HONORARY CONSUL GENERAL CORNER

It is my pleasure to announce Istanbul as a European Capital of Culture for the year 2010. Istanbul will carry out an urban development project via arts and culture to share the immense Turkish cultural heritage with Europe and the world.

Istanbul was chosen by the European Commission dedicated to promoting the culture of exceptional cities within the European region.

Istanbul joins the cities of Pecs, Hungary and Essen, Germany as the European Capitals of Culture for the year of 2010. Istanbul will present itself as "Istanbul: City of the Four Elements" with the goals of both presenting Turkish cultural heritage, and sustainably preserving Turkish cultural assets by renovating historical buildings within the city. Istanbul will be highlighted as a prominent platform of international culture which could boost the city's economic and cultural relations with Europe and the world.

For more information and for calendar of events please visit the official website that outlines the plans for exciting year:

In Turkish: http://www.istanbul2010.org
In English: http://www.en.istanbul2010.org/index.htm