The Summer Programme series is designed to provide a framework for understanding the social, political, economic and cultural realities and developments on both sides of the Aegean. Prospective participants are expected to enroll in the Programme in order to develop a critical approach to the prevailing stereotypes which have existed between Greece and Turkey for more than a century. Following the Programme, participants will not only acquire specific knowledge with regard to Greece and Turkey, but will also improve their sensitivity concerning the region in general. The Programme takes the form of a series of lectures by experts in the field of Turkish and Greek studies. In addition, a cultural programme is put together to enhance the participants' understanding of historical realities by utilizing İstanbul and the island of Hydra as historical settings which kept the two peoples together for centuries, and later apart. İstanbul has always been, and still is today, a bridge between Europe and Asia. Historically and culturally cosmopolitan by nature, it has been the capital city of two great civilisations and empires. Today it is one of the most vibrant cities in Europe and still holds a unique place between East and West. In addition to the lectures given at İstanbul Bilgi University campus and on the island of Hydra, the Summer Programme contains workshops on fields of possible cooperation between Greece and Turkey, such as NGOs cooperation vis-à-vis peace building.