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Istanbul; 2010 Culture Capital of Europe Initiative, Advisory Board Chairman
The European Union has announced Istanbul as culture capital of Europe. In this context, I was elected Chairman of the Advisory Committee of this project, which is a partnership of the public and city administration and civil society organizations. This kind of collaboration is a first in our country.
The contribution of this project to the promotion of Istanbul could not be disputed. In addition to that, this project will also contribute to the accession of Turkey into the EU. With the success of Istanbul's culture, art and civil projects, we hope that Istanbul will become a model for the rest of Turkey.
The other element of this project will be reaching Istanbul 's elector through the civil society organizations. We realize, from the experiences of the other culture capitals of Europe, that having Istanbul as a culture capital will not be up to the government; it will be up to the people of Istanbul. Even if we undertake remarkable projects and activities, our success will ultimately depend on how much the people of Istanbul desire to take part in these efforts.
What has happened after Istanbul was announced one of the culture capitals of Europe ?
Dating from 2006, the city's historical and cultural buildings have started being restored, the cultural and educational mobilization has started being organized, the foundation has started being provided in order to discover the young talents and new museums are started to be built.
We started to have opportunities to unite with the other European countries and to participate in the same projects. During the time we will enjoy the richness of differences. The culture and art festivals will maintain periodically and will reach its peak at 2010 and will all this celebrations, street theatres, and concerts, private exhibitions, street exhibitions, native and foreign activities will draw all the attention in the world to Istanbul .
From this day on the main aim of this project should be rising the cultural conscious of the people of Istanbul . Being the culture capital should only be means.
In conclusion, I am affectionate about this project and I believe that my experiences working 5 years with Mr. prime minister and association experiences and my contacts will be very constructive.
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