WCA Summer Trip to Turabdin, 13 – 21 August 2023
Book your ticket now to be one of the fortunate Arameans who will embark on an incredible summer vacation in Turabdin! Immerse yourself in the rich history of ancient cities, villages, churches, and monasteries, while experiencing unforgettable moments such as the Arbo Vigil, and lively parties in Ehwo and Midyat. The renowned singer Ishok Yakub will ensure a truly enjoyable time!
1. WCA Summer Trip to Turabdin, from 13 – 21 August 2023
Join us as WCA celebrates its 40th Anniversary with a special summer trip to our ancestral homeland. Rediscover your roots, relive cherished childhood memories, and forge bonds with fellow Arameans.
For decades, many Diaspora Arameans have been separated from their homeland, but now is the perfect time to reconnect and embrace a profound sense of belonging.
To get a glimpse of the wonderful ambiance and experiences from our earlier trips, we invite you to watch the following videos:
- Watch the 1.15-hour video of our Youth Trip from 5-13 November 2022; see here for photos.
- Watch the 1-hour DVDs of the Journey Home from 19-26 April 2011 & 11-17 April 2012.
2. What to expect from the WCA Summer Trip:
Over the course of 9 days, you will visit 7 captivating monasteries and ancient sites, including Diyarbakir, Mardin, Nisibin, Turizlo, Midyat, and its surrounding region. Immerse yourself in spiritual and cultural experiences, savor traditional food, and indulge in lively dances and music. Key highlights include:
- Flight with transfers to/from the hotel and airport
- Hotel accommodation in Midyat with breakfast included
- Transportation by bus
- Free entrance to the WCA Summer Youth Party in Ehwo
- Free entrance to the WCA 40th Anniversary Open Air Party in Midyat
- Maye Hewore (Clear Water) event with Kemence music, dance, and food
- Mardin Dance and Music experience
Please note that the price for this trip is much lower compared to our traditional all-inclusive trips. As a result, it does not include daily lunches and dinners, except for two dinners offered by WCA. Participants are responsible for covering the costs of their meals throughout the trip.
SUMMARY OF THE PRELIMINARY PROGRAM
Please note that this program may be subject to change. We will provide you with the final program before the trip.
Day 1, Sunday, 13 August: Arrival and Welcome
• Arrive at Diyarbakir airport and meet fellow participants
• Transfer to the hotel in Midyat
Day 2, Monday, 14 August: Exploring Turizlo
• Visit Anhel and then Turizlo, including Kafro Tahteyto, Badibe, Arkah
• Explore the Monasteries of Mor Yakup d-Qarne and Mor Melke
• Attend the St. Mary Vigil (Shahro) in Arbo with Ishok Yakub
Day 3, Tuesday, 15 August: The Feast of St. Mary
• Visit the Monasteries of Mor Yakup in Salah and Mor Aho in Kafro ‘Elayto
• Explore the villages of Hah, Kfarze, and Arnas
Day 4, Wednesday, 16 August: Discovering Nisibin and Maye Hewore
• Visit the Mor Augin Monastery and Mor Yakub Church in Nisibin
• Enjoy a first WCA Dinner and the beauty of the Maye Hewore (Nawale/Beyaz Su)
• Attend the WCA Summer Youth Party in Ehwo, Turizlo
Day 5, Thursday, 17 August: Mor Gabriel Monastery and Surrounding Villages
• Explore the renowned Mor Gabriel Monastery
• Discover the villages of Beth Zabday (Azekh), Midin, Bsorino, and Mzizah
Day 6, Friday, 18 August: Midyat and Anniversary Celebration
• Morning visit to Iwardo
• Return to Midyat to visit Mor Abrohom & Mor Hobil Monastery
• Explore the Churches of Mor Barsaumo and Mort Ishmuni
• Evening: WCA dinner and enjoy vibrant 40th Anniversary party with Ishok Yakub
Day 7, Saturday, 19 August: FREE Program
• Enjoy a free day to visit your ancestral village(s) or spend time with relatives and friends
• We can assist in organizing affordable taxis if needed
Day 8, Sunday, 20 August: Qelleth, Mor Hananyo Monastery, and Mardin
• Visit Qelleth and the Mor Hananyo (Zafaran) Monastery
• Explore the 40 Martyrs Church in Mardin
• Free time in Mardin city to enjoy its culture and cuisine
• Evening: Experience local Mardin dance, music, and food
Day 9, Monday, 21 August: Departure
• Check out from the hotel
• Transfer to Diyarbakir Airport for departure
Don’t miss this extraordinary opportunity to explore Turabdin, reconnect with your heritage, and celebrate WCA's 40th Anniversary in the heartland of our ancestors. Book your ticket now and join us for an unforgettable summer trip filled with cultural enrichment, joyous festivities, and a deep sense of belonging.
3. Package Prices
Please note that these prices are applicable ONLY for flights departing from Europe:
- € 950 per person for non-WCA Members
- € 925 per person, for WCA Members contributing a minimum of €5 per month
- € 900 per person, for WCA Members contributing a minimum of €10 per month
If you are not yet a WCA Member, register at www.SupportWCA.com for discounts and additional benefits.
DISCLAIMER:
- In the event of a significant increase in flight prices in the coming weeks, the trip cost may be subject to change by the end of July or early August! Therefore, it is advisable to book your trip today.
- Due to higher ticket prices, certain departure locations such as Amsterdam may incur an additional cost of €100!
If you wish to fly from a location OUTSIDE of Europe, please contact us at turabdin [at] wca-ngo.org or fill out this registration form, and our team will get in touch with you.
4. Book / Register here and secure your seat
To join us on this extraordinary journey back to our ancestral homeland, please fill out this registration form!
you want to participate in this unique journey home, (1 form per participant)!
NOTE:
- Registration for the WCA Summer Trip to Turabdin is open until Friday, 4 August 2023.
- There are 25 seats available, so secure your place as soon as possible.
- Participants will have to share a double room, but can book a single room if they pay the additional costs.
- Please note that once your payment is made, cancellations are not possible. A partial refund of €200 can be granted until 22 July 2023, in case of verifiable emergency situations.
- Your registration will be confirmed by us upon receipt of payment to WCA’s bank account using the following details:
Name: World Council of Arameans
Description: Turabdin Summer Trip
IBAN number: NL 71 RABO 0396 7306 20
BIC number: RABONL2U
Bank: RABOBANK
Place: Enschede-Haaksbergen, The Netherlands
