Istanbul Launches Year as 2010 European Capital of Culture
Istanbul launched a year-long celebration of the arts, culture and heritage as one of the three cities selected as the “European Capital of Culture.”
The program for the full year features music and film festivals, exhibitions at Istanbul’s premier museums, including the Topkapi Palace, artist workshops, as well as street performances around Istanbul. In addition to featuring Turkish artists, the festivities will bring renowned international artists to Turkey. A full program of the year-long celebrations can be found at www.en.istanbul2010.org.
The celebration of Istanbul as European Capital of Culture also encompasses restoring Istanbul’s historical and heritage landmarks from different civilizations, including restorations of the Hagia Sophia and the Kariye (Chora) museums.
