AIM: Students will be enabled to visualize the cultural values they have learned throughout the project. The creative writing skills of such students will also improve.
THE BIG WORLD OF LITTLE JOAH
Every morning, Joah ran to the chicken coop screaming to collect the fresh eggs, exciting the poultry with him.Joah did not see this as a duty, he did it with pleasure, because he loved animals very much and grew up with them.
Joah lost his mother at a young age and was given to his grandparents by his father. Joah's father thought that he would not be able to take good care of his little child due to the sadness of having a child at a young age and losing his beloved wife, so he gave his little son to the elders of his family whom he trusted.
His grandparents welcomed this decision because, according to them, the biggest thing missing in their home was sound and joy. Joah was a voice, a breath of air, a joy to his grandparents. His grandparents gave Joah the love he needed as much as they could.
Joah was the center of attention not only of his grandparents but also of this small town. He loved fishing and animals, drew pictures, and was curious about everything and everywhere.By the time Joah was six years old, his father had pulled himself together, put his business life in order, and wanted to continue his new life with his son.Because he found a suitable job to take care of his son: He was now a tour guide.
He would be able to take his son around the country and teach him about different cultures.His father knocked on his parents' door with longing to take Joah to completely different countries.
He would travel to five countries with his son. Lithuania, Romania, Türkiye, Portugal and Italy.The excitement of father and sons getting on the plane to go to Lithuania was worth seeing.
(MARIA FONSECA'S PART)
As they stood on the banks of the Grand Canal, watching the sunset over the Venetian skyline, Joah turned to his father with newfound clarity. "Father," he said, "this journey has taught me more than any book or classroom ever could. It's not just the places we've seen, but the experiences we've shared and the lessons we've learned together." His father nodded, a tear glistening in his eye. "Joah, life is a journey filled with moments that shape who we are. I'm grateful we could share these moments. Remember, no matter where you go or what you do, the memories and lessons from these travels will always be with you."
Joah smiled, feeling a profound sense of gratitude. He realized that this trip was not the end, but rather the beginning of many more adventures. He vowed to continue the passion for exploration and learning that his father had instilled in him.
As they boarded the flight back home, Joah looked out of the window, the landscapes of Italy fading into the horizon. He knew that the world was vast and full of wonders yet to be discovered. With his father by his side and the memories of their journey in his heart, Joah felt ready to embrace whatever the future held. And so, their travels became a cherished chapter in their lives, a story of bonding, learning, and endless discovery. Joah and his father returned home, not just as travelers, but as kindred spirits whose love for the world's heritage would continue to inspire them for years to come.
CONCLUSION (BERAT AYDIN)
As Joah and his father visited places on the UNESCO heritage list, they learned a lot about world history and different cultures. From Topkapı Palace in Istanbul to Historic Centre of Sighişoara in Romania, from Historic Centre of Guimarães in Portugal to Vilnius Historic Centre in Lithuania, every place was a work of art and a living proof of history in their eyes. Each visit gave them a new perspective and deep admiration.
When they arrived in Italy, their last stop, Joah understood better how important these travels were in his life. These precious moments he spent with his father gave him the opportunity to explore both the world and himself. Every moment was a new opportunity to learn and share. Different languages, traditions-customs, histories, arts... It became clear how similar the feelings of human beings were when intertwined with the colorful cultural diversity created by every difference.
Joah was learning the history and art of each place through the stories his father told. His interest in works of art, in particular, deepened further with the guidance of his father. In each painting, they learned how art carries different meanings in different cultures. They discovered the universality of art and how it unites people's emotions.
A deep conversation took place between Joah and his father. His father said, "Joah, art not only creates beauty, it also unites people and brings the past to the present. Although times change, the value of art and history never disappears. It is very valuable for me to see these places with you and share the magic of art and history. I hope "When you grow up, you will always remember these memories and maybe one day you will go on such a journey with your own child." said.
Holding his father's hand tightly, Joah said, "Dad, these trips were not just about seeing historical places. Every moment I was with you was the greatest work of art. I understood that." he replied.
While taking a gondola ride through the magnificent canals of Venice, Italy, Joah and his father realized how much their lives had changed. While the gondola was silently gliding through the narrow canals of Venice, father and son were experiencing the peace of sailing to a new future together. These trips brought them together not only physically but also emotionally. Each visit opened a new page in their lives and further strengthened their love for each other.
And so, Joah and his father's journey to discover the world's heritage ended as an unforgettable story of both the best memories of their lives and the endless experiences of art and history. His father knew that he would now be there for Joah as both a father and his best friend. Joah, on the other hand, carried his mother's memory in his heart and looked to the future with hope with his father.
(NURGÜL BÜTÜNER)
ITALY TRIP
Six-year-ITALY TRIPold Joah embarked on an unforgettable journey through Italy with his father, eager to explore the wonders of Cinque Terre and Castel De Monte.Their adventure began in the enchanting coastal villages of Cinque Terre. Joah's eyes widened in wonder as he strolled through the narrow streets, admiring the colorful houses perched precariously on cliffs overlooking the sparkling sea. With each step, he felt a sense of excitement and anticipation, eager to discover what lay around the next corner.In Riomaggiore, Joah stumbled upon a small art gallery tucked away on a cobblestone street. There, he was captivated by a painting titled "All of us" or "TODOS NÓS", created by the renowned artist Ana Valentim. The painting depicted a scene of unity and solidarity among diverse individuals, and Joah couldn't help but feel a sense of connection to the vibrant figures on the canvas.Curious to learn more about the painting, Joah eagerly listened as the gallery guide shared the story behind Ana Valentim's masterpiece. He learned that the painting was a celebration of diversity and inclusivity, conveying the message that we are all stronger when we come together as one. Joah felt a newfound appreciation for the power of unity and empathy, inspired by the beautiful artwork he had encountered.As they continued their journey to Castel De Monte, Joah and his father stumbled upon a charming souvenir shop filled with intricate comb and burdock motifs. Joah was fascinated by the delicate designs adorning various items, from jewelry to decorative ornaments. He asked his father about the meaning behind these symbols, and together they learned that the comb symbolized social connections and the importance of working together, while the burdock represented resilience and strength in the face of adversity.
For Joah, the journey through Italy was not just a vacation, but a transformative experience that would stay with him for a lifetime. And though his mother was no longer with them in person, her spirit lived on in the lessons they learned and the memories they shared as father and son.
(MELİS ÖZKAN)
When Joah came to Italy, he first went to the Square of Miracles because he wanted to see the Leaning Tower of Pisa, which was the place he was most curious about. The fact that the tower was so tilted caught his attention and he examined it for a long time. He enjoyed being there but at the same time he was very hungry, so he took a break from the trip. He ate Italy's famous pizza and liked it very much.
After eating, he continued his trip. He set out for his next stop, Verona. The first place he went to in Verona was Erbe Square. He liked this square, which is a historical place, very much. Then he went to Basilica di San Zeno Maggiore. This place was very beautiful, just like the other places. Next day,he went to Verona Arena. He was fascinated by what he saw. After visiting the arena, he ate dinner. This time, he chose pasta and loved it. He noticed that the pasta here was much more delicious and asked his father why. His father said that in Italy, pasta is made with different sauces. Later, they went to Casa di Giulietta. He was really curious about this place. Visiting Juliet's house seemed interesting to him. In the evening, after dinner, his father bought him ice cream and Joah tasted this amazing gelato. They had come to the end of their trip. Joah had a great time in Verona.
(CARLA ŞERBAN)
Joah likes to travel. His father is the best father in the world! Why? Because Joah has the opportunity to see the world!
Now, he admires the beauties of Portugal: Lisboa, Porto, Cabo da Roca. Then, he travel by yellow tram in Lisboa. Because one of his passions is art, he visits Lisboa Art Gallery. It’s very hard for him to understand how some people doesn’t like art… He is sad of this…
At least time in a life, you must enjoy the Lisboa scenery! Go there!
(ESRA YALÇIN)
Joah was so happy that he discovered amazing travel experinces in Portugal because it was full of stories:adventure,discovery,wonder and friends.First of all Joah and his father decided to see Portugal's natural and architectural wonders.They experienced the rich vegetations of natural parks .They were tired and hungry after a long trip.They ate some iconic Queijadas, traditional pastries, made with creamy cheese, eggs, sugar.Also they tried Travesseiro, famous pillow shaped pastry.It was very delicious.
The next day they were planning to go Guimaraes that's why they had to rest.Joah and his father stayed in a nice, clean and comfortable guest house and slept well.It took their five hours to reach Guimaraes by bus.It was one of their favourite towns in Portuagal with its medieval streets and architecture.Touring the palace , seeing the castle and riding the gondola to Penha Park were amazing. Joah met new peopleduring the journey and learned some Portuguese like 'Ola, Bom dia, Como vai ' Joah believed that understanding languages and other cultures built bridges.It was the fastest way to bring the world closer together and to truth.Through understanding, people would be able to see their similarities before differences.
(MARIA CAROLINA COLABELLA)
The last journey was in Italy. Together they decided to go in two regions of the north of Italy:
Liguria and Veneto and they ended their trip in the eternal city, Rome. The first stage was in
Liguria. They visited the so called “Cinque Terre”: the Ligurian coast between Cinque Terre and
Portovenere is a cultural landscape of great scenic and cultural value.
The layout and disposition of the small towns and the shaping of the surrounding landscape,
overcoming the disadvantages of a steep, uneven terrain, encapsulate the continuous history of
human settlement in this region over the past millennium. They spent a beautiful time: they went
swimming, they also rented a boat and they ate a lot of tasty food. They stayed three days.
Then they left for Verona by train, what a beautiful experience!! Once there, after doing a city tour
he discovered a lot of interesting things: Verona is a city on the River Adige in Veneto. It is one of
the seven provincial capitals of the region, and is the largest city municipality in the region and in
northeastern Italy. It is one of the main tourist destinations in Northern Italy because of its artistic
heritage and several annual fairs and shows as well as the opera season in the Arena, an ancient
Roman amphitheater. Between the 13th and 14th centuries, the city was ruled by the della Scala
Family. Two of William Shakespeare's plays are set in Verona: Romeo and Juliet and The Two
Gentlemen of Verona. It is unknown if Shakespeare ever visited Verona or Italy, but his plays have
lured many visitors to Verona and surrounding cities. Verona was also the birthplace of Isotta
Nogarola, who is said to be the first major female humanist and one of the most important
humanists of the Renaissance. In November 2000, the city was declared a World Heritage Site by
UNESCO because of its urban structure and architecture. The city is scheduled to host the 2026
Winter Olympics closing ceremonies.
The last city they visited was Rome. They had a sightseeing of the city but the monument that
caught Joah’s eye was the Colosseum.
The Colosseum, an iconic symbol of ancient Rome, stands as a testament to the architectural and
engineering marvels of its time. This grand amphitheater, once the stage for gladiator contests and
other spectacles, now holds the prestigious title of a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Recognized for
its historical significance and cultural importance, the Colosseum continues to captivate visitors
from around the globe with its rich heritage and timeless beauty.
Then he discovered something about artistic works…
(MARIA ELENA ANDREOZZI)
Joah was very excited. All the journey he made were wonderful. During the next-to-last trip they went to Portugal. Once there Joah and his father visited a lot of places and they ate local food; in particular, he was fascinated by the Monastery of Batalha and the Landscape of Siltra. It was the first time he went to Portugal!
After visiting these two places, Joah learned that they both are UNESCO heritage sites. The former was built to commemorate the victory of the Portuguese over the Castilians at the battle of Aljubarrota in 1385. It was to be the Portuguese monarchy's main building project for the next two centuries. There a highly original, national Gothic style evolved. It has unscripted in the UNESCO list since 1983 and it followed two criteria: the first and the second. Criterion (i): The Dominican Monastery of Batalha is one of the absolute masterpieces of Gothic art. Criterion (ii): The Monastery of Batalha was, for more than two centuries, an important workshop of the Portuguese monarchy. The most characteristic features of a national art were determined here, both during the Gothic and the Renaissance periods.
Then his father gave him some information about the Landscape of Siltra: in the 19th century Sintra became the first centre of European Romantic architecture. Ferdinand II turned a ruined monastery into a castle where this new sensitivity was displayed in the use of Gothic, Egyptian, Moorish and Renaissance elements and in the creation of a park blending local and exotic species of trees.
They came around other cities and beautiful landscapes, they also went to Lisbon the capital city and one of the most ancient cities in the world.
(MINDAGUAS DIFARTAS)
Joah was very excited. All the journey he made were wonderful. During the next-to-last trip they went to Portugal. Once there Joah and his father visited a lot of places and they ate local food; in particular, he was fascinated by the Monastery of Batalha and the Landscape of Siltra. It was the first time he went to Portugal!
After visiting these two places, Joah learned that they both are UNESCO heritage sites. The former was built to commemorate the victory of the Portuguese over the Castilians at the battle of Aljubarrota in 1385. It was to be the Portuguese monarchy's main building project for the next two centuries. There a highly original, national Gothic style evolved. It has unscripted in the UNESCO list since 1983 and it followed two criteria: the first and the second. Criterion (i): The Dominican Monastery of Batalha is one of the absolute masterpieces of Gothic art. Criterion (ii): The Monastery of Batalha was, for more than two centuries, an important workshop of the Portuguese monarchy. The most characteristic features of a national art were determined here, both during the Gothic and the Renaissance periods.
Then his father gave him some information about the Landscape of Siltra: in the 19th century Sintra became the first centre of European Romantic architecture. Ferdinand II turned a ruined monastery into a castle where this new sensitivity was displayed in the use of Gothic, Egyptian, Moorish and Renaissance elements and in the creation of a park blending local and exotic species of trees.
They came around other cities and beautiful landscapes, they also went to Lisbon the capital city and one of the most ancient cities in the world.
(ASRINSU ASLAN)
Joah is very excited and wants to determine the new route he and his father will take. His father tells him that the place they will go is the city where the Ottoman Empire was founded. Joah asks his father to give him a few more clues because there is not enough information. His father says that it is the second largest city after Istanbul. Joah still doesn't know and asks for one last clue. We are going to the place where Karagöz and Hacivat were first performed, he says, Bursa. Joah continues to accompany his father with great surprise and joy. Finally they come to Bursa. You can't come this far and wander around on an empty stomach. Let's see what this place is famous for;
Iskender, meatballs with pita, cantik, Bursa kebab etc.
Joah's mouth waters. After eating Alexander, the journey begins to the village of Cumalıkızık, which is on the UNESCO heritage list and where the Ottoman Empire was born. The villages stuck between the foothills of Uludag and the valleys are called Kızık. It is said that this village was called Cumalıkızık because it was the place where the villagers from other Kızık villages used to gather for Friday prayers. Another legend is that Osman Bey named this village "Cumalıkızık" because the day the village was founded was Friday.
There is also a museum (Cumalıkızık Ethnography Museum) in the village square, where items from the village's past are exhibited. A "Raspberry Festival" is held in the village in June. The famous "Cumalıkızık houses" are made of rubble stone, wood and adobe, and are generally three-storey. The windows on the upper floors are latticed or bay windows. The handles and knockers on the main entrance doors are made of wrought iron. The houses are painted in yellow, white, blue and purple colors. Between the houses there are very narrow, paved, stone-paved streets.
The village's mosque, the Zekiye Hatun Fountain next to the mosque and the single-domed bathhouse date from the Ottoman period. There are also ruins of a church from the Byzantine period in the village. Citrus fruits, walnuts and chestnuts grow in the village.
Joah is aware that Bursa is a very green city. Thereupon, his father tells him that Bursa's other name is the green city. It is one of the oldest settlements in history, built on the foothills of Uludağ in all its glory. Joah cannot hide his admiration.
(MUHAMMET YAŞAR AYDIN)
DEVELOPMENT
TÜRKİYE TRIP
When their plane landed in Istanbul, Joah excitedly went out and started exploring this fascinating city. While his father was highlighting to Joah the cultural and architectural richness of this unique city that bridges Asia and Europe, Joah's eye fell on the crowd. Joah was surprised that so many people from different nationalities were exploring like him.
Hagia Sophia is the most impressive temple in history and has been a symbol for a long time, Suleymaniye Mosque Complex is a place of worship with the impressiveness of a spirit, prayer, emotion and spiritual climate, Topkapi Palace and its walls are witnesses to the great events and struggles that took place in the place and yesterday, It is a legacy for today and tomorrow, there is a prison in the elegance of the Maiden's Tower, the Grand Bazaar is the center of worldly scents, colors and tastes... Istanbul really smelled of history. While walking around the Grand Bazaar, the carpets with running water and fertility motifs in the stores stood out. Joah bought souvenirs for his grandparents at the Grand Bazaar.
After this long trip, Joah felt hungry, smelling the iodine and fish bread of the Golden Horn Golden Horn that made even the seagulls fall in love with him. Eating fish and bread overlooking the sea, Joah was trying to digest Istanbul in his mind. Now it was time to board the plane for their next route. They said goodbye to this city with the hope of coming back again.
Father and son arrived in Nevşehir late at night and slept soundly on the first night, feeling so tired. Joah said hello to the day with a rich Turkish breakfast served on the hotel's terrace, right next to the sofas, and was confused where to put his hands. When his stomach was almost full, Joah looked up and saw huge colorful balloons floating in the sky. Looking at his father with curious eyes, Joah was waiting for an explanation from him. When his father told Joah that he could fly in a balloon as long as he got up early tomorrow morning, Joah couldn't believe it and was a little scared. Father and son registered for the balloon tour and spent the day visiting Göreme National Park. In the area forming a valley, churches, chapels, dining halls, winemaking areas and living spaces were carved into the rock blocks. While the geometric decorations used in the early periods of Christianity can be seen in the first layers of paint uncovered in the churches, the frescoes made at later dates depicted scenes from the Bible and the life of Jesus Christ. For Joah, who got very tired while traveling, his father said that they could continue their trip with a horse tour. Riding on the same horse as his father, Joah was engrossed in watching the surroundings along with the harmony of the horse. After finishing the day by eating kebab, the father and son retired to their rooms to sleep.
In the dark of the morning his father woke Joah. When they got off the vehicle, they were greeted by the burning flames of the balloons they were going to ride in the pitch darkness. Drowsy, Joah seemed torn between reality and fantasy. In that darkness, it was wonderful to see the preparation of the other balloons thanks to the flames. When the balloon was fully inflated and ready to take off, they easily took their places in the baskets, thanks to the attention of the staff. And those amazing moments... It was great to feel Cappadocia under your feet from meters above with hundreds of balloons in the light of sunrise. As we rose into the sky, the unique fairy chimneys and historical sites of Cappadocia were visible from below. While his father was telling Joah about the geological formation and history of the region, Joah was enjoying watching this magnificent view.
When the balloon ride ended, Joah hugged his father and thanked him for this unforgettable experience. His father, on the other hand, was happy that Joah was so excited and curious.
(MOHAMAD MG)
ROMANIA TRIP
The next destination of Joah and his father in Romania was Historic Centre of Sighişoara,built in the 12th century by Saxon settlers.
Joah and his father were amazed by the wonderful architecture of the town and they walked all along the beautiful streets. This town hosts, every year, a medieval festival where arts and crafts blend with rock music and stage plays. Joah and his father were very happy because their favourite music type was rock and they were lucky for coinciding with this festival.
They enjoyed their time here and got ready to say goodbye to this lovely country. Because they set off for their next destination, Türkiye.
(MEDİNE BA)
After a long tiring trip, joah is very so excited and curious about this wonderful place Romania, Transilvania. It is the first destination for him and his father. Joah heared many things about this historical city. He always finds ancient places mysterious.they start to visit fortified churches from the 13th tp 16th centuries. It has more than 150 well preserved fortified churches of great variety of architectural styles.joah can not believe his eyes he thinks it is a fascinating place he has ever seen. The topography on southern transilvania is that of a plateau cut wide valleys of various small rivers that flow into larger ones, namely olt river, mureş river. The weather is very hot and it is cool when they are passing near this rivers they drink something et caffee near these rivers.
Second day of trip they continueto explore other ancient places ,Sucevita manastery , it is situated near the succevita river. It contains both byzantine and gothic elements. Joah likes taking photos .he takes lots of photos of these incredible places . He takes some notes of descriptions of manestery it is very important because when he turns back, he wants to show them to his grandparents.
Sighisoara, is the anather destination for joah and his father.it very close to the clock tower, the town centre pf sighisoara as seen from the clock tower during summer and winter .it seems georgeous he has ever visited. Another fascinating place are wooden churches of Maramureş.it is one of the better known regions of Romania with autonomous traditions since the middle ages.it is well preserved wooden villages and churches,its traditional lifestye and local colorful dresses.after visiting hostorical places joah also wonders the modern places when they walking on the streetthe see a poster about a big event of an art gallery they want to go and see there. When joah comes there he sees a painting of famous artist, Stefan lucian he remembered has wonderful painting; Girl Selling Flowers . After a long he and his father turn their hotel and get relaxed .joah thinks these places are ,he has seen today are incredible. He leaves from this wonderful country with unforgetable memories .thanks to his father's job he has chance to visit ancient places .
(BEATRIZ FONSECA)
Joah and his father embarked on their journey to Romania with eager anticipation, ready to explore the rich cultural tapestry of this enchanting country. Their first destination was Bucharest, the vibrant capital city known for its eclectic blend of architectural styles and bustling energy. As they wandered through the streets of Bucharest, Joah's eyes widened with wonder at the sight of grand buildings adorned with intricate carvings and ornate facades. His father regaled him with tales of the city's history, from its medieval roots to its modern-day renaissance. One of the highlights of their visit to Bucharest was a trip to the National Museum of Art of Romania, where they had the opportunity to admire the works of renowned Romanian artists. Among them, Joah was particularly captivated by the paintings of Ștefan Luchian, a master of impressionism whose vibrant landscapes and intimate portraits spoke to his soul. After immersing themselves in the cultural delights of Bucharest, Joah and his father set out to explore the Romanian countryside. Their next stop was the picturesque region of Moldavia, famed for its rolling hills, quaint villages, and ancient monasteries adorned with exquisite frescoes.In the village of Voroneț, they visited the iconic Voroneț Monastery, known as the "Sistine Chapel of the East" for its stunning blue frescoes depicting scenes from the Bible. Joah was awestruck by the beauty and craftsmanship of the artwork, which seemed to come alive under the warm Romanian sun.Their journey through Romania also took them to the heart of Transylvania, where they delved into the region's rich folklore and traditions. In the historic city of Sibiu, they attended a traditional Romanian festival, where locals dressed in colorful costumes performed lively dances and songs passed down through generations.But perhaps the most memorable experience for Joah was a visit to the village of Maramureș, nestled in the foothills of the Carpathian Mountains. Here, they witnessed age-old traditions come to life as villagers celebrated the annual haymaking festival, known as "Junii" in Romanian. Amidst the music and merrymaking, Joah felt a deep connection to the people and the land, as if he had stepped back in time to a simpler era.
(IRMAK KAYA)
LITHUANIA TRIP
Joah was very interested in what his father told him. Because Trakai Castle was located in the middle of Lake Galve and was one of the most popular places in Lithuania.
The construction of the castle was started in the 14th century by Kestutis, Duke of Trakai, and was completed in 1409 by the Duke's son Vytautas.
Access to the lake, which is located on an island within the lake, is provided by boats as well as a wooden bridge of approximately 100 meters length, which provides the connection with Trakai.
Joah listened attentively to what his father said.What his father told was not limited to Trakai Castle.
They had the opportunity to visit and get to know the beauties of Lithuania such as Vilnius, Curonion Split, Kernave, Struve Geophysical Ark.
Little Joah was very happy to discover the beauties of other countries. Joah's father couldn't get enough of watching his son's happiness and wanted to make his son even happier. He decided to visit another country and booked two tickets for Romania.
(TUBA POLAT)
Traveling was Joah's favorite activity, but when it was with his father, it doubled all his feelings.
Joah was running left and right out of happiness, he couldn't stand still. He moved so much that he finally got hungry. He immediately told his father about it and they decided to go to a restaurant.
They found a restaurant with Lithuanian cultural dishes and desserts. They chose kaunas for dinner and torte for dessert.
They were on their way to their next stop, Trakai Castle.Little Joah was fascinated by this unique natural wonder in the middle of the lake.He was listening to his father's story and wanted to explore the castle in every detail.
(SEBASTIAN JIRCA)
Lithuania! What a wonderful country!
First of all, Joah wants to visit Vilnius, a very beautiful city – its old quarter (center) is included in the Unesco Heritage. Then, he wants to see the paintings of Serghei Ghetiu – he is a fan of this remarkable painter.
Searching on Google about these two things, Joah found an amazing opportunity: the paintings of Serghei Ghetiu hanged in the Galleries of Vilnius! He was very glad to visit the city and admire the paintings he likes so much!
After this, Joah will travel to see as many beautiful places in Lithuania!