MNB Trailblazers: From Tourists to Torchbearers
A Journey to Istanbul That Awakens Faith, Builds Leadership, and Connects Muslim Children to Their Legacy
This isn’t just a trip — it’s a powerful, purpose-driven journey where Muslim teens and their parents explore the rich legacy of Istanbul, engage in hands-on service to those in need, and grow spiritually, emotionally, and intellectually — together as a family. It’s an experience designed to strengthen identity, deepen gratitude, and create lasting transformation through shared moments of reflection, learning, and faith.
Friday, July 04 - Saturday July 12
Empower your teen to lead with Ihsaan — and come home changed.

Challenges We Face, Growth We Seek-Helping Our Teens Reconnect, Reflect, and Rise
"My teen doesn’t realize how blessed they are."
Growing up in ease, they can take their life for granted. This trip includes a hands-on humanitarian experience and a day with the Uyghur community — creating a heart-opening shift that builds gratitude and empathy.
"They’ve never truly felt the power of Islamic history."
Classroom learning fades. But walking the streets of Istanbul, learning about the Companion of RasulAllah ﷺ, Abu Ayyub al-Ansari (ra), the Ottomans, and the legacy of Islamic leadership makes history come alive in unforgettable ways.
"They’re surrounded by distractions and don’t know who they are."
This experience helps teens reconnect with their Muslim identity through reflection, brotherhood/sisterhood, and exposure to what living with Ihsaan actually looks like.
"Most trips are just for fun — nothing stays with them."
MNB Trailblazers blends fun (horse riding, archery, local sights) with faith, leadership, and service — so the memories created lead to transformation, not just entertainment.
"I want to experience something meaningful with my teen."
This journey isn’t just for students — parents are part of it too. It’s a chance to grow together, bond deeply, and create shared moments that strengthen your family connection.

Open your teen’s heart to Islam — not through lectures, but by walking through Islamic history, praying where great leaders once stood, and experiencing the beauty of faith firsthand.
Instill deep gratitude and compassion — by serving refugee families and spending a day with the Uyghur community, helping your teen see the world through a lens of purpose and humility.
Create lasting memories and meaningful growth — by experiencing this journey together, side by side: riding horses, practicing archery, reflecting, and bonding through shared spiritual moments.
MNB Trailblazers
That’s exactly why we created MNB Trailblazers — a transformative travel experience that does more than entertain. It’s designed to awaken hearts, strengthen identity, and bring families closer through meaningful adventure. This is where faith meets action, where history becomes personal, and where service builds character. It's not just about where you go — it's about who you become along the way. And now, we’re inviting you and your teen to step into that journey with us.
By the end of the journey, insha Allah, your teen will
Strengthen their Muslim identity by walking through the legacy of the Ottomans and connecting with their spiritual roots in a meaningful, real-world setting.
Develop gratitude and compassion through hands-on humanitarian work and time spent with the Uyghur community — building empathy and awareness beyond their everyday life.
Build confidence and resilience through leadership reflections, group bonding, and Sunnah-based physical activities like archery and horseback riding.
Gain clarity and purpose as they reflect on their role in the Ummah, the blessings they carry, and how to use their voice and talents to serve a greater mission.
Create powerful memories with their parents in a spiritually uplifting environment that strengthens their bond and opens space for meaningful conversations and growth.
🌟 What Makes MNB Trailblazers Different?
Unlike typical tours that focus only on sightseeing, MNB Trailblazers is designed to engage the heart, mind, and soul. This is not just about visiting Turkey — it’s about experiencing it in a way that brings Islamic history to life, nurtures spiritual reflection, and deepens identity.
What sets this journey apart is the way students are guided through pre-tour sessions that root them in the stories they’re about to step into — giving context, meaning, and depth to every site they visit.
It also includes something rarely found in youth travel: hands-on humanitarian work. Participants don’t just hear about the struggles of others — they meet them, serve them, and reflect on what it means to carry responsibility as a Muslim. This kind of experience has been life-changing for families in the past.
And finally, a full day spent with the Uyghur community adds a powerful layer of connection and global awareness — all alongside fun, engaging Sunnah-based activities like archery, horseback riding, or calligraphy.
This is where personal growth, Islamic values, and unforgettable travel come together — in a way that truly leaves a mark.
Not Just a Trip — Trailblazing Journey Begins Here
✈️ July 4—Welcome to Istanbul: The Journey Begins—After airport pickup and hotel check-in, we’ll ease into the journey with intention and connection. This day is about settling in, meeting fellow participants, and preparing our hearts and minds for the week ahead.
🕌 Day 1 – Walking in the Footsteps of Giants—Begin your journey with an eye-opening session on the Islamic history of Istanbul — tracing the legacy from the Companion Abu Ayyub al-Ansari (RA) to the rise of the Ottomans. Explore sacred landmarks and immerse yourself in a powerful walking tour that brings Islamic history to life.
❤️🩹 Day 2 – Hearts in Service: A Day of Giving Back—Partner with a local relief organization to engage in meaningful humanitarian work, offering support to families in need. Witness the real-life impact of your efforts — no matter how big or small — and experience the transformative power of giving for the sake of Allah.
👑 Day 3 – Legacy & Leadership on the Bosphorus -We’ll visit Topkapi Palace, where the Ottoman sultans once lived and led, and see how their faith shaped the way they ruled. Then we’ll take a boat ride along the Bosphorus, reflecting on how this land once carried the weight of an empire — and what leadership means for us today.
🎨 Day 4 – Stories of Strength: A Day with the Uyghur Community—We’ll spend the day with Uyghur families — hearing their stories, cooking and eating with them, and learning about their culture and art. It’s a powerful opportunity to connect with a part of our Ummah that often goes unseen and to walk away with deeper empathy, awareness, and appreciation.
🏹 Day 5 – Sunnah in Action: Strength of the Body & Spirit—A fun and active day where students will experience horseback riding, archery, or calligraphy — all rooted in Islamic tradition. It’s a chance to connect with the Sunnah, build confidence, and enjoy the strength and balance that come from practicing our Deen through action and creativity.
🏰 Day 6 – Beauty, Power & Reflection: The Dolmabahçe Experience—We’ll walk through the breathtaking halls of Dolmabahçe Palace, once home to sultans and symbols of worldly success. As we take in its beauty, we’ll pause to think deeply about what truly lasts.
🛍️ Day 7 – Choose Your Path: A Day of Freedom & Reflection—After Jummah at the iconic Hagia Sophia, enjoy a free day to explore Istanbul’s markets, spend time with family, or simply reflect in Sultan Ahmet — home to three of the city's most treasured landmarks. It’s a chance to slow down and take in the journey before heading home.
✈️ Day 8 – Until We Meet Again: Check-Out & Departure—We say our goodbyes and check out, but the journey doesn’t end here. You return home with memories that matter, lessons that last, and a trailblazer mindset to carry into your daily life and community.
🎁 Bonus: A Doctor On Board
For your peace of mind, we’re happy to share that Dr. Rasiq Ahmed, a pediatrician and Fouzia Usman’s husband, will accompany the group throughout the trip. Having a trusted medical professional on-site ensures added support and care for our families, especially those traveling with children and teens.
🎁 Bonus:
A Doctor On Board
For your peace of mind, we’re happy to share that Dr. Rasiq Ahmed, a pediatrician and Fouzia Usman’s husband, will accompany the group throughout the trip. Having a trusted medical professional on-site ensures added support and care for our families, especially those traveling with children and teens.

A meaningful journey where families explore, serve, and grow together — in ways that truly matter.
This trip gives families the chance to slow down and reconnect — with each other, with the Ummah, and with their Deen. It's not about checking places off a list, but about having real experiences that spark reflection, growth, and conversations that stay with you long after you return.
REGISTER NOW
Prophetic Hadith — The Conquest of Constantinople
"Verily, you shall conquer Constantinople. What a wonderful leader will her leader be, and what a wonderful army will that army be."
— Musnad Ahmad (Hadith 23461), also narrated in Sahih al-Hakim and others
This hadith not only foretold the conquest of Constantinople, but it also praised the leader and the army who would achieve it — a prophecy fulfilled centuries later by Sultan Muhammad al-Fatih at the age of 21.
Reflecting on this while walking through Istanbul connects our youth to a moment in history that the Prophet ﷺ personally praised — helping them see that they, too, can be part of a legacy of excellence and service to the Ummah.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Who is this trip for?
MNB Trailblazers is designed with Muslim teens ages 13+ in mind, along with their parents. However, everyone is welcome to join — whether you're a young adult, college student, or parent traveling solo. This is a spiritually uplifting journey filled with Islamic history, meaningful service, and powerful moments of reflection. It’s also a rare opportunity to engage in humanitarian work abroad — something many dream of doing but rarely get the chance to.
How does Trailblazers fit under Muslim Nation Builders (MNB)?
Trailblazers is a direct reflection of what MNB stands for — raising Muslims who live with excellence in every part of their lives. MNB is built on four core pillars: Intention, Islam, Ihsaan, and Influence.
This trip brings those pillars to life. Teens don’t just learn about them — they experience them. Whether it’s walking through Islamic history, serving those in need, reflecting on their purpose, or building leadership and confidence, Trailblazers gives them a chance to witness what true impact looks like — just as our predecessors once did.
Is airfare included?
No, airfare is not included in the land package. Families are responsible for booking their own flights to and from Istanbul.
However, if multiple families are flying from the same city, we can help coordinate group flights and may be able to arrange a group discount through a travel partner.
Will we get airport pickup and drop-off?
Yes, we will provide airport pickup and drop-off within a designated time window on both arrival and departure days. If your flight arrives or departs within that window, transportation will be fully covered.
If your flight falls outside the group timeframe, the hotel offers a private pickup/drop-off service, which we can help arrange. The cost for this service is approximately 50 euros each way.
Will lunch or dinner be provided?
No, lunch and dinner are not included in the package. However, Istanbul is filled with affordable and family-friendly restaurants on every corner. During our outings, we’ll suggest places to eat or dine together as a group at recommended spots. The hotel also has its own restaurant for those who prefer to eat on-site.
I’m planning to go to Umrah or visit my home country—can I arrange that around this trip?
Absolutely! Many families plan additional travel before or after the MNB Trailblazers trip. We’ll connect you with our trusted travel partner, who can help you book tickets for your full itinerary — whether you’re heading to Umrah, visiting family, or exploring other destinations. We’re happy to support you in making the most of your journey!
What’s included in the package?
The land package includes:
8-night hotel stay
Daily breakfast
Airport pickup and drop-off
Private transportation for tours
Entry to historical sites (Topkapi, Dolmabahçe, etc.)
Horseback riding, archery or calligraphy
Bosphorus boat tour
Humanitarian and cultural activities with local communities
Will my teen receive volunteer hours for the humanitarian work?
Absolutely. Teens will earn international volunteer hours for their participation in certified humanitarian service projects during the trip. These hours can be valuable for school, scholarships, and leadership portfolios.
Is this just a sightseeing tour?
Not at all. While we will explore iconic sites in Istanbul, this is a transformational journey — combining Islamic history, service to the Ummah, identity-building experiences, and Sunnah-based activities like archery and horseback riding.
What is the cost for young children?
We offer special discounts for younger children joining the trip:
Ages 2–6: 25% off the land package
Ages 7–10: 50% off the land package
Ages 11 and above: Full package price applies
These discounts make it easier for families with younger children to join and benefit from this meaningful experience together.
How many people will be on the trip?
We’re intentionally keeping this a small, close-knit group — aiming for 45 to 75 people total, which usually breaks down to about 11 to 18 families. This allows us to stay connected, move smoothly, and make the experience more personal and meaningful for everyone.
I’m not interested in horseback riding or archery — what can I do instead?
No problem at all! For anyone who prefers a different experience, we’ve arranged calligraphy classes during that time — a peaceful, creative way to connect with Islamic tradition.
Do we have to raise money for the humanitarian work?
Yes, families are encouraged to raise funds, especially involving your children in the process. The goal is for our youth to understand the value of giving, and to see firsthand how their efforts — big or small — can make a real difference in someone’s life.
✅ Interested but Need Time to Decide?
No problem! We understand this is a big commitment, and we want to give your family the space to prepare.
To reserve your spot, simply fill out the interest form and submit a $500 deposit. This holds your place while you finalize your decision.
❓ Have Questions?
We’re here to help!
Please email us at [email protected], and we’ll be happy to assist you.
REGISTER NOW
🌟 Meet the Founder: Fouzia Usman
The Visionary Behind MNB Trailblazers
Fouzia Usman is not just the founder of Muslim Nation Builders — she’s a mother, mentor, and passionate educator who lives the mission she teaches. After visiting Turkey three times with her children, she witnessed firsthand how this land — rich in Islamic legacies and stories of service — could transform young hearts.
What started as a personal trip quickly turned into something far more powerful.
She watched her children’s eyes light up as they engaged in humanitarian work, delivering aid door-to-door to over 300 refugee families. She saw their sense of purpose grow as they spent time with the Uyghur community, listened to their stories, cooked and ate alongside them, and understood their struggle.
She enrolled in archery and horseback riding — reviving Sunnah practices not just as activities but as tools for building resilience and focus. She walked through the historic mosques of Istanbul, traced the footsteps of the Sahabah and Ottoman leaders, and wrote about her journey in an article published by MuslimMatters, encouraging Muslim parents everywhere to visit Turkey with intention.
Now, that vision is becoming reality.
With MNB Trailblazers, Fouzia is leading families back to the land that transformed hers—to create a journey that’s more than just sightseeing. It's a powerful step toward raising spiritually grounded, globally aware Muslim youth who know who they are, where they come from, and the legacy they are meant to carry.

Invest in a Journey That Lasts a Lifetime
Choose the option that best fits your family’s needs. All packages are per person and include the full 8-night experience — not just a trip, but a journey of transformation.
🔥 Early Bird Special – Ends May 15th!
This special early bird pricing is available until May 15th only — after that, the price will increase by $200.
Secure your spot by submitting the Interest Form today.
Quad Occupancy (4 people/room)- Price (Per Person): $999
Triple Occupancy (3 people/room)- Price (Per Person): $1139
Double Occupancy (2 people/room)- Price (Per Person): $1349
✅ What's Included in Your Package:
🏨 8-night hotel stay in Istanbul (comfortable, family-friendly accommodations)
🍽️ Daily breakfast
🚌 Private bus transportation for all scheduled tours & activities
🎟️ Entry tickets to Topkapi Palace & Dolmabahçe Palace
🌊 Scenic Bosphorus boat tour
🕌 Guided walking tour of historic mosques and Islamic landmarks, including Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia, and the tomb of Abu Ayyub al-Ansari (RA)
🧕🏽 Full cultural immersion day with the Uyghur community (storytelling, cooking, art & lunch)
🤝 Humanitarian outreach day with refugee families
🏇 Horseback riding experience (Sunnah revival)
🏹 Archery training session
🧭 Guided Istanbul Old City Tour with Hagia Sophia Museum entrance
🗣️ Professional English-speaking tour guides during all tours
🅿️ Parking fees
🏨 Hotel & city taxes
💧 2 bottles of water per person, per day on the coach (0.5L x 2)

🚀 The Final Call: A Journey That Shapes More Than Just Memories
Imagine looking back years from now and remembering this trip — not just for the beauty of Istanbul, but for the shift it sparked in your teen’s heart...
A moment where they connected to their Deen in a way a classroom never could.
Where they discovered what it truly means to be a leader, a Muslim, and a torchbearer of this Ummah.
This is more than travel.
This is an investment in your child’s identity, purpose, and future.
It’s the opportunity to walk alongside them — not just as a parent, but as a guide, a witness, and a partner in growth.
🌟 The question is: will you take the step… or wait for the "right time" that may never come?
Seats are limited. The experience is unforgettable.
Secure your spot in the MNB Trailblazers journey today — because leaders aren’t born, they’re built.