Through the opening celebrations organized by the Istanbul 2010 European Capital of Culture Agency and held simultaneously across 7 different centres of the city, Istanbul is now “officially” Europe’s Culture Capital...

With the start of 2010, Istanbul celebrated its new title as European Capital of Culture on Saturday, 16 January 2010, through various activities and festive celebrations held in 7 different centres of the city.

The celebrations started with a protocol event taking place at the Haliç Congress Centre, where Ministers from Turkey as well as neighbouring countries participated, along with high level statesmen and diplomats, leading members of the business, culture and arts world, local and foreign press members. Istanbul’s energy which spreads out to the entire world, reached its peak through the celebrations held together with all of Istanbulites in the squares of Taksim, Kadıköy, Sultanahmet, Pendik, Bağcılar and Beylikdüzü.

In the celebration events held under the auspices of President Abdullah Gül and Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, commissaries from approximately 40 mostly European countries and correspondents of international establishments, opinion leaders of both business and artistic and cultural communities had to chance to gather together in this glorious protocol event which started at 5:30 p.m. with an opening cocktail.

Furthermore, committees from Essen and Pecs, the two other cities who will be holding the same title in 2010, leading figures who have contributed to the evolution of the title of European capital of culture, and Spyros Mercouri, the brother of Melina Mercouri the creator of the title, as well as diplomats of the European Commission were also present at the ceremony.

Minister of Culture and Tourism Ertuğrul Günay, Mayor of Istanbul Metropolitan Kadir Topbaş and Governor of İstanbul Muammer Güler attended the ceremony that was hosted by Minister of State and Chairman of İstanbul 2010 Coordination Board Hayati Yazıcı and Chairman of Executive Board of Istanbul 2010 European Capital of Culture Agency Şekib Avdagiç.

Speaking at the ceremony, Şekib Avdagiç stated:

“In the 21st century the whole world is witnessing both the excitement and anxiety of major change. In such a period, Istanbul too is entering the New Year with a new title: European Capital of Culture. Our effort is to introduce Istanbul to the entire world, and promote its rediscovery. We are preparing our entire projects with this goal. Istanbul is a sacred stamp uniting Europe and Asia. Now it is time to proclaim this stamp to all corners of the world… Now it is time to rediscover Istanbul… It is the time to watch Istanbul… It is Istanbul time…”

“The Magic of Istanbul” captivated all viewers…

The opening speeches were followed by the special performance called "The Magic of Istanbul," choreographed specifically for this special night by Yekta Kara. The performance of 65 minutes presented 303 artists exposing a multi-layered and profound cultural heritage, the sources of energy and inspiration in Istanbul, through the music, dance, poetry and visions peculiar to Istanbul.

The show began with Cüneyt Türel’s reading of the poem “I am listening to Istanbul”, followed by various performances from the Istanbul State Opera and Ballet Choir, MFÖ, State Ballet, Sertab Erener, Bekir Ünlüataer, Istanbul historical Music Group, Sephardic Synagogue Prayers Choir, Kevork Tavitay, Kubat, Zuhal Olcay, Silivri Folk Dance Group, Aynur, Yetkin Dikinciler, Fatih Erkoç, Dilek Turkan, Incesaz, Yarkin Percussion Group and the Istanbul State Orchestra Children’s Choir.

The entire performance was joined by 100 members of Istanbul State Symphony Orchestra headed by Orchestra Chief Nacı Özgüç. Gökçen Koray leaded the choir group and Aysun Aslan prepared the dance choreographies.

President Abdullah Gül and Prime-Minister Recep Tayyip Erdoğan pushed the launch button for Istanbul 2010