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In November 2006, it was finally announced that İstanbul would be European Capital of Culture (ECOC) 2010, along with Peç (Hungary) and Essen (Germany).

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

Following the EU Resolution in 1999 enlarging the ECOC Project to include non-member countries, formal steps were taken to promote İstanbul as a candidate for 2010.

İstanbul maintains a distinguished position among the metropolis’ of the world with its unique geographical location and a cultural heritage of many thousands of years. As one of the most energetic cities in the world it already attracts visitors from all over the world.

It’s a great long-weekend (or longer!) destination and although I’m biased living in Turkey, it’s a city I love to visit again and again.


View from Galata Bridge