with ours! ‘All they need is a pinch of originality, a dash of time, and a cup full of enthusiam!’ Let your kids keep warm with Ayşe’s recipies for winter! Where : Eden’s Garden Pre-school Guzelce Ali Paşa Caddesi No:50 Yeniköy When : 19th February 2011, Saturday Time : 11.00 am RSVP : Ayşe Yücel – ayseguleryucel@gmail.com Tel : 532-356-3843

*IWI Mums ‘N Kids Coordinator The Mums ‘n Kids Team, 2010 - 2011 Jasmine Yüzer

jasmine@iwi-tr.org

0533 717 2889

Gigi Aksu

gaksu05@yahoo.com

0530 645 9494

January & February 2011

mums ‘n kids IWI MUMS ‘N KIDS MEETINGS & PLAYGROUPS: 1) PREGNANT MUMS & MUMS WITH INFANTS 0 – 18 MONTHS An opportunity to meet other pregnant ladies and mums of infants and to share the joys and trials of motherhood while creating a support network. A guest speaker is invited periodically to talk to the group regarding pregnancy and new parenting topics. -When: Every Tuesday 10:30 AM – 12:30 PM -Location: Rotating turns at mums’ homes and pre-arranged places -Cost: Free -Co-Coordinators (European side): Karolina Meisloch at karolina@meisloch.com or 0531 695 7887 and Andrea Karapinar at a.koziel@gmx.de or 0533 276 0582

2) 18 –36 MONTHS PLAYGROUP

announcements IWI “MUMS ‘N KIDS” RESOURCE AND SUPPORT GROUPS: 1) CHILDREN WITH SPECIAL NEEDS - For resources and recommended specialists for children with special needs. Contact Debbie Sainte-Rose at debbiesainterose@ yahoo.com or 0531 769 1368.

2) ATTACHMENT PARENTING INTERNATIONAL (API) - Non-profit group networking parents & professionals to help parents find the support, information & empowerment they need to form strong bonds and enduring relationships with their children. Open to parents of children up to 3 years of age. Membership is free. Contact Nilufer Devecigil at ndevecigil@hotmail.com

3)BREAST FEEDING AND POST PARDUM SUPPORT GROUP

IWI MUMS ‘N KIDS ASIAN SIDE PLAYGROUPS:

La Leche League type instruction about breast feeding techniques and other relevant information, facilitated by doula Julia Steils Paçacıoglu. -Date and Time: Every 2nd and 4th Wednesday starting October 13th -Location: Rotating mom’s homes -Cost: Free -Coordinator: Julia Steils Paçacıoglu Julia@fullcirclehealing.org 537 435 5552

1) PREGNANT MUMS & MUMS WITH INFANTS 0 – 18 MONTHS

INTERNATIONAL PRE-SCHOOLS & CENTERS’ PLAY GROUPS

This is a fun playgroup for our active toddlers. -When: Every Wednesday 10 AM – 12 PM -Location: Rotating turns at mums’ homes and pre-arranged places -Cost: Free -Coordinator: Gigi Aksu at gaksu05@yahoo.com or 0530 645 9494

An opportunity to meet other pregnant ladies and mums of infants and to share the joys and trials of motherhood while creating a support network. A guest speaker is invited periodically to talk to the group regarding pregnancy and new parenting topics. -When: Every Tuesday 11 AM – 1 PM -Location: Rotating turns at mums’ homes and pre-arranged places -Cost: Free -Coordinator (Asian side): Lucille Abendanon at lucille.abendanon@gmail.com or 0534 971 6584

2) “ASIAN BABIES” FOR 3 MONTHS AND UP -When: Every Wednesday 10 AM - 12 PM -Location: Pre-arranged meeting place -Cost: Free -Coordinator: Aischa Erten at aischa@erten.net or 0532 324 2739 ASIAN SIDE –BIG KIDS This is a group for school goers who want to stop by after a long day at school -When: Every Thursday 4 -6 PM -Location: Rotating turns at mums’ homes -Cost: Free -Coordinator: Michele Kafer michelekafer@gmail.com or 05375047442

3) ASIAN SIDE WEEKEND PLAYGROUP This is our weekend playgroup for working and non-working IWI mums who like to meet on Saturdays to socialize with their babies and toddlers. -When: Every Saturday Mornings or afternoons - according to majority decision -Location: Rotating turns at moms’ homes and outdoors -Cost: Free -Coordinator: Jane Örer at janeorer@hotmail.com

1)BOSPHORUS INTERNATIONAL PRE-SCHOOL (BIP), EMIRGAN www.bipschools.net Teacher organized activity, song and circle time and half an hour of garden play (weather permitting). Coffee, tea, milk and cookies provided. When: Tuesdays starting October 5th 10 - 11:30 AM Cost: Free Age group: 0 -3 years of age Co-ordinator and reservations: Ms. Colette Laffan-Persembe at cpersembe@bipschool.net or 0212-277 8444 Note: Call Mondays to reserve, there are only 10 spots. Only one known adult per child please.

2) BRITISH INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL (BIS), ZEKERIYAKOY AND ETILER www.bis.k12.tr Indoor and outdoor garden play (weather permitting) followed by snack and music time. Known adult to stay and supervise child. Days and locations: Tuesdays and Thursdays in Zekeriyakoy and Mondays and Fridays in Etiler beginning Tuesday, September 14th Time: 9 -11 AM (both campuses) Cost: 10 TL per session Age group: 0 – 2 ½ years of age Co-ordinator and reservations: Mrs. Amanda Ilhan, Preschool and Primary Deputy Director at amandailhan@bis.k12.tr or 0212 202 70 27 ext. 116

3) EDEN’S GARDEN INTERNATIONAL PRE-SCHOOL, YENIKOY www.edensgardenpreschool.com Teacher co-ordinated song and story time along with baby music and ballet in the dance room, arts and crafts in the ceramics studio, or garden play (weather permitting). Known adult must supervise child. Bring soft slippers. Organizes birthday parties. January & February 2011

mums ‘n kids

announcements

When: Thursdays 9:30 – 11: 30 AM Cost: 30 TL per session; includes a brunch at 10:30 AM Age Group: 0 – 3 years Co-ordinator and reservations: Ms.Christina Heath at director@ edensgardenpreschool.com or 0212 262 43 02

6)GYMBOREE, ULUS www.gymboreeturkey.com Features THREE exciting playgroup options for our Mums N Kids:

4)WOODSVIEW INTERNATIONAL NURSERY & PRESCHOOL, TARABYA

(1)‘Free play’ for 0- 5 year olds, including coffee or a drink for mums. When: Every Monday 3:30 – 5:30 PM Cost: 25 TL per session

www.woodsviewpreschool.com Indoor and garden play (weather permitting) followed by snack time. Coffee, tea and biscuits for mums. Known adult must stay with child. When: Wednesdays 2 PM – 3:30 PM Fee: Free Age group: 0 – 3 years Coordinator and reservations: Ms. Sharon Harding at Sharon@ woodsviewpreschool.com or 0212 299 39 06(-67 65)

(2)‘Play and Learn’ 45 minute class in English and Turkish at a group rate discount including food, beverage, and free play. Days, times, and age group Wednesdays: 10 AM for Level 2 and L3 (6 -10 months) and (10 – 16 months) Thursdays: 10 AM for Level 4 (16 – 22 months) Fridays:10:30 AM for Level 5 and L6 (22 – 28 mos) & (28 – 36mos) Cost: 35 TL per class (Note: 8 week minimum for groups of 5)

5)ETILER KEMER KIDS’ GARDEN, ETILER www.kemer.k12.tr Native English speaker teacher lead playgroup. Known adult must supervise child. When: Wednesdays 2:30 – 4 PM Cost: Free Age group: 0 – 3 years Co-ordinator and reservations: Ms. Esra Durust, at ekids@kemer. k12.tr or 0212 265 1723 or 0212 263 66 98

(3)‘Drop off Program’ for ages 2 -3.5 years, including snack, music, art, fitness and play classes. When: Tuesdays and Thursdays 10 AM – 12:30 PM Cost: 70 TL Co-ordinator: Ms. Esra Tasar at esratasar@gymboreeturkey.com or 0212 282 7666

IWI’S “MUMS ‘N KIDS TEAM” ORGANIZES ACTIVITIES FOR YOU AND YOUR CHILDREN TO ENJOY. WE REMIND YOU THAT YOU ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR YOUR CHILD’S SAFETY AT ALL TIMES. IWI CANNOT TAKE RESPONSIBILITY FOR INJURY AND EXTRA COST INCURRED DURING ANY ACTIVITY.

Woodsview

January & February 2011

mums ‘n kids

Leading a life of their own S

Paul and Sima, who just had their baby here in Istanbul, sail around the world... ima Baran and Paul Robertson lead an extraordinary livfes. Both were enjoying very successful careers Princeton graduate Paul was partner at a law firm, and Harvard graduate Simawas a management consultant at an international firm in London when they decided to take some time off and go around the world in a sailboat. They left off from US.and their journey isn’t complete yet.During their days in Istanbul, Sima gave birth to a baby boy, Alexander Burak. They took a moment to share their experiences with Lale readers... What possessed you to sail from the United States all the way to Turkey? Paul:We were both enjoying very fulfilling careers. We just got to talking one day about taking some time off of work and going sailing.We took sailing lessons (neither of us had significant sailing experience!), did a bareboat charter in the Caribbean, helped deliver a sailboat from the Caribbean to the U.S., read every book on the subject we could get our hands on, and spoke to other couples who were doing what we wanted to do. We bought the vessel in April 2007, stopped working in June, got married in July, spent August and September getting the boat ready, and took off from Marblehead, MA for points unknown in October of that year! Were there times when you wanted to throw the other overboard? Paul:Of course! Before we left, my sister commented, “You know, you won’t really be together all that much. One of you will be on watch, while the other is sleeping.” Yeah right!

First of all, we’re only actually at sea about a fifth of the time, which is the only time that we do watches. Furthermore, even when we’re at sea and doing watches, we still spend the bulk of the day together and awake (it is only during the night watches that we get split up). So, at sea we spend, roughly, 13 hours or so together and awake each day. But the other 4/5ths of the time, when we’re not at sea, we’re together even more, filling out those last 3 hours to make it a full 16 hours a day together. And we are not only together, we are often working together. Thus, after three years of marriage, the math tells us that we’ve spent as many hours together as has a couple married for many years more. Add to that the relatively small confines of our boat, and it could be a recipe for disaster. But it hasn’t been. In fact, the exact opposite has been the case. Sure, the storm clouds sometimes do gather, and we have rough patches. But all the time together has also allowed us to develop great skills at communicating and understanding.

Pregnancy on a boat!

How much of your pregnancy did you spend on the boat? Sima:We found out the good news when we were in Sri Lanka in March of this year, and the baby was expected in November. We were headed to my home, Turkey, and I spent the first 25 weeks of my pregnancy at sea. At the start, I had pretty low expectations for how this time would pass. In actuality, however, although there were the occasional periods of discomfort when we first went to sea on passages, it was nothing worse than usual. In general, I had a very comfortable time being pregnant and living on a boat. What did your diet consist of? Sima: I’ve been a vegetarian since I was a teen, and so my diet on the boat had always been things like grains, legumes, vegetables, fruit, fish and dairy. This continued at the start of my pregnancy. While on land, we were able to eat some delicious local foods in the places that we visited. Did you have any cravings, and what could you do about it? Sima: I had some expected and some not so expected cravings. My expected cravings were for dairy products, particularly cheese, yogurt, and ice cream. What I did not expect was craving meat, which started during my first trimester, and continued on after that. I had not eaten any, other than seafood, in over ten years. It came as a shock to Paul when one day during our passage to Oman I announced that I wanted a cheeseburger – and not just any burger, but specifically a Burger King Whopper with all the fixings! But, alas, as there was no Burger King in Salalah, I had to settle for a jumbo cheeseburger at an expat bar. How did you get your exercise? Sima: I’m generally pretty active. When we are on land, I walk a lot as we tour around, as well as when we run errands. While at sea, it is much harder to get exercise. I did not mind this too much since our longest passages corresponded to my first trimester when I had very low levels of energy and did not have much left over for exercise anyway! Later on in my pregnancy we were in the Red Sea. We did day sails almost exclusively, and then swam and snorkeled a lot, a wonderful combination of exercise and fun for me. How long did your journey take, where did you stop? Paul:We’ve been out for a little over three years now.We left MarJanuary & February 2011

blehead MA in October 2007. We really didn’t know where we would go. You may be surprised to hear, for example, that the both of us get sea sick. It quickly becomes manageable after a day or two at sea, but that first day can be a challenge, especially if the seas are rough. So we said that we’d be easy on ourselves, head south with the boat, take it day by day, and continue or stop as we wished. We made it to the Caribbean by the beginning of 2008, after spending Christmas in Bermuda. April 2008 found us in Jamaica, and we headed for the canal and the Pacific, and now, two and a half years later, we couldn’t be happier with our decision. From Panama we went out into the Pacific, sailing first to the Galapagos, and then to the Marquesas, the Tuamotus, Tahiti, Tonga, New Zealand (where we spent half a year), Vanuatu, and the Louisiades (in Papua New Guinea). Then we went through the Torres Strait to Australia, and then north to Indonesia, Singapore, and Malaysia, and then out into the Indian Ocean to Sri Lanka, the Maldives, and Oman, through the Gulf of Aden to Yemen, into the Red Sea to Sudan and Egypt, and then through the Suez Canal and across the Eastern Mediterranean to Turkey. What was the emergency plan? Paul:Ocean-going sailboats like ours have a number of methods and devices to help promote safety. For example, our trip is timed to stay out of certain parts of the world’s oceans at certain times of year, to avoid hurricane and cyclone seasons. We have a variety of sources for on board weather, and have gotten somewhat proficient at reading weather ourselves. We have two Emergency Positioning Indicator Radio Beacons, one of which deploys automatically if submerged. We have a top-flight, self-inflatable life raft. We have a satellite phone. We religiously file “float January & February 2011

plans” that tell our next of kin where we’re going, the route we’ve chosen, and our expected arrival. Of course, things got much more interesting sailing through Pirate Alley! The name, now, is somewhat of a misnomer, because it’s no longer just an “alley” located in the Gulf of Aden only. The Somali Pirates have expanded their horizons, literally, and no longer troll for prey in the Gulf alone. Instead, they’ve spread far out into the Indian Ocean. One day in the Gulf of Aden, we saw three speed boats coming at us from the Yemeni coast. Each boat was manned by two men, one at the outboard and another, standing, at the bow. We saw no fishing gear. Sima:Paul immediately called the UKMTO, the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Organization, on the SAT phone. We identified ourselves, and told them what we saw. Paul:“Do you see anything suspicious?” the agent at the other end of the line asked. “Anything suspicious? I’m not sure what you’re asking. You mean, other than the fact that they don’t appear to be fisherman, and are coming right at us at high speed in an area known to have a problem with pirates?” “Right. Like, do you see any guns or such?” “Well, they’re still a half mile off, so I really can’t tell.” “OK. Got it. Call us back if you see anything suspicious.” We realized, then, that this whole reporting scheme was a bit of aruse! Thankfully, these boats sped right on by. They were headed offshore for a fish run after all, and we saw their minimalist gear on the floor of their boat as they passed. What did your parents say when you told them that you going out sailing with plans to cross oceans? Sima:When she initially heard about the trip, Paul’s mom wasn’t worried, because,

she said, “You don’t even own a boat!” When the boat was purchased, however, she began to worry. Paul:Sima’s mother was equally concerned, and both sets of our parents were worried when we took off. Now, over time, they have become more relaxed, as they have seen us handle the various challenges thrown at us, and move on to the next challenge. Do you think Alexander Burak is going to be a sailor? Paul: Who knows? Time will tell. We’ll return to sea, with him, when he’s about four months old, and we’ll see how he takes to it. Again, we’ll go step by step, doing short sails and checking on his comfort level, and ours, as we enter this next phase of our trip and, of course, our lives. How long will you stay in Istanbul? Paul:We’ll be here until March or so. We plan to get the boat back in the water then (it’s currently on land in a boat yard in Fethiye), and move out toward the Greek Islands during the early Spring. What is the return plan, will it be a solo trip across the A atlantic for you Paul? Sima: We’ll see. The current plan is to continue sailing together, as a family. We’ll spend next spring, summer, and fall in the Mediterranean, cross the Atlantic to the Caribbean in December, spend next winter in the Caribbean, and return to the United States sometime in spring of 2012. But those are just plans, and if we’ve learned anything during this trip, events may not unfold as we anticipate. After all, we thought we’d be out for just two years, and that deadline expired long ago!

If you want to learn more about Paul and Sima’s adventures: www.sailingleander.com

(J. Y.)

mums ‘n kids

*Nick Cullen

ENCOURAGING A LIFETIME OF READING Encouraging your child to read is a resolution that really does merit keeping

any of us make New Year resolutions. From my experience (call me sceptical!) these are generally made with the best of intentions but are rarely kept and often forgotten almost immediately! Encouraging your child to read is a resolution that really does merit keeping. In this and future editions of LALE magazine the Tirtil Kids specialized children’s bookshop team will make some suggestions as to how to prepare new born babies and toddlers for the first steps in a lifetime of reading. We’ll also provide useful tips on ways to encourage and direct older children (including teenagers) to not only read but also enjoy doing so. So come on mum and dad, grandma and grandpa why not make 2011, the year you focus as a family on your children’s and grand kids literacy skills.

NEW BORN

It is never too early to start reading to children. Even young babies can benefit from being read to. Although they will have no idea what you are talking about when you first start to read to them. Babies do however; enjoy hearing the sound of a familiar voice. The different colours and images that appear in picture books for the very young as well as by the range of textures in touchy-feely books will stimulate them. Reading with your youngster cradled in your arms or perched on your lap is a lovely way to spend quality time together. It also promotes lots of body contact, which can further develop the bond between young babies and their parents. There’s much more interaction reading in this way compared with other activities such as watching a DVD or playing with a toy. Reading aloud to children is important as it introduces them to the link between words on a page and talking. It is also considered that children who are read to from an early age develop better listening, thinking and communication skills. It is important therefore to make reading aloud part of a balanced and varied daily schedule of activities for youngsters.

THE FIRST FEW YEARS

It’s not actually about reading at all in the first two or three years. The idea is to use books to develop vocabulary and pronunciation, and have fun teaching your “little one” about everyday people, places, objects and events. A lot of children’s first words are recognisable from the books they’ve been read. Many books for new born and toddlers recount simple stories about topics children can relate to, such as going to the park or bed time. Others will help to develop awareness of colours, shapes, letters and numbers in an uncomplicated and entertaining way. In the early years it is helpful to point at the words as you read them. Don’t be surprised if your child starts to imitate you at some point. It doesn’t matter if what they say is not comprehendible as this is simply part of learning

the basics of language. Being read to at this age facilitates a child to develop a longer attention span and listening skills. Monitor though how your infant responds to different types of books and which characters appeal most so you know what to look out for when making subsequent book purchases.

MORE ADVANCED BOOKS FOR AGES 3+

Picture books for this age group also comprise stories that young children can identify with but the text is more advanced and these titles generally feature more developed characters. They encourage the reader’s use of imagination and can also assist youngsters to learn how to express themselves and understand common feelings and emotions. Keep in mind that parent and child reading sessions can also provide useful teaching opportunities. Of course reading enables the steady growth of vocabulary but besides it is a wonderful time to talk about all kinds of things. So if your child asks about something unrelated to the book don’t force them to keep “on-topic”. Do encourage interaction when reading together. Asking your child to turn the pages and point at the pictures is all part of the fun. Also take the opportunity to discuss what is happening in the story – young children don’t understand that books are normally to be read without interruption and often like to talk about what they see on the page. Further, it is not unusual for children to become fixated on certain stories or characters as they take comfort in the familiar. A young reader’s need to return to a favourite story many times can be considered a positive thing. It doesn’t mean they are “stuck”. This generally signifies that other processes of emerging reading are taking place. For example a child might like to repeatedly read the same page, learning the text by heart by linking it with the illustration. This is one of the key ways young readers start to decode text. Finally, reading at bedtime does make sense. Many parents face a nightly challenge getting their kids to bed at a regular time. The promise of a story can help to create a sound bedtime routine. Many parents also find that it relaxes the child and helps them fall asleep. NOTE: The Tirtil Kids specialized, multi-language bookshop stocks a wide range of education books for children of all ages and grades. We also work closely with many of the top schools in Istanbul. Our experienced staff will be pleased to advise parents on book titles to meet their child’s specific needs. For those who are unable to visit our shop in Istinye Park we offer an on-line purchasing facility via our website www.tirtilkids.com. Tirtil Kids has relocated to: İstinye Park, Floor minus 2, İstinye, Istanbul Tel: 0212 345 5370 *Co-owner of Tirtil Kids, the specialized multi-language children’s book shop.

January & February 2011

mums ‘n kids

*Seçil Totan

ADENOID INFECTION IN CHILDREN

onsils and adenoid, which we are all born with, are masses of tissue that are similar to the lymph nodes or "glands" found in the neck, groin, and armpits. Tonsils are the two masses on the back of the throat. Adenoid are high in the throat behind the nose and the roof of the mouth (soft palate) and are not visible through the mouth without special instruments. Tonsils and adenoid are near the entrance to the breathing passages where they can catch incoming germs, which cause infections. They "sample" bacteria and viruses and can become infected themselves. Infection of the tonsils are called "tonsillitis" and infection of the adenoid is called "adenoiditis" In this article, I'll give informations about recurrent adenoiditis and its possible effect on your child as he/she grows older. As I have already mentioned, we're all born with large tonsils and small adenoid, but as we recognize the viruses and bacterias, they get infected and especially the adenoid gets larger and larger by time. Also allergies can cause the adenoid grow although there's no infection.

frequent ear infections (acute infectious otitis media), chronic serous otitis media (unresolving fluid inside the middle ear) and even hearing loss.

The adenoid becomes quite visible by examination around 6-12 months of age, reaches its biggest amount at 3-7 years, and after 11 years they tend to get smaller and disappear around adolescence.

What should I expect at the exam? Your physician will ask about problems of the ear, nose, and throat and examine the head and neck. He or she will use a kid-size endoscope or a flexible lighted instrument to see the adenoid. If the child does not cooperate with the physician for endoscopic examination, then X-rays are sometimes helpful in determining the size and shape of the adenoid.

How does adenoid become infected? When your child is exposed to an ill person/kid, he/she can have the virus from the air when the ill one sneezes or coughs. Or when the child touches a toy, cup or anything carrying the ill one's secretions or being kissed by an ill person, the virus/bacteria can find a way to reach your child's body after he/she sucks his/her thumb, eats something without washing his/her hands, bites his/her nail, etc, etc....Then the microbe locates at the tonsils or adenoid, grow in amount and does its trick which we all know: nasal drainage, coughing, stuffy nose, sore throat, fever, ear ache.... Especially if your child is in a day care center or has an older brother/sister going to a day care center or school, he/she gets more infected than the others. Studies suggest that the average child will get 8-10 colds per year, lasting 10-14 days each, and occurring primarily in the winter months. This means that if a child gets 2 colds from March to September, and 8 colds from September to March, each lasting two weeks, the child will be sick more than over half of the winter. At the same time, children in a day care environment, exposed to the exchange of upper respiratory tract viruses every day, are expected to have 3-10 episodes of otitis media annually. This is four times the incidence of children staying at home. What is recurrent adenoiditis? Why is it important? The large adenoid, locating at the back of the nose (which is called nasopharynx) first of all causes stuffiness and breathing from the mouth which is not right for the physiology of respiration and dentition. The chronic mouth breather kids have a high arched palate, malformations of the face and improper alignment of the teeth in their older age. Also if the tonsils are large enough, the child might experience snoring and disturbed sleep (which is called "Obstructive Sleep Apnea") that leads to daytime sleepiness and/ or behavioral problems.

When should I take my child to a doctor? If your child has symptoms like: • Breathing through the mouth instead of the nose most of the time • Nose sounds "blocked" when the child speaks • Noisy breathing during the day • Recurrent ear infections • Snoring at night • Breathing stops for a few seconds at night during snoring or loud breathing (sleep apnea), he/she most probably is having an enlarged adenoid or recurrent adenoiditis. You should take her to an Otolaryngologist (Ear, Nose and Throat Surgeon) to prevent future hearing, mental, facial growth and dentition problems.

What is the treatment for recurrent adenoiditis? First step is the medical treatment. Regular irrigation of the nose with saline solutions, using cold vapour machines throughout the winter, using antibiotics if needed are some of the medical treatment methods. But, if the recurrent adenoiditis causes sleep apnea, recurrent acute otitis media, chronic serous otitis media, facial growth and dentition problems, and recurrent lower respiratuary tract infections, then the removal of adenoid would be the best choice. Cleft lip-palate and submucosal cleft palate are contraindications for this surgery. Although there's a lower age limit in tonsillectomy (which is 3 years), there's in fact no lower or upper age limit for adenoidectomy unless the child is healthy and ready for anesthesia. Adenoidectomy is an outpatient procedure and many patients are released after 2-3 hours.

*Ear Nose & Throat Surgeon Tel:+90 530 7810011 SOURCE: http://www.entnet.org/healthinfo/throat/tonsils.cfm

Locating very close to the eustachian tube (an aeration pipe between the ear and the nose), the infections affecting the adenoid also affects the ears. Therefore recurrent adenoiditis can lead to January & February 2011

mums ‘n kids

*Anne Martin

Sleep in babies and young children Baby waking up all night, crying… Toddlers insisting on sleeping with parents… Parents exhausted… If this is a familiar picture for you as well, maybe you will find a solution here…

s a mother and health professional, sleep, or lack of it is a major issue. I am health visitor (public health nurse) who has worked with many families with children under 5 years of age. I also have personal experience with my own children who are now 5 and 8 years of age. This article seeks to explain the basics of sleep on babies and young children. As in many other spheres of parenting there is a not a complete agreement among the experts, but I will go through the mainstream advice and theories around sleep. I have reviewed literature from the UK, US and Australia. At the end of the article I have listed a number of websites and books that may be useful to parents.

the baby learns to go to sleep by themselves. Babies will learn how to fall asleep in their cot if you put them down when they’re still awake rather than getting them to sleep by rocking or cuddling them in your arms. If they get used to falling asleep in your arms, they may need nursing back to sleep if they wake up again. Research from the UK indicates that if babies, by 6 weeks of age, go to sleep by themselves then they are less likely to have sleeping problems later on. But, some babies are very unsettled, my daughter cried at night, all night it felt like, for the first 3 months! Those early days with a new baby can be difficult so there are very few hard and fast rules.

Families and children are all different; in some families the children go to bed early, some late. Some parents are happy to cuddle or rock their children off to sleep every night. In addition there are major cultural differences in ideas around how and when children should sleep. There are some things that parents can do to encourage babies and young children to sleep well.

All articles about sleep in babies should mention Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) or Cot Death. Advice regarding reducing the risk of cot death varies a little from country to country, however there is virtually universal agreement that babies should sleep on their backs. I will go through the advice given in the UK. The recommendations from the UK Department of Health (2010) to reduce the risk of cot death are: • Babies should always be laid to sleep on their back, not the front or side. • Blankets should be tucked in and arranged to avoid accidental suffocation. • Do not expose babies to tobacco smoke as this can dramatically increase risk of SIDS. • The best place for babies to sleep in the first six months is in a crib or cot. They should never be brought into their parent’s bed or left to sleep alone in an adult bed. In particular a baby should not be brought into bed if either parent has consumed any alcohol. • Falling asleep on the sofa with a baby increases risk of cot death. • Keep the baby’s room at a safe and comfortable temperature and don’t give them too many blankets or clothing. The baby’s room should ideally be 18C (64F) but needs to be between 16-20C (61-68F)

The basics As adults we all wake several times a night, we do not realise most of the time that we have even woken we just go straight back to sleep. Children also wake naturally several times a night. In order to go back to sleep children need the same conditions that got them to sleep in the first place, that could be rocking, milk, dummy/pacifier, presence of mum or dad, a soft toy etc. So what is really important in helping babies and children to sleep well at night, and of course their parents, is how they get off to sleep in the evening. If a child is able to be put in their cot or bed and go off to sleep by themselves they are far more likely to be able to sleep through the night.Of course there are major differences according to the age of the child. Infants (0-6 months) Babies under 6 months rarely sleep all night. They need to feed at night. Research has indicated when parents say their baby is “sleeping through”, the baby is sleeping from 12-5 am, not for 12 hours! Babies are individuals so clearly there are a few babies that sleep for 12 hours, this is not a sign of advanced baby or a wonderful mother, it’s just good luck, and research indicates that it is very unusual. Babies this age often fall asleep as they feed so it may be useful to try to gently encourage the baby to go into the cot awake so

Sleeping through the night. Most of the experts believe that babies can start sleeping through between 6 and 9 months of age. In my personal and professional experience I think that many babies are not ready to sleep through the night until they are 12 months of age. It is between 6 and 12 months that many parents will embark on some sort of sleep programme to encourage their baby to sleep through. Between 6

Illustration by: Hande İyicil

January & February 2011

mums ‘n kids and 12 months many babies seem to get minor illnesses such as colds and ear infections. When a child is ill they are likely to wake in the night, unfortunately they often continue night waking even when they are better. My experience working with families is that it may be better to wait until 12 months to implement a sleep programme, but it all depends on how sleep deprived the family is feeling. I have also found that some parents are not anxious not to get their baby to sleep through the night but are feeling pressure from others that the baby should be “sleeping through”. Sleep Programmes Sleep programmes can help babies and young children sleep through the night. Many different experts have written sleep programmes, the details may vary but they tend to all follow the same theory and focus on settling the baby off to sleep initially, and then focusing on night time waking. If you need further information you can speak to your pediatrician and I have recommended a number of books and websites. Controlled Crying and/or gradual withdrawal-in these programmes the baby is put into the cot/bed and allowed to cry for short periods (5-10 mins) and then settled again. The parent may pat the child in the bed. The aim would be for the parent to gradually withdraw, with the aim that the child goes off to sleep by themselves. During this “settling” period, no food or drink apart from water would be given, the child should stay in the bedroom and not allowed downstairs. Many parents choose to stay with their child as they fall asleep, perhaps sitting by the cot, maybe even touching their hand or hair. Once the baby settles with the parent nearby, the idea is to gradually, over a week and move further away from the cot/bed for the settling to sleep time. Towards the end of the week, the parent is sitting by the door and, finally, the child no longer needs an adult to stay in the room. Once the baby/child can go off to sleep by themselves initially then it is time to tackle the night time waking. First check that everything is alright. If it is, settle your child down without talking to them too much, stroke their head or back say “night night” or other soothing words. If they want a drink, give them water but don’t give them anything to eat. For this approach to work, you need to leave them in their cot or bed. Don’t take them downstairs or into your bed. Let them cry for around five minutes before you check on them. Over the next few nights, gradually increase the amount of time you leave them before checking. It might take a week or two but if you keep the routine going, your child should start falling asleep on their own. There are many different variations of this type of sleep programmes (eg: Toddler Taming , Helping your Baby Sleep etc). These programmes can take a number of days or weeks to achieve success. They require commitment from the parents to implement, however generally the child experiences little distress. Encouraging Babies and Pre-school children to sleep well Sleep programmes are used when family would like a baby or young child’s sleeping pattern to be changed. There are many ways that parents can encourage good sleep patterns in young children in more gradual way: • Encourage, where possible, for babies to go to sleep themselves, without rocking or feeding. • Establish a good bedtime routine. It is useful for babies and young children to be put to bed at the same time each night. It is helpful to have a “wind-down” time 20-30 minutes before commencing the bedtime routine. • An example of a bedtime routine would be; a bath, then put on night clothes, drink, brush their teeth, go to cot/bed, bedtime story, put their comforter nearby, January & February 2011

*Anne Martin a goodnight kiss and cuddle. Also swaddling newborn babies can help some babies to sleep well. I found it was great for my son and not for my daughter. Care must be taken not to allow the baby to overheat. Infant Sleeping Bags can be great for busy babies and toddlers, the babies stay warm even if they are rolling around the cot, the baby’s head cannot get stuck under the covers and a baby cannot climb out of a cot with a sleeping bag on. (If your toddler takes off the sleeping bag you can put on backwards, with the zip at the back!) Looking at the basics of sleep in babies and young children and describing briefly theory and implementation of sleep programmes, I would like to emphasize that all children and families are different. Having knowledge of sleep may help support you in helping your child sleep well. Websites www.nhs.uk/planners/birthtofive/pages/commonsleepproblems www.babycentre.co.uk www.raisingchildren.net.au www.webmd.com www.bbc.co.uk/health/physical_health/child_development Books Solve Your Child’s Sleep Problems, Dr Richard Ferber, Dorling Kindersley Toddler Taming, Dr. Christopher Green Practical Parenting: Sleep, Siobhain Stirling *Registered Nurse, Registered Midwife, Health Visitor, UK

t I can do mos I started to like ork ew m ho y m school and I have of se d organi more friends by myself an my my work load I can edit I can read el fe I d essays an independantly and ent more confid write longer sentences I feel ha ppier

“If I can’t learn the way you teach, will you teach me the way I can learn?” tel: 0212 223 9700 www.thelearningcenteristanbul.com

LALE FEATURES

Anna-Louisa Psarra

New Year’s resolutions A research analyst at London-based Prospero World, Psarras shares with us her experience through Cambodia and reminds us what new year’s resolutions could be…

t’s that time of year again,when echoes of new years resolutionsmachine gunthe air like a plague of mosquitoesin the August twilight. The tradition dates to 153 B.C.,to Janus, the Roman God of new beginnings. It is from Janus, that January takes its name. Janus had two faces. With one, he would look back; to the past; with the other,to the future ahead. Janus’s two faces represented the wisdom of lessons learned; responsibility for past actions; having the freedom to move to a brighter future.With Janus’s watching over them, Romans traditionally sought forgiveness from enemies at New Year, resolving to be better in the next. Resolutions would be celebratedby exchanging gifts on New Year’s eve.

The purpose of our visit to Cambodia was to research education and identify a handful of exceptional charities for support. Four of our small team went; SitaSchutt, Prospero’s Founder, Sandra Lauckner-Rothschild, AparnaThadani and me. We were joined by Murray Shanks, the Chairman of the Prospero World Charitable Trust; and Mina Schutt, Sita’s adventurous, artistic and enchanting, two-year-old daughter.

I don’t do new year’s resolutions. I did once.In 2002. I joined a gym; like countless others, in a fit of January, do-goodism. I signed a 12- month contract. I visited the gym twice. Once, for a half hour swim. Once, the sauna, for 15 minutes.My membershipcost£840. My resolution the next year, was not to make New Year’s resolutions. This year, like Janus, I began to look to the year ahead: And in so doing, back to the year departing. My retrospectivestirredon Thanksgiving, in California. Having grown up in Europe, the concept was new to me. But I embraced the opportunity to reflect on the aspects of my life for which I am grateful; my family; my friends; my health; my job. Inevitably, so too did I reflect on areas not working as I would wish.

We breakfast surrounded by armed rangers; they shadowed us everywhere to discourage attackers. It was disconcerting. Particularly when bumping over a kaleidoscope of potholes toreach a group of 11 villagers 30 minutes later. The committee, democratically elected by their communities,work with FFI to increase living standards and protect the forest. An immediate conflict was present for me. These people have nothing. The forest, abundant with wood and wildlife,is rich.

A myriad of experiences peppered our trip: I will highlight my own first and final days. I landed in Phnom Penh on 2nd December. The next morning, Flora and Fauna International collectedAparnaand me to begin our journey to the Cardamom Mountains. The 2 million hectare forest is one of the largest and most intact wilderness areas remaining in Southeast Asia. Once the hideout of a recalcitrant Khmer Rouge, the area remains dangerous. We traveled there with warnings of landmines, violent encounters with loggers and cerebral malaria. Soon after the Khmer Rouge left the area, loggers moved in: They were joined by poachers. Luxury hardwoods disappeared across borders, bound for Europe, America and Asia. They were joined by wildlife; tiger bones, elephant tusks, and reptiles were sold to an eager market prizing their medicinal and aesthetic qualities. FFI have been working in the area for ten years. Their task is daunting. As we arrived at the Rangers station, the sun was setting, casting a glow over the silhouette of the mountains. In our simple log cabin, we fellinto bed, shielding ourselves from mosquitoes, bats and flying rats beneath the veil of our mosquito nets. We awoke with the sun at 6am the next morning and dressed in the half-light before proceeding to breakfast with Chad, an ex bomb disposal commander who wears combat trousers at all times.

We were told that villagers may approach the committee for

Discomforted, I set off three days later to Cambodia for work. I am a research analyst at Prospero World, a London based organisation specialising in facilitating giving tosmall, intelligent charitable projects,demonstrating excellence in their field. We researchand assess charities, typically through field-visits documentedaswritten reports and films, before recommendations are made to donors. We also host events to keep philanthropists informed and introduce them to charities. Since we began in 2007, we have leveraged around £1 million for projects in Africa, Asia, Europe, the Middle East and South America.

January & February 2011

LALE FEATURES permits to work in the forest, a method apparently 100% effective; alternative livelihood programs are also provided. I was unconvinced by the statistic but heartened by their efforts. An hour later, we set off to a hydro dam being built deep in the forest. We passed a man on a bicycle with a bunch of 100 brightly colored helium balloons tied to his handlebars. Twenty minutes later, we screeched to a halt. Rangers leapt out of the vehicle, surrounding two villagers carrying illegally sourced, luxury wood on the back of a battered motorbike. The villagers fell to the ground, hands behind their heads. The wood was confiscated; a written warning issued. The experience was strange. It happened quickly.The villagers were not a serious threat. They were locals chancing their luck. For this reason, their punishment was not more severe. As we drove through miles of deforested land towards the dam, the road grew bumpier. Acrid smoke hung in the air. The arborial graveyard turned my stomach. The tension between developing sustainable energy resources to serve those without electricity and the environmental damage caused in doing so, struck me. 5,000 hectares have been cleared, leaving a deep scar on this beautiful landscape. Chinese writing shrieked fromstriking red banners. Truckloads of men in uniform drove up and down. As I squatted in the rubble, I cynically felt this was the beginning of the end. We returned to the ranger’s station two hours later, joining Chad, under a pagoda for an impromptu lesson in assembling, dismantling and firing an AK-47. It wasa surprising interlude: But an interesting insight into life as a Ranger. With the masterclass complete, we climbed into hiking gear and headed for the forest. Chad,delighted by his AK-47 class, suggested if our entourage was attacked, he would die content that Aparna and I would defend ourselves and bring their bodies back. He added that we must use the extra powerful clotting solution in his rucksack if we weremacheted by a rebel or mauled by a tiger on our hike, before urging us to throw ourselves on to the ground if shot at. Finally, he urged us not to veer off course warning of landmines. By then,tears of laughter were streaming down my face. We set off. We did not see any wildlife. Instead, Chad gave us an impromptu, lesson in machete wielding as we rested on a log. Wading into the forests underbelly, we gainedfurther insight into the importance of preserving the forest. FFI’s work here is a powerful illustration of a joined up approach to conservation. It is a frontline project: The work that is being done to preserve and protect it for future generations is both inspiring and courageous. Two-and-a-half weeks, 50 hours driving and 30 project visits later, I awoke in Northern Cambodia. Shelteringfrom an unseasonal rainstorm beneath the flimsy canopy of atuktuk at 6am, I buzzed towards the airport to return to Phnom Penh to meet with KySamphy, The Executive Director of KrousaryYeong. Ky, charming, tiny, elegant and graceful, weaved between Khmer, French and English, as she explainedher passion for education; pre-school educationin particular. Her husband, a teacher, was captured by the Khmer Rouge. He was taken to a rural work camp. He never returned. She too was captured and placed in camp. She was starved; forced to work the land. She gave birth to a daughter during this time. January & February 2011

Her baby died. So too did Ky’s sister. Kyate banana tree roots to survive: By then she was responsible for her own children as well as her orphaned nephews and nieces: 15 children in total. Listening to her, I understood the interplay between her fragility and determination: Her commitment to children and teaching. To honouring and nurturing an educational vision, she and her husband shared before the Pol Pot’s devastating reign. Her work at KrousaryYeoung is honouring a commitment that cost so many their lives. Because she survived where others did not. The educational system has still not recovered, though it is on its way. The tiny, gentle, courageous and determined lady who stood before me is very much a part of the recovery process. It was an extraordinary trip marked by those with the courage and conviction to improve the lives of those less fortunate. Cambodia has lessons for us all. Like Janus, we may embrace the lessons of the past as we move to the future. So. Here I stand. In Istanbul.On New Year’s Eve. Like Janus, on the stroke of midnight, I will look back on 2010. To lessons learned:And forward, to 2011. Beneath the shadow of the Blue Mosque’s silhouette, my past is present: There is a comfort there; it is familiar, known, un-alterable. The future is uncertain: There is a fearfulness and excitement about what it will yield. But it is embracing uncertainty that brings colour and vitality to life. Each of us may choose an anchor. For me, the anchor for 2011 is the integrity, courage and generosity to follow my principles;to contribute not only to myself, my family or friends; but to those I may never meet. It is a spirit embodied by KySamphy, the tiny woman whose body was broken by the Khmer Rouge, but whose spirit flew. New Year’s resolutions are not about trivial alterations to our daily lives. Janus’s vision was far greater. Theyare about intentionality, forgiveness and generosity of spirit. They are above all, about new beginnings; about becoming the very best we can be. For a full account of the Cambodia trip, please visit www.prosperoworld.org/blog/ To find out more about the work of Prospero World please visit www.prosperoword.org Anna-Louisa is contactable by email on anna-louisa.psarras@prosperoworld.org

Turkish Laws 101

Karen Akıncı, LLB, Akıncı Law Office info@akinci.av.tr

Working in Turkey This month we decided to tackle some of the questions we have been asked about how foreigners can work in Turkey. We have tried to cover other possible scenarios in the answers but if you have any questions please don’t hesitate to contact us. As always we look forward to your legal questions on any aspect of life in Turkey…

I am thinking about working as a cook in a local restaurant a few days a week, do I need a work permit? If so how do I go about getting one? Is it easy, how much will it cost and how long will it take?

What kinds of work permits are there? I’m a Philippine national but I am here with my husband who is Belgian and has a work permit, what kind of work permit would I qualify for?

All foreign nationals need a work permit to be able to do any kind of work in Turkey and Turkey is very strict on this policy.

The first and most common work permit is the “Work permit limited with terms” where the work to be done may be restricted to a particular profession, job description or geographical area for example. It is usually issued for 1 year and can be extended first for 3 years then for another 6 years. The second is a “Work permit without terms” that one can apply for after having worked in Turkey for at least 6 years or living in Turkey for 8 years. For this work permit there are no restrictions on profession or geographical area. The last is the “Independent work permit” that allows the bearer to work independently and can be applied for after living in Turkey for 5 years.

According to the Law on Work Permits for Foreigners, any foreigner working without a work permit is to be punished with an administrative fine, closure of the workplace or even deportation. Fortunately, it is not as difficult as it used to be to get a work permit. You would file your work permit application by filling out the relevant forms and attaching the required documents for the Labour and Social Security Ministry. The Ministry will review the work permit application and respond to the permit request within 30 days of the application after consultations with other relevant public and professional institutions. For the year 2010 the work permits restricted by terms for up to 1 year cost 112 TL, for 3 years the fee is 335 TL. For work permits without terms the fee is 558TL and for independent work permits it is 1.117.

I’m a trained nurse in the UK, how easy is it for me to get a work permit in Turkey? Some jobs are restricted in Turkey for Turkish nationals depending upon certain economic or labour market conditions and conditions of reciprocity with other countries. Because of this, work permits may be restricted for some professions by Law. For the health sector, pharmacy sector, veterinary sector and legal sector, for example, there are specific laws stating the ability (or not) of foreigners to work in the sector. In your case, to work in the profession as a nurse you would need to have Turkish citizenship according to Article 3 of Nursing Law; to have a nursing diploma registered by the Ministry of Health and to have permission from the Provincial Health Authority for private practice. An exception to this is where you may have special professional skills and specializations or where you can prove to the Ministry that you can promote the advancement of the profession on a national level. If this is the case, Article 7 of the Law numbered 3359 says that you may work as a contractual professional. These laws are in place to protect Turkish nationals and ensure that work is not taken by a foreign national when it could be done just as well by a Turkish national. In such cases, it is necessary to show that you have a skill or specialist knowledge that is lacking Turkey or you can benefit the local workers by imparting knowhow to them in the workplace.

Apart from these types of work permits, there are exceptions mentioned in the law, allowing people to apply for open ended work permits. For example, people married to a Turkish national who have lived in Turkey for more than 3 years, people working with the diplomatic service, citizen of the European Union and their spouses even if there are not citizens of the European Union. You would fall into this exception as well and would qualify for an open ended work permit as your husband is an EU citizen. Your permit would then be tied to his.

What are the penalties of not having a work permit? It is true to say that the usual penalty for working without a work permit is deportation and that Turkey is very strict on this requirement. Unlike many of our home countries there is no concept in Turkey of working below a certain wage limit; anyone who is working must have a permit. The official fine for working independently as a foreigner or employing a foreigner is 286 TL. The fine levied on an employed foreigner is 572 TL. The fines for employing a foreigner are; 5,723 TL administrative fee, the costs of sending the employee and family home and any necessary health costs of the foreigner. For working independently without a work permit the fine is 2,289 TL and the workplace would be closed down. Repeat offences carry double fines. It is very important to note that the standard penalty includes perfunctory deportation, which may be converted to a fine in only particularly special cases and even then the fine will be very high.

I’ve been told that I can avoid having to get a work permit if I get Turkish nationality and that I can because I have been married to my Turkish husband for five years now. Is that right?

January & February 2011

Turkish Laws 101 Yes, it is. If you become a Turkish national you will not be required to have a work permit because you will be treated like any other Turkish national in the workplace. Turkish nationality can be acquired in three different ways. In the first instance, if you have a Turkish parent you are Turkish by birth even if you have never claimed a passport. Second, if you have been living in Turkey for five years and can fulfil certain criteria of speaking Turkish, being settled in Turkey and being healthy, and morally and economically sound you can apply for Turkish nationality to the Home Office in Turkey. Your case would fall into the third category; if you have been married to a Turkish national for at least three years you can apply to the Home Office for nationality. There is a new law that may come into force soon extending this three years period to five years, but this has not come into effect yet. The conditions are less stringent in the case of marriage; you are not required to show a great deal of Turkish language skill or financial stability, for example, you are simply required to both live within the marital unit and naturally you should not be a threat to national security. The stumbling block may come in the form of your own national laws, however, since even though Turkey is happy for its citizens to have dual nationality with other countries, some countries do not allow it. You should check that your own country allows you to take on Turkish nationality whilst not giving up your original nationality.

Please contact karen@akincilaw.com or selcankilic@akincilaw.com for further questions.

Unique & off beat With its unique concept, COOKSHOP proved that it has an unexceptional menu. COOKSHOP’s İstanköy Salad won The Best Professional Salad prize at the IWI Christmas Bazaar 2010 Our guests often use the phrase “like home” referring to COOKSHOP and its menu. In order to create the feeling COOKSHOP employs a very large team in the kitchen at all branches. According to Ayşe Kazancı, one of the founders of COOKSHOP, cooking is a joy. To be able to pass this joy on to its guests in COOKSHOP, the kitchen is always at a distance where you can see it. After you order, you can look at the kitchen and see that it’s being prepared in great delight. At the IWI Christmas Bazaar 2010, COOKSHOP stood out and won The Best Professional Salad prize at the Chaine des Rotisseurs contest. Winner İstanköy Salad takes its name after an Aegean Sea island (now known as Kos). Its unique flavour must be tasted. The ingredients consist of greens, goat cheese, grapefruit, walnuts, figs and a our very own speciality, Cook-

January & February 2011

shop dressing. All dressings are prepared by COOKSHOP’s experienced chefs. Expanding fast with new branches COOKSHOP is a 100 % Turkish brand. In addition to City’s Nişantaşı, Ulus, Forum Istanbul, Palladium and Bodrum branches, soon a new branch will be opened in Bebek.

OTHER GROUPS & ASSOCIATIONS Alcoholics Anonymous / Al-Anon

Open AA (Alcoholics Anonymous) meetings are held in the Union Hanbuilding on Istiklal Caddesi, Tünel, next to the Swedish Consulate at 7 pm every Monday, Wednesday, Friday and at 6:30 every Thursday. We also have a Sunday meeting in Harbiye at 4:15 pm. Contact Michael: 05327616466 or 05374338368. michael.kuser@gmail.com For details see: www.aa-europe.net/ countries/turkey.htm

Art Lovers of Istanbul

ALI is an informal group for artists, art collectors and all art lovers living in Istanbul. It is open for any English speaker who enjoys the arts. We hold monthly meetings to share our ideas and talents. We meet to create and inspire! For more information visit www. artloversofistanbul.com or contact us through artloversofistanbul@hotmail.com

know about Turkey, whilst making new friends and discovering new activities and interests. Aiming to help each other to settle in with tips, trips, food demos, potluck lunches and a little charity help when and we can manage it.

Circolo Roma

The Italian Association organizes several activities, such as rithmic gymnastic for girls, cooking classes, drawing and painting, yoga, salsa dance, Italian and Turkish conversation, sale of Italian Books, Italian Cinema and more and more. The wonderfull liberty hall can be used for private parties and conferences upon contribution. Please contact info@circoloroma.com.

Die Brücke

The Friends of ARIT Istanbul, with branches in North America and Ankara, was established to support the ARIT in Turkey and carry out its scholarly activities. The Istanbul Friends run a year-round program of tours and lectures for members and guests. Membership is open to all interested residents of Istanbul. For further information: 0212 257 81 11.

“DIE BRÜCKE e.V.” (‘THE BRIDGE’) is a platform for the German speaking community. It was founded in 1989 to serve the needs of a steadily growing community. It is not a German club; it is open for everyone who speaks German. “DIE BRÜCKE e.V.” issues a monthly newsletter. Different gatherings, charities, information concerning daily life, bi-national education, help with bureaucracy and immigration laws in Turkey are covered as well as assistance to newcomers. Many cultural activities are also organized, like visits to concerts or exhibitions. Contact: +90 212 458 98 50, www. bruecke-istanbul.org, info@bruecke-istanbul.org

AWI (American Women of Istanbul)

NVI

ARIT (American Research Institute of Turkey)

The AWI is a social network open to Americans, Canadians and spouses of U.S. or Canadian citizens living in Istanbul. The AWI provides social programs ranging from special interest groups to charities. If you’re a newcomer to Istanbul please contact our newcomers committee so you can start to feel at home in your new country. Contact Sharon Lewis email: awiistanbul@gmail.com

British Community Council

The British Community council (founded 1942) supports ten pensioners and local charities by its fundraising events. Helpers and new members of the BCC are always welcome.. Contact person: Michael Ashor, chairman@bccistanbul.org, 0212 2497 296, 0 545 588 1933, www.bccistanbul.org

Bridge Group - All Levels

Our bridge group meets on Fridays at 11a.m. All levels of bridge players are welcome. Please contact Sandra at (212) 257-9781 or 0532-483--5319.

CHICAS - Spanish Speaking Women of Istanbul

A group open to all ladies who speak our language, or would like to practice it. We have lots of fun, hilarious Latin parties, and last but not least, cultural venues. Come on, jump on in, you won’t regret it! Contact: Ninoska Gutierrez Sierra 0533 651 35 81 , Norma Maranges 0532 314 29 34, Lorena Martinez 0533 388 63 09 e-mail: chicasestambul@yahoo.com.mx It has also an own blog: http://chicasestambul.blogspot.com/ and it’s in Facebook under “Chicas Estambul”.

Corona Ladies Group

Corona Ladies are an informal group of English speakers who would like to welcome you to Istanbul, explore the city together, and make the most of our time here. We have permanent members as well as new comers and are open to all nationalities (ability to speak English is necessary) who wish to join us in getting to

The Dutch club Istanbul is a group of people who like to keep typical Dutch festivities alive, for people who have connection to Holland, who like to meet up with Dutch speaking people. On a monthly basis we organize a get together. Among the festivities we do the typical celebrations like Sinterklass (5 December) and Koninginnedag (queensday). For further information and details check our website www.nv-istanbul.org or contact: secretariaat@ nv-istanbul.org Mariska Steenkamer 0530 828 65 65.

Fransız Fakirhanesi - Little Sisters of the Poor Contact: Mother Philomena 0212 296 46 08.

FOCI (Friends of Contemporary Istanbul)

Working with the international community in promoting the growth and development of contemporary art, the Friends of Contemporary Istanbul aim to enrich the rising art scent in Turkey and to contribute to the cultural life of Istanbul. For further information, please contact Jasmine Taranto – VIP Coordinator & International Relations at 0 212 244 7171, info@contemporaryistanbul.com

Friends of India

Contact: Geetali Bajpai 0542 292 92 34 or Sonica Purl 0544711 01 23

InterNations

is the first international online community for people who live and work abroad. Our network is represented by more than 230 local communities all over the world. InterNations users can exchange reliable information on expat-specific topics, both on a global and a local level. The members of InterNations Istanbul meet every month at different locations. Please contact Gundula Strittmatter for information and to join our Istanbul community: gstrittmatter@internations.org, 0538 6948728 www.internations.org January & February 2011

OTHER GROUPS & ASSOCIATIONS Istanbul Accueil

Welcomes French-speaking newcomers in Istanbul. We publish a bimonthly newsletter with many activity groups (bridge, baby groups, cooking, cultural outings and social events, etc.) Our common language is French and all French-speaking people are welcome! www.istanbulaccueil.org, email: istaccueil@gmail.com

The Istanbul Ottomans Rugby Club

Practice every Saturday afternoon at the Dikilitas Spor Klubu in Besiktas (directions available at www.ottomansrugby.com). Players of all ages (14+) and levels of fitness welcome, including ladies for our newly formed Ottomans Women Rugby Club. Please contact Ozer Onkal at +90 533 482 6262 or email: ozer.ali.onkal@ ottomansrugby.com or ozer212@yahoo.com

Patchwork Group

Contact Cynthia Royce 0536 348 4086, cynthroyce@hotmail.com

PAWI (Professional American Women of Istanbul)

The Professional American Women of Istanbul, is a network of American/Canadian women and spouses of Americans/Canadians living in Istanbul. PAWI strives to empower and support members by promoting professional and personal growth. Members inspire each other to achieve and share success. PAWI meetings are held the second Saturday of each month. Each meeting features a guest speaker, and locations alternate between the European and Asian sides. Contact info@pawistanbul.com or visit www.pawistanbul.com

Support Group for Parents of Children with Special Needs

Looking for the support of other parents of children with special needs and additional resources for your child? Please contact Debbie L Sainte-Rose for more information at 05317691368 or debbiesainterose@yahoo.com.

SWEA

(Swedish Women Educational Association) A world-wide network for Swedish or Swedish-speaking A worldwide network for Swedish or Swedish-speaking women with a chapter in Istanbul. Contact birgitta@turk.net.

Toastmasters International-Istanbul Chapter

English-speakÄąng Istanbul Toastmastersclub is the only local branch of Toastmasters International, an organization that helps its members improve their communication and leadership skills in a supportive enviroment. The ITM meets on the first and third Wednesday at 19.30 of each month at the Kervansaray Hotel in Taksim. Guests are welcome to attend two meetings free of charge. For further information contact: Edith Heidelberger, President 2010-2011, 0533 263 2806 or Alper Rozanes, Vice President Membership, 0532 243 3753.

SEDplatform for animals

SEDplatform has been formed by a handful of expat and local volunteers to make a change in the way animals are being perceived and treated in Turkey. To this aim, we have launched education in schools, educational activities, proper on-hand care of street animals, sterilization and adoptions campaigns, pet care brochures and World Animal Day activities in Istanbul. We have been active since 2001. Contacts: Big Dog Yuli 0532 314 8238, Kit Kat Robi 0542 423 0633 or Cat Lady Leyla 0555 404 3113; email: sahiplenelim@sed-tr.org New kitty site: www.onlarbizimkedilerimiz.org

Speech Bubbles

Is an international group aiming to perform high-quality Is an international group aiming to perform high-quality musical theater and donating the income to NGOâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s supporting children and education. Speech Bubbles is composed of amateur and professional dancers, singers and musicians from II countries. Contact Tom Godfrey 0532 736 7702; www.speechbubbles.org

Sublime Portal

The Sublime Portal is your expat on-line community reference for all things Turkey. Here you can find a lively group of people who discuss everything about Turkey, network and organize social events. Over a 1000 members and still growing... www.sublimeportal.com *Please check our website www.iwi-tr.org for updates to this page. If you represent a group and want your group updated or listed on these pages, e-mail esbie@iwi-tr.org. These pages are for your information only; the IWI does not accept any responsibility regarding these groups or their activities. January & February 2011

Directory - International Schools

January & February 2011