06 03 02 - The Cultural Capital of Europe for 2010 will be determined in March.

CULTURE & SOCIETY
Published: Thursday, February 23, 2006
zaman.com
The Cultural Capital of Europe for 2010 will be determined in March.
The European Parliament (EP), who approved Istanbul's candidacy, is reported to be eyeing the city favorably.
The Istanbul 2010 Initiative Group that officially applied for candidacy in December is lobbying at the center of the EU.
The delegation which focuses on providing press packets and briefings to parliamentarians and the media was at the European Parliament yesterday.
Turkey-European Union Joint Parliamentary Commission Co-chair Joost Lagendijk, Justice and Development Party Istanbul Deputy Egemen Bagis and Istanbul 2010 Initiative Group Chairman Nuri Colakoglu held a joint news conference yesterday.
Lagendijk started his remarks by saying that he is an admirer of Istanbul. "If a list of beautiful European cities was to be made, Istanbul would be in first place. You must absolutely see the Bosphorus and tour Istiklal Street." Istanbul, where different cultures have been harmoniously living together for thousands of years, has an important mission; he underlined, and that the city bridging continents is already considered European.
Lobbyists say 'Istanbul'
The European Parliament will establish the 2010 Cultural Capital of Europe next month; in the meantime works have been accelerated through dual talks.
Istanbul's biggest rival is Ukraine's capital Kiev.
When applications are considered; however, Kiev does not appear to have much of a chance. Istanbul applied for candidacy with files of materials, visual documents and a voluminous book, whereas Kiev was satisfied with a two-page text only.
In fact, most Ukrainian politicians are aware of the fact that they do not stand much of a chance face to face with Istanbul.
Therefore, they say "Let Istanbul's candidacy be accepted; but offer us another alternative."

Istanbul would experience permanent advantages as part of the urban transformation, urbanism, environment and society the honor carries. New museums would be established, where cultural components would be kept safe and exhibited. Historical places would be renovated in line with their new functions.
Residents of Istanbul would undoubtedly welcome the different art disciplines. Many could find employment in communication, organization, education, design work, and administration management. Visitors coming to observe culture and art projects could experience the cultural heritage of mosques, churches, palaces, and museums in the city.
Academics from different countries across Europe and the world, as well as members of the cultural and communication world, will arrive at Istanbul. The contributions to modern Istanbul are immeasurable, encouraging forward trends.
Or better put, Istanbul will be explored by the world. In the meantime, provided that Istanbul’s candidacy is approved, a one New Turkish lira tax for per liter of fuel oil will be implemented to compliment to the budget.
Which cities were chosen so far?
The idea of “Capital of European Culture” was first initiated by the Greek Minister of Culture Melina Merkuri in 1985. The Council of Europe implemented the scope of the project the same year. One EU city has been selected as the Capital of European Culture from 1985 to 2000.
In 2000, the reputation of Capital of European Culture was given to both more than one city and EU cities due to a new millennium.
The cities selected before: Athens (Greece), Florence (Italy), Amsterdam (The Netherlands), Berlin (German), Paris (France), Madrid (Spain), Lisbon (Portugal), Thessalonica (Greece), and Brussels (Belgium).
Europe Favors Istanbul for 'Capital of Culture'
By Culture & Art News, Istanbul

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