An extraordinary number of seminars, fairs, symposiums and workshops are already underway as Istanbul showcases its immensely rich culture to the world. Though it's not just happening in Turkey.
The visitor to Istanbul, already overwhelmed by the strength and vibrancy of cultural options on offer, has an amazing choice of visual and performing arts to overdose on from now until the end of next year.
What’s a European Capital of Culture?
The European Capital of Culture (ECOC) programme was launched over two decades ago to give greater attention to promoting European culture. It allows nominated cities the opportunity to promote, develop and explore in greater detail their historic and traditional cultural heritage, while at the same time focusing on modern and often urban forms of artistic expression.
With politics and economic issues often ensnaring the spotlight, it was decided to designate cities as cultural capitals for a year to showcase their cultural wealth. In 1987 Athens became the first ECOC and in 2010 Istanbul will become the first metropolis of a non-EU member state to bear the title.
Geography aside, Istanbul has interacted culturally with Europe for centuries and this dynamic, fast-changing city of 12 million has a splendid opportunity to display its vast cultural heritage in dance, music and opera, visual and traditional arts.
The “Season of Turkey” began in France
The Eiffel Tower lit up like the Turkish flag as "La Saison de la Turquie" was inaugurated in October 2009. The iconic structure beamed red and white for a number of days to promote the program of events that will run to March 2010.
France has always maintained a strong cultural presence in Istanbul. The prestigious Galatasaray Lycée has been educating francophone Turks for five centuries, The École Spéciale d’Architecture has maintained a relationship with Turkey since the former was founded in 1865, and the School’s director, Henri Prost conceived an urban management plan for Istanbul for thirty years from 192 to 1959.
