Exploring Indigenous Tourism and Istanbul

World Footprints discusses Indigenous Tourism opportunities in America and the cultural influences that have shaped Istanbul, Turkey. There are 573 federally recognized American Indian tribes in the United States and 326 reservations. Some reservations are open to visitors and most are known for their Casinos. However, Indigenous Tourism consultant Anna Barrera tells us that many tribes are looking to move beyond the Gaming industry by offering cultural experiences to visitors. The Turkish city of Istanbul reflects the cultural influences of the empires that once ruled it. The city is strategically located on the Bosporus peninsula between the Mediterranean and Black Sea and it is divided into a European and an Asian side. Author Bijan Bayne tells us that there are so many cultural layers to Istanbul that it resembles Baklava; an intrinsically crafted dessert the city is famous for.