Greece is situated between East and West, not only geographically, but also culturally. This tour aims to introduce participants to a lesser-known period in the long history of Athens, the Ottoman era, which extends between the mid-15^th century to the first decades of the 19^th century.

Although a small an insignificant city, when it became part of the vast Ottoman Empire in 1458, Athens never ceased to be a source of inspiration due to its glorious ancient past.

Having already functioned as a Christian church, the classical Parthenon was then turned into a mosque, which was considered to be one of the most beautiful places of worship in the Islamic world. Travelers constantly arrived from the West to marvel at and often help themselves to the ancient ruins that were scattered around the city.

The oriental past of Athens awaits to be discovered through extant landmarks in the city center.

The significance of Ottoman-era Athens in the wider context of the Islamic world will then be assessed during a visit at the Benaki Museum of Islamic Art.