Your generous donation helps to save and change lives every day.
Your charitable investment will go toward ongoing global relief to care for the underserved and vulnerable people of this community. As a member of this medical mission team, you will elevate the long-term impact of sustainable, capacity-building efforts that improve the health, wellness, and quality of life of those most in need.
Overview
The Need
Cultural Immersion Meets Impact
Welcome to an extraordinary journey through time and culture as we embark on an unforgettable adventure to Istanbul and Cappadocia, two of Turkey’s most captivating destinations. Your tour will focus on the rich legacies of the Byzantine and Ottoman Empires, which have left an indelible mark on this fascinating region.
In Istanbul, once known as Constantinople, you’ll witness the magnificent blend of East and West, where ancient churches stand alongside grand mosques, and bustling bazaars echo with centuries of history. As we explore the city’s iconic landmarks, you’ll be transported back to when it was the capital of two great empires.
Then, we’ll venture to the otherworldly landscape of Cappadocia, where Byzantine rock-cut churches and underground cities reveal a hidden world of early Christian history. This journey promises to be a mesmerizing exploration of Turkey’s imperial past, showcasing the architectural marvels, cultural treasures, and enduring influence of these two remarkable civilizations.
In Cappadocia, your volunteer team will partner with local professionals to serve very vulnerable women and children who migrate to the region and work to pick potatoes and grapes. Every year thousands of agricultural workers from the east and southeast, together with their families, migrate to the agricultural regions of the country for the plantation, irrigation, hoeing and harvesting seasons. Workers and their families often experience challenges while moving around the country as they have limited to no access to health care services and there are concerns related to hygiene conditions at the farms.
Migratory and seasonal agricultural workers and their families face unique health challenges which result in significant health disparities. Challenges faced can include: hazardous work environment, poverty and insufficient support system, inadequate or unsafe housing, limited availability of clean water and septic systems, inadequate healthcare access, continuity of care issues, lack of insurance, cultural and language barriers, fear of using healthcare due to immigration status, and lack of transportation.
Migrant farming populations experience serious health problems including diabetes, malnutrition, depression, substance use, infectious diseases, pesticide poisoning, and injuries from work-related machinery. These critical health issues are exacerbated by the migratory culture of this population group, which increases isolation and makes it difficult to develop a relationship with a healthcare provider, maintain treatment regimens, and track health records.
Some of the more common diseases in this area include skin disease and disorders, GI issues, dehydration, dental caries and infections, and pain.
Our Work
International Medical Relief began its service to the Turkish people shortly following the devastating earthquakes in the Hatay region in February 2023. Subsequently, IMR has organized dozens of medical teams to serve our Turkish friends.
Prior to the natural disaster, IMR had been working on being able to send clinical teams to this area. Now after having served during this critical time, IMR has established relationships that can be leveraged in parts of this magical country unaffected by the earthquakes.
This Mission
Turkey, officially the Republic of Türkiye, is a transcontinental country located mainly on the Anatolian Peninsula in Western Asia, with a small portion on the Balkan Peninsula in Southeast Europe. Filled with amazing markets, hilly quarters, and historic mosques, Istanbul is a feast for the eyes and, with all the opportunities for shopping, a danger to the pocketbook. You’ll have the chance to see the highlights of this amazing city and learn about it’s complicated history. Your time will be spent visiting very distinct sections of the city before furthering your travels to Cappadocia.
Cappadocia has a unique history and energy. This beautiful region in central Turkey is famous for fairytale scenery, cave dwellings, remarkable rock formations, and, of course, the hundreds of hot air balloons that soar in the sky during sunrise each morning. There is also world-class hiking in Cappadocia. You’ll have the opportunity to explore all of the diverse outdoor trails in the region by foot or ATV, adventure to the ancient valleys, or become mesmerized at a scenic overlook viewing the hot air balloons where you will be blown away. If you are a photographer, this destination is truly a magical place to serve.
Lodging/Transportation
On this Cultural Immersion and Impact T
rip, you and your fellow team members will be staying at accommodations with rooms that are safe, clean, and comfortable. Ground transportation will be provided each day.
Highlights
From the moment you arrive in Turkey, the people and culture make you feel as welcome and comfortable like nowhere you’ve ever visited. The natural beauty of the country and the inviting culture of the Turkish people are the highlights for this trip!
Extend Your Stay
You’re journeying across the globe. Why not extend your stay in Turkey to experience more of its top tourist attractions?
IMR’s travel partner, Worldwide Navigators, can help you extend your experience in Istanbul or Cappadocia to allow you to take on even more cultural experiences on your trip abroad. Contact Worldwide Navigators for more information.
Itinerary at a Glance
Arrivals
Immersion in Istanbul
Immersion in Istanbul
Immersion in Cappadocia
Clinic
Clinic
Immersion in Cappadocia
Departures
Please View Full Itinerary in the Next Tab
Sustainable Impact
Your Journey
Weather
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Average High and Low Temperature in Kayseri, Turkey ©WeatherSpark.com
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Average Hourly Temperature in Kayseri, Turkey ©WeatherSpark.com
Clinic Photos
Gallery
Full Itinerary
This itinerary is subject to change without notice.
You will need to arrange your flight destination to be Istanbul Airport, airport code IST. If you need assistance booking flights, please contact Worldwide Navigators, our preferred travel agency, at travel@worldwidenavigators.com.
Arrivals
You need to fly into Istanbul Airport, airport code IST. Your flight will arrive early enough to allow you to take in some of the sights, including:
- Exploring the Spice Bazaar
- Visiting the Süleymaniye Mosque, a masterpiece of Ottoman architecture from the 16th century
- Strolling through the trendy Beyoğlu district where you can climb Galata Tower
Meals: Dinner,
Immersion in Istanbul, team orientation
Today you’ll learn about the legacy of the Ottoman Empire. As you explore the city, you’ll have the opportunity to:
- Discovery Topkapi Palace, the former residence of Ottoman sultans
- Wander through the vibrant Grand Bazaar
- Enjoy a scenic Bosphorus cruise
After dinner, the team will gather for orientation with your full team. Your team leader will talk about what you have to look forward to during your week. For your days in the medical clinic, your leader will assign roles for the clinic, discuss IMR’s community health education efforts in detail, present IMR’s clinic protocols, and provide an overview of the communities your team will serve. Our partners will join us to explain the cultural components, medical landscape and overview of the medical conditions prevalent in the area.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner,
Immersion in Istanbul
Get ready to explore the Historic Peninsula, the Bosphorus peninsula location of the historic cities of Byzantium and Constantinople. Marvel at the ancient architecture as you explore the:
- Hagia Sophia, a magnificent Byzantine cathedral-turned-mosque from the 6th century
- Underground Basilica Cistern
- Iconic Blue Mosque
At the end of your exciting day, you and your team will travel by airplane or charter bus to the Cappadocia region to further your cultural explorations.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner,
Immersion in Cappadocia - Hot Air Balloon Viewing and Underground City Tour
Welcome to Cappadocia! Cappadocia’s landscape looks almost alien. Soft tufa rock, spewed from volcanoes millennia ago, created a series of ethereal “fairy chimneys” that have been shaped and sculpted by nature. Rising above the Anatolian Plains of central Turkey, this historic region is designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site that draws in thousands.
Rise and shine early for an amazing opportunity to view the spectacular hot air balloon display. Afterwards, you’ll be treated to a tour of Derinkuyu, an underground city. The soft rock in the Cappadocia area created winding cave systems and natural caverns that became home to underground cities in medieval times. When marauding armies arrived in the area, thousands of people would escape and survive below ground, sometimes for months on end. Spanning 18 floors to a depth of 85 meters, Derinkuyu is one of the largest and deepest subterranean cities in Turkey.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner,
Impact - Medical Clinic
After enjoying a group breakfast full of native, Turkish delicacies and flavors, your team will transfer to the location for your day in clinic. The clinic sites are small, rural health centers. You will be joined by local physicians, nurses and pharmacists who can consult on difficult cases or those who need a higher level of care. Your team will take a tour of the facility, set up for clinic as needed, and have a site orientation. After preparing the site, your team will begin to see patients.
Some of the more common diseases in this area include skin disease and disorders, GI issues, dehydration, dental caries and infections, and pain. Your patients will welcome education on basic healthcare and hygiene that they can take with them.
Your clinic days will be long and hard, but also incredibly rewarding. After the clinic, regroup with your team at your lodging facility for a clinical debrief and team dinner. You will also be turning in your worn scrubs for laundry.
Although all your meals are all included, you are welcome to go into town with your fellow team members to enjoy the excellent cuisine that Turkey has to offer.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner,
Impact - Medical Clinic
Your IMR team will bring sustainable community and public health education and training to vulnerable communities, local physicians, nurses and patient care technicians are eager to learn! Our hosts will share their needs and we will develop training that brings value longitudinally.
Education is as important as medical and dental care for our patients. Each clinic includes basic health education according to the specialties and skills of the IMR volunteers, as well as the needs of the local people. When communities become empowered to take health and wellness issues into their own hands, they become self-sufficient. IMR provides learning opportunities for the local communities through classes and hands-on learning to sustain their well-being beyond our visit.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner,
Cultural Immersion
On your last full day in Cappadocia, get to know what life is like for the residents of the ancient settlements carved out in and among the rocks. You’ll get to visit a local pottery workshop in Avanos, home to many such enterprises where master potters turn the local river’s red mud into beautiful works of art.
Visit the Pasabag Valley, which is known for its fairy chimneys. Take a walk up tone of these chimneys to explore St. Simeon’s Chapel, which was built when monks took over the valley.
You’ll also get to tour a traditional Cappadocian cave home to see what life is like inside a home with walls made of stone.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner,
Departures
On your last day in the country, you’ll enjoy a final breakfast with your team before leaving Cappadocia for the airport for your international flight home.
Meals: Breakfast,
Your Journey
Clinic Photos
Extensions
You’re journeying across the globe. Why not extend your stay in Turkey to experience more of its top tourist attractions?
IMR’s travel partner, Worldwide Navigators, can help you extend your experience in Istanbul or Cappadocia to allow you to take on even more cultural experiences on your trip abroad. Contact Worldwide Navigators for more information.
Minimum Donation
Your generous donation of $2200 will go toward the ongoing global relief to care for the underserved and vulnerable people of this community. As a member of this medical mission team, you will elevate the long-term impact of sustainable, capacity-building efforts that improve the health, wellness, and quality of life of those most in need. A small portion of your donation includes:
- Clinic supplies and medications for patients
- Clinic participation
- Transportation, accommodations, and meals as outlined in the itinerary
Donation Payment Deadlines
$2000 due by December 8, 2024
$2200 due by February 8, 2025
Early Bird Savings Opportunity
To be eligible, the participant must upload ALL your required documents and forms, sign their liability form and make your 50% donation including your $35 application fee by December 8, 2024. This savings opportunity does not apply to disaster relief missions.
Featured Enhancements
**To purchase any of the above Featured Enhancements for your mission, please contact our office at office@imrus.org or call at (970) 635-0110.
Your Donation to IMR for Your Mission Cost Includes:
All group costs from the time you arrive at the team meeting point in country until you separate from the team or when the team arrives at the departure airport, including:
- Transportation
- Lodging (except for Colorado missions, disaster missions, or as otherwise mentioned in the trip itinerary)
- Costs associated with the clinic
- Food
- Tips for services provided to the IMR team
- All logistics, including translation services and security as needed
Additional Costs That You Are Responsible For:
All group costs from the time you arrive at the team meeting point in country until you separate from the team or when the team arrives at the departure airport, including:
- International and Domestic flights to the country.
- Passport fees, visa fees, and transit fees, including baggage or overnight accommodations/meals while in transit
- Required or recommended insurance
- Vaccinations and medications common for travel
- Spending money for souvenirs and personal purchases
- Required or desired mission supplies, personal equipment, or small gifts for the special people you meet
- Any lodging, meals, and transportation outside of the scheduled team mission, payable at the time of service to the local vendor
- COVID-related fees such as testing, vaccinations, and quarantines as required by in-country arrival/departure or USA arrival/departure
- Each team member is responsible for carrying medical supplies for the deployment. All fees associated with transport are the responsibility of the volunteer.
Financial FAQs
Prepare to Go
A Walk Through Clinic
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