Istanbul European Capital of Culture

The European Capital of Culture is a city designated by the European Union for a period of one calendar year during which it is given a chance to showcase its cultural life and cultural development.  

A number of European cities have used the City of Culture year to transform their cultural base and, in doing so, the way in which they are viewed internationally.   

Conceding the view of European Parliament and approval by the Council of Cultural Ministers of the European Union on 13 November 2006 Istanbul was finally announced to be the European Capital of Culture for 2010.    

Istanbul maintains a distinguished position among the metropolis of the world with its unique geographical location and a cultural heritage of thousands of years.  As one of the most energetic cities in the world Istanbul continually gets to be an attraction center.