Estanbul 2010

Two important projects which are carried out by Istanbul 2010 European Capital of Culture Agency in cooperation with Istanbul Foundation for Culture and Arts (IKSV) have brought up Istanbul the European Capital of Culture into the upper ranks in the agenda of Paris -the glamorous city worldwide renown for the richness of its culture and art life.

The exhibition “From Byzantium to Istanbul: A Harbor for Two Continents” opened with a ceremony participated by the Turkish President Abdullah Gul and the French President Nicolas Sarkozy. The exhibition is held by Istanbul 2010 European Capital of Culture Agency in cooperation with Istanbul Foundation for Culture and Arts for the purpose of comprehensive promotion of Istanbul in abroad as the city will bear the title “European Capital of Culture” in 2010.

Following the opening ceremony the exhibition was visited by top rank protocol including State Minister and chief negotiator Egemen Bagis, State Minister Hayati Yazici, Istanbul Metropolitan Mayor Kadir Topbas and Istanbul 2010 European Capital of Culture Agency Executive Chairman of Board Şekib Avdagiç. During the visit curator Nazan Ölçer introduced and informed about each and every artifact.

Great interest in the Eiffel tower illuminated red and white…
Illumination will last until 11 October and The Eiffel Tower was ever in the colors of the flag of a country only for once. This is a very fancy event demonstrating the depth of France-Turkey relations and proximity of the two countries.

As a part “Season of Turkey in France” events starting on 1st July to last for 9 months until 31 March 2010; The Eiffel Tower, trademark of Paris was lit up with the colors of Turkish flag in the evening of October 6. The first two floors measuring 115 meters of the tower is lit up red while the remaining 209 meters in top is shining white. Symbol of Paris the Eiffel Tower of 324 meters will be lit up with the colors of Turkish flag along 5 days from 20:00 till morning.