Istanbul, Capital of Culture

Source: http://www.google.com/logos/istanbul10-hp.gif

Each year, cities chosen as European Capitals of Culture – in 2010 Essen, Istanbul and Pecs – provide living proof of the richness and diversity of European cultures. Started in 1985, the initiative has become one of the most prestigious and high-profile cultural events in Europe.

More than 40 cities have been designated European Capitals of Culture so far, from Stockholm to Genoa, Athens to Glasgow, and Cracow to Porto.

A city is not chosen as a European Capital of Culture solely for what it is, but mainly for what it plans to do for a year that has to be exceptional. Its programme for the year must meet some specific criteria.