Exhibition, Education and Eating Out

Ok, it's official - Robert College has begun the 150th anniversary celebrations with the opening of an exhibition at Istanbul Research Institute (in Beyoglu district) entitled "The Anatomy of a Tradition - 150 Years of Robert College 1863-2013". A somewhat perfunctory title, nevertheless, quite a crowd of us (teachers) went this evening to see this exhibition which turned out to be a fascinating collection of photographs that make an absorbing social and historical commentary. Why are we always so interested to see pictures of every day folk doing everyday things in 'days gone by' ?

Seeing the exhibiton was followed by attending a talk given by Ted Widmer at the Pera Museum Auditorium. A descendant of Cyrus Hamlin, (co-founder of Robert College) Ted Widmer is an interesting character - historian, librarian, speech writer for the Clinton administration, senior advisor to Hillary Clinton from September 2012 to February 2013 and currently assistant to the President of Brown University. Eloquent and informed, his talk, entitled "The Center of the World: Robert College in the International Context" was easy listening.

After so much looking, listening and learning, several of us were in severe need of refreshment and so visited the nearest food and drink provider which turned out to be a pleasant enough place and although the service was a tad on the slow side, it was a nice way to end an enjoyable evening out with friends. Taxi home.

The photo is taken outside the Pera Museum which is reflected in the windows. The contrast of old and new reminds me of our school where we are trying to enable C21st learning whilst maintaining C19th traditions.

With a whole year of 'celebration' ahead, more on this topic anon I fear.