Feb 02, 2006
 

Nov 25, 2005
We have the highest praise for Mehlika ( Meli) Seval as a tour guide in Turkey. We have never been on a guided tour before as we like to travel on our own- like many of the others on the tour. Meli provided an incredibly rich experience for us. She is passionate about Turkey and exceptionally knowledgeable about history, art, culture. She is a wonderful speaker, weaving fascinating stories about Turkish society, bringing alive what could just be stones or mosques. In addition, she has an amazing network of contacts which enables her to provide once in a lifetime experiences, like gaining entry for us into the Blue Mosque for the special prayer service on Mohammed's Birthday, or cajoling the guard to let us into the fabulous apartments in Ephesis. Her ability to enage people enables us to get incredible photos- like a woman and her husband and their horse- planting pumpkins. This family would not have allowed us to take pictures, but Meli spoke to them and learned the horse was ailing and the woman decided she would like to have a photographic record of her horse. We all had an incredible photo op as a result.

Meli was able to handle our strong willed group masterfully- providing needed structure and setting limits, and listening to what we all wanted and allowing as much input and participation as possible. Her energy from morning to night was always incredible, and her humor always positive. Even when briefly not with us, she was focused on enhancing our experience- such as calling us at dinner to get us to look outside at the gorgeous moonlit sky.

We recommend that anyone considering a trip to Turkey must go with Meli. Our tour with her was a once in a lifetime experience for us- truly wonderful.

Sincerely,
Gloria and Jerry Fraser
glgbfraser@relationshipexpert.com

Meli is a delight and should be a national treasure.First of all, on the practical side, she is extremely efficient. I can give you a concrete example from my own experience. At the end of our trip with the group I arranged, my husband and I decided to leave them and go separately to eastern Turkey. She had arranged for us to fly to Kayseri where her son was to pick us up, take us to a hotel and arrange a guided trip to Cappadocia. through no fault of ours, we missed our flight. I had the airline call her on her cell phone while she was on her tour bus with the rest of our group. In 10 minutes, since there were no more direct flights that night, she arranged for us to fly to Istanbul where a car picked us up, took us to a hotel, returned us to the airport the next morning and her son was at the airport in Kayseri a day later to pick us up and continue with our plans. I am a travel agent so I know how hard it is to arrange things on so short notice.I have not only traveled with her but I've sent many groups and individuals to her. She does an outstanding job of making the history of everything you see so personal and interesting. She has her biases but she says so. Most of the people I have sent to her are university faculty, doctors, lawyers, educated folks who have always enjoyed her intelligence. If she is showing you rugs, you don't just see the finished carpet, you meet the shepherd, see the wool being dyed and then woven, etc. Her tours are always an educational treat.

She was featured on one of the first Rick Steves TV travel shows--you might want to look that up. I can't think of a better person to see Turkey with and I'm sure your students will come back with a real appreciation of Turkey and of a wonderful person and ambassador for her country.
If you have any questions at all I can also be reached at (801) 534 1153 besides this email address.
Good luck with your plans.

Janet Ball, agent
Wright Travel
4516 South 700 East, suite 150
Salt Lake City, UT 84107
(801) 534-1153 direct line (801) 313 9999 receptionist
FAX (801) 313 9998
email jjball@sisna.com

I am very pleased to be asked for a reference for Meli Seval for I consider her to be one of the most brilliant, erudite and hardworking individuals whom I have ever encountered!

Wow, quite a statement, isn't it?  It is based on a decade plus long friendship, four extended trips I have been delighted to take with her and several visits she has made to my house here in Philadelphia.

Beginning in the early 1990s, I traveled with her first to Western Turkey, then to Eastern Turkey, next to Central Asia (Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan) and finally, last fall, to Mongolia, China, Kyrgyzstan and Kazakhstan.

She planned and then conducted each of these trips meticulously in order to provide us with in-depth experiences full of profound insights into these - to us westerners - exotic and here-to-fore inaccessible cultures. Her attention to detail, whether dealing with the individual demands of group members or the needs of hotel keepers or the intricacies of complex histories, amazed and delighted me always. And, oh my, the never-ending energy and passion she displays are truly inspiring!

And I know a good interpreter and educator when I see one! Last November I retired after 33 years with the National Park Service. During those years I was a Ranger and Interpretive Specialist in our Division of Interpretation and Visitor Services planning, delivering and supervising tours, programs, exhibits and films for visitors to some of the most important historical resources - including Independence Hall and the Liberty Bell - in the nation. I know a good program when I see it and, let me repeat. Meli does too and invariably gives them! She is the consummate professional.

And Turkey! Wow, what a wonderful place! I am attaching my very amateur doggerel verse Why Turkey to indicate what I think of the experiences the country has to offer to travelers and students. And I recommend Turkish Reflections by Mary Lee Settle to you also. It will also give you a million reasons to visit a country and a people like no other!

Mary Reinhart
Sept. 20, 2004
moreinhart@aol.com

September 15, 2004

I am delighted to give you a reference for Meli's talent as a tour guide.  She is extraordinary...very bright, articulate, sensitive, well prepared and thorough as well as thoughtful of her group.  She works hard to find special experiences for people, especially experiences that involve meeting local people, creating understanding between cultures/countries and encourages local crafts and their appreciation by travelers.  She always tries to discover people's special interests (eg. a physician in the group) and then arranges something, such as visiting a local clinic to talk to the physicians and even patients!  She wants each and every person to get the most out of the tour and spends time to get to know people.  As she says at the start, she wants everyone to end the tour feeling like family.
Meli makes a point of helping people understand Islam and the Muslim people, and is very willing to have long conversations about this.  In Konya, we were in the Sufi mosque when an elderly Sufi entered and started his twirling/prayer. We were sitting on the beautiful carpets nearby and when he finished, she invited him to talk to us which he did gladly. That is what makes Meli so special, she doesn't just look at her watch and rush you on to the next place on the schedule...when something special happens, she takes advantage of it.
My husband and I took her two week Western Turkey tour about 12 years ago. It literally changed our lives!  My view on Islam turned 180 degrees from fear to respect.  The next year, I joined her group for the Eastern Turkey tour which was just as wonderful.  A couple of years later I was lucky enough to work as her assistant for a month doing two Western Turkey tours.  
I am honored to be a friend of Meli's and am so grateful for her teaching about Turkey, Islam and respect of cultures.
I cannot imagine there is another person who could match her love of teaching and finding very special experiences beyond those of a typical tour.  How many tour guides read love poetry by a Sultan as you drive along?
I cannot think of a single negative to say.

Judith Fernandez, 1335 Trinity Drive, Menlo Park, CA 94025
650.561.9725

EASTERN TURKEY July 24, 2004
Dear Meli,As I prepared for the trip to Turkey, I had some nagging doubts, wondering why I was going back there, especially since there is no longer a tradition of ethnic dress in which the people make their own clothing starting from scratch, which is a real drawing point for me. At the same time I knew the history of the silk road and ancient architecture would be fascinating. AND I knew any trip with Meli would be great.But I wasn't prepared for the beauty of the landscape and its constant changes as we moved along. But the wonder of the trip was/is the people. The people and our opportunities to see their life up close and personal. My gosh what a wondrous thing we were able to do. Thank you so much for making it all possible.
Louise Harris lharris848@earthlink.net

In September of 1998 my wife Janice and I had the wondefful experience of spending 18 days with Meli Seval of Meli tours. It was one of the most memorable trips of our lives. Since this was our first trip to Turkey we wanted to experience the real Turkey, its people, its culture, its religion and its amazing history without just being herded from one American style hotel and tourist trap to the next.

Meli's company, and Meli in particular met all of these requirements and so much more. We came home from our trip knowing that we had tasted the real Turkey and its people. More inportant to us has been the fact that we found a wonderful new friend, Meli. Although our paths have not crossed when Meli has visited the states, we think of her often and what a profound effect she had on our understanding of Turkey, its people and the religion of Islam. Whenever Turkey is in the news or whenever someone mentions they are going to Turkey, we can't help but think of our wonderful experience.

Meli had the amazing ability to make everyone on her tours feel as though they are the first people whom she has ever had on her tour. The reason for this is that she truly does consider every person on her tours as a new friend. She absolutely loves to share her knowledge of her wonderful country with others. And her knowledge of modern and ancient Turkey is amazing. On top of all this she is a wonderful story teller, a spell binder, and actress. She loves what she does. And we were the recipients of that knowledge and love.

We stayed in local hotels, and inns. Right in the middle of the most interesting historic locations. We ate wonderful Turkish food in real non-tourist restaurants. The wonderful food of Turkey was a surprise. Fresh, wonderful vegetables and meats prepared in new and exotic ways that were a treat for the adventurous American palate.

If you want to be a traveler, and not just a tourist. If you want to broaden your knowledge and understanding of an ancient people and their fantastic history. Then chose MeliTours for your visit to Turkey. Your life will be forever touched by this remarkable woman and her company.

Janice and Duane Black
San Rafael, CA
duaneblack@home.com

First I want to thank you for an absolutely wonderful trip through Anatolia. Learning about the layers and layers of fascinating civilizations in Anatolia was an eye-opening experience for me. I also loved getting to know modern-day Turkey - its scenery, its food, its beaches, its architecture, but most of all its people. I particularly appreciate the opportunities you created for us to meet Turkish women from several different walks of life. You are a remarkable person and I loved getting to know you through your work.

Emily Stoper
estoper@csuhayward.edu

Meli, you gave us a memorable tour, packed with information that was filtered though your own passion for Turkey and her everyday people. You are more than a guide and pointer at sites and wonders; rather, you are an advocate of liberal causes, and a practical friend of nomads, country folk, and hard scrabble merchants. It's no wonder that you were hugged and kissed at every stop along our way.

It was a pleasure and an inspiration to watch you work, and indeed to be a small piece of your contribution to your people. Your countrymen (I know, I know, countrywomen too) are lucky to have you as an asset and resource, full of energy, dedication, and purpose.

Clare and I came away from Turkey reassured again that there are good people all over the world, and that some of the very best can be found where you are at home. We've also heard nothing but praise from others in our group, an affirmation that you are doing first class work.

Good on ya.

Austin and Clare O'Regan
Pluckylad@aol.com

Meli Seval's tours of Turkey are not about 5 star hotels and 5 star restaurants - they are about a 5 star learning experience led by a 10 star guide. Meli's knowledge of all facets of Turkish culture is extraordinary. She is a genuine patriot with a genuine love for people. She combines the two in a fun, fast paced, complete immersion of Turkey. This was our 5th trip to Europe and I have never had such a good time, made so many new friends and learned so much. I came home feeling like I had a real understanding of the Turks and their marvelous culture.

Meli's tours are reasonably priced and well organized but she can be very spontaneous also. She puts a special emphasis on Turkish cuisine and the food is truly wonderful. I was particularly impressed as I'm a vegetarian and she was right there to see that I always had a perfect meal.

Rusty and Pat Jameson
San Diego, CA.

In September of 2000, Linda and I took a tour to Turkey. It was our second guided tour and it was great. We have discovered that several things make up a successful tour but the most important is the guide. Meli Seval was the one guide that made it all work. Thanks to her, this trip was our most enjoyable and educational ever. Her passion for, and knowledge of her country was simply stunning. The trip was like a two week, full immersion, college course in art, history, architecture, religion (both Christianity and Muslim), local culture and economy. We ended up with seventeen pages of single spaced notes just because it seemed so important.

Meli has a way of conveying her knowledge of her country in story form, not just dry facts. Several times during her stories, I noticed others of our group (including myself) beginning to "puddle up" from being so involved in the passion with which she wove her stories.

The pace of the tour was just right, not too fast nor to slow. One day we took a break and sailed on the Mediterranean Sea. That was a treat, three stops to go swimming in the wonderfully warm Sea and great food served onboard. The home visits with locals in small villages were a delight. You could tell that she truly loves the people of her country and they her.

The food and accommodations were great, as was the price. Meli knows where the restaurants are that provides the best local food. The small hotels we stayed in were somewhat Spartan but clean and located in the towns and close to the people. That suits us just fine.

At the end of the trip, Linda and I agreed that the only thing wrong about the trip was that it was going to be very hard to top.

If you have any questions, feel free to e-mail us at
topdogcal@aol.com.
Bob and Linda

It has been nearly 3 years since I took a Melitour and even though I have been near and far since then it continues to be one of my most favorite trips. Meli does such a fantastic job of showing you her beloved country. You go into people's homes, eat at charming places, visit historic sites, and with Meli's vast knowledge learn the ins and outs of life as it was and is in Turkey. You will never find another tour guide who will, in her fascinating talks, have you laughing hysterically at one moment and then in the next have your eyes filling with tears. Touring Turkey with Meli is an experience one should not leave life without.

Patricia

I can't say enough about the great trip that my group had in Turkey. I organized a group of "eclipse chasers" for a trip to the centerline in the mountains of central Turkey in August, 1999. I started working with Meli in September of 1997 for this special tour. Having never been to Turkey, I asked Meli to arrange the entire itinerary. The only requirement was that we be in the path of the moon's shadow on August 11, 1999. Meli spent considerable time and effort to assure that our group had a special experience. She arranged for homestays in the small town of Tokat, where we spent the night with Turkish families. The families welcomed us with a spectacular outdoor dinner of grilled foods. Then we were escorted to the central square where we were the guests of honor at a gala celebration the night before the eclipse, featuring local dances and music.

Meli really showed her resourcefulness on the morning of the eclipse. After our small scouting party found a great place to watch the eclipse from a nearby hilltop, we determined that our bus would not be able to make the trip up the steep, rutted road. With her cell phone on the hilltop, Meli instantly arranged for mini-buses to pick up our entire group of 26 and take us up the 3,000 vertical feet to the hilltop with all our cameras, telescopes and extra gear.

As great as the eclipse was, it was only one day of an unforgettable two weeks in Turkey. Meli had to go on to do some filming for a KPBS special, so her excellent guide, Meltem, took us around the rest of the country, showing us amazing sites and introducing us to many local people. Having Meltem as our guide was truly a wonderful experience.

I have traveled widely, and this trip stands out in my mind as the trip of a lifetime! I'll definitely be visiting Turkey again soon with Melitours.

Please feel free to visit my website about our trip at:
http://home.earthlink.net/~moser88/turkey99/index.htm
Dave Moser

Dear Meli,

Once you tour with Meli, you won't be happy with anyone else as a tour guide. I did not think I was a tour type person, too much of an independent traveler. I have taken three tours with Meli now and I hope to take many more. With Meli you have the best of both worlds.

She makes everything run smoothly and beautifully, while keeping you close to the local people. Interaction with local people is very important to her. She also gives you lots of opportunities to go off on your own and you will get to do all the things that you dreamed of on any trip. She sees her job as making the dreams of each tour member come true. And she has the energy and drive to make those dreams happen.

I will also be glad to be a reference, anyone can call or e-mail me if they want to talk about your tours.

Love,
Micky Ryan

----I wrote this page in the group journal I put together after taking one of Meli's guided tours in June/July. It can't begin to cover all aspects of Meli, but thought you would find it interesting.

Meli, this is a heartfelt thank you. Thank you for sharing your country with us, for helping us to understand where your countrymen have been and where they are going. I can't imagine taking this tour with any other guide. The energy and dedication you have for your country is breathtaking. It opened up a whole new world. You made us understand your culture, love the people. enjoy the landscape, appreciate the history and understand the religion. As well as helping us to gain a better understanding of how our own religion came about.

I am sure your ancestors traveled the silk road and stopped at the Caravanserai, how else can you explain your ability to tell a good tale. I was going to tell a few of the stories now, but can't do them justice. I am not able to repeat them how I heard them and accomplish the richness and complexity you created. My favorite Meli word was geotexture. It should be in the English dictionary. I also liked Mommade instead of homemade.

Meli's tour covered all aspects of Turkey. We had many homestays where we could see first hand how the people really lived. She knew the history behind every Mosque/Cathedral and helped us to obtain a better understanding of the Christian background. We visited the most gorgeous landscapes no camera could do justice to. We spent a relaxing day swimming in the Mediterranean with a walk through Phaeselis on the way to our bus. The food was better than any food I have had had anywhere else on a consistent basis!!! Thank you for a fantastic trip.

Ava Gerdes
Puyallup, WA

If anyone would like to e-mail me with questions about Meli's tours, please feel free to do so avag@centurytel.net. I would be glad to answer any of your questions and share some of my travel experiences. I can't think of a single negative comment. It was the trip of a lifetime. There is only one problem, any trip after this will fall short. She definitely raised my standards of what a great trip is by several notches!!!

Dear Meli,

Where to start on letting people know some of the many reasons why the only way to see Turkey is to go with you? The four trips with you have been some of the best times of a very good life. You introduce people to the real Turkey, the people, the crafts, the history, and that marvelous food. There are the unexpected, spontaneous special happenings that we treasure, visiting a black tent family that you didn't know, being invited to join in a wedding celebration in a school yard, eating fish freshly caught from the stream flowing beneath our balcony, and climbing Mount Nemrut in the wee morning hours so that we could watch the sunrise from the top, and afterwards visiting a Kurdish family. Then there was the time you talked the Army officer into letting us go to the Georgian border, and elsewhere watching men restore a log to its position on the truck, with the men music and dancing to celebrate the successful completion.

Your special touches make everything truly memorable, the way you recount history, the picnic in the middle of a travel day, on a table under the trees. You decked the table with a lace cloth and then garnished it with flowers. Many of the things you show us are on other itineraries, but how many other guides have your background in archeology at Ephesus (not to mentioon that beautiful book your wrote about it)? I can remember going through and hearing some other guide looking at his book and saying he thought that the building he was pointing to was the one he was reading about, while we had your background to light our way. It's no wonder that other people would sometimes trail after you.

Instead of boring international hotels, we stayed in Turkish hotels where the people remember customers four years later. The hotels were also near all the interesting sites, not off in some international ghetto of expensive hotels. The meals were wonderful. Your efforts to assure each of us the best possible trip are exceptional and successful.

Many travel brochures go on about the five star hotels their people stay in. They don't mention that many of the interesting day trips are "optional", meaning you pay extra for them. Then there is the matter of how many people they pack on a bus, 40 to 50. Beyond that, they have to come up with tips. Minimum tips for my upcoming trip to Morocco come to about $100. You take care of all of that for us. You help us be good world citizens by helping us to understand your country, and showing us ways that we can help by even such simple methods as bringing school supplies for the schools, and when we take pictures of people, getting their addresses so that we can send them copies.

Did I mention the delicious food? If my budget runs to it, I'd like to do a Turkish cuisine tour with you. In the meantime, I love your tours, and I love you.

Patty
PattyBonney@hotmail.com

I felt that I was Meli's personal guest while doing the Turkey tour last summer. I knew that the needs of the group members were foremost. For that reason, I felt much more relaxed traveling in the bus. When we visited her home, that cinched it. I have always tried to open my home to international visitors. I know that a home visit makes a lasting impression. We human beings share the same needs no matter how humble our dwelling. Meli has endless amounts of energy. You will never forget her graciousness, adventuresome spirit, and passion for her fellow man and her country.

Kay Thompson

William D. Ohlsen
1224 Second Ave.
Salt Lake City  UT  84103-4337
wdohlsen@juno.com  and ohlsen@mail.physics.utah.edu