International CIFE Alumni Meeting in Istanbul

Welcome to the International CIFE Alumni Meeting in Istanbul!

Join us for a special weekend in Istanbul and follow the trail of the Orient Express! We look forward to welcoming you at CIFE - Centre international de formation européenne for three days filled with events. This in-person event is the perfect opportunity to catch up with old friends, make new connections, and share your experiences since graduating. Don't miss this chance to be part of the vibrant CIFE community once again!

Date: 26-28 September

Location: Sirkeci

Register now to secure your spot at the International CIFE Alumni Meeting in Istanbul. We can't wait to see you there!

Info: Start your Istanbul discovery weekend with a ceramic tile workshop in an old caravanserai, in the historic quarter of Kurşunlu Han. Ceramic handcraft is a centuries-old regional tradition. Choose your motif and work on your tile in a small group. At the end of your stay take your tile back home with you as a souvenir of a memorable experience.

Info: This is where the famous and wealthy arrived after
their 3-day journey from Paris to Istanbul. Meet up
and dine in style in a setting filled with history!
Come in your best Orient Express attire and compete
for the prize for the best look!

Welcome speech by Matthias Waechter, CIFE Director General

Info: Meet and exchange with representatives of Turkish associations. From energy transition to human rights, climate change, defence, philanthropy ... Many Turkish NGOs are actively engaging to strengthen the ties between the EU and Türkiye and interested in exchanging views. For Alumni interested in such an exchange, we will be arranging specific sessions. Register and indicate your field of interest and we will get back to you to organise a meeting.

Info: Join us for a guided walking tour and follow in the footsteps of Agatha Christie and other famous passengers of the Orient Express. Starting from the Sirkeci Train Station, the arrival point to the old city of Istanbul, the tour takes you along the Egyptian Bazaar up to the Pera Palace Hotel. You’ll also enjoy a ride on the famous one-stop and second-oldest metro in the world!

Info: Start the day with a bit of creativity! For those that cannot participate on Friday afternoon, we offer a second slot to take part in a ceramic tile workshop in an old caravanserai, in the historic quarter of Kurşunlu Han.

Info: Come aboard our privatised boat and enjoy the sunset navigating between the Asian and the European continent! For some of you a cherished memory, if you celebrated your graduation in Istanbul. For everyone else, an experience not to be missed!

Info: We’re lucky, our Alumni meeting corresponds with the famous Istanbul Biennial! And we managed to prebook a small tour for our group. Register in advance to secure your spot.

Info: Istanbul is a centuries-old story of passersby and cultural threads and it is home to a very complex food scenery. The street food tour will start from the historic Istanbul and take you to various local and small shops that have been existing for centuries, as well as recently established ones like the Syrian neighbourhood.

Host or Publisher CIFE