ISTANBUL 2010 PRESENTS TURKEY'S CONTEMPORARY VISION

While there are few days to hand over the title "2010 European Capital of Culture", Istanbul 2010 European Capital of Culture Agency held a closing ceremony at Istanbul's Congress Centre.

In his speech at the ceremony, Minister for EU Affairs and Chief Negotiator Egemen Bagis said "the world has rediscovered Istanbul with this project which was commenced by President Abdullah Gul and Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan on 16 January 2010."

Bagis stated that it would be unfair to define Istanbul as only the European Cultural Capital of 2010, and added:

"Istanbul will continue to be one of the cultural capitals of the world with its assets, historical heritage and spirituality which inspired our civilization based on tolerance and affection.

"Istanbul will continue to be one of the cultural capitals of the world with its assets, historical heritage and spirituality which inspired our civilization based on tolerance and affection and it will maintain her role not only for the year 2010 but forever. Istanbul 2010 is an initiator in this sense. The potential and power enabling Istanbul to accomplish the project as the first non-member of the EU lies behind its spirit.”

Egemen Bagis noted that Turkey was mentioned in every part of Europe, different colors of Istanbul were shown and all the differences around the world come together in activities in Istanbul thanks to the project.

In the ceremony, State Minister Hayati Yazici, Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality Mayor Kadir Topbas and the Governor of Istanbul Muammer Guler delivered speeches, as well.

Source: AA