Istanbul launches year Europe Capital of Culture Spectacular fireworks displays and cultural performances marked the launch of Istanbul’s year as one of three European Capitals of Culture.
Photo: AFP/GETTY Photo: EPA
, named  for 2010, celebrated with spectacular fireworks displays, light shows, cultural performances, and concerts, which were arranged at seven locations across the city, symbolising the seven hills on which ancient Istanbul was built.

The European Union chose Istanbul, Turkey's and Europe's largest city,  as one of the three European Capitals of Culture for 2010 in 2006, along with  in Hungary, and  in Germany. With its rich heritage and urban life, Istanbul is already recognized as one of the world's great cultural capitals.

Istanbul beat , Ukraine's capital, for the title and became the last European Capital of Culture outside the EU; after 2010, non-EU cities can no longer apply.


The celebrations started with a protocol event taking place at the Haliç Congress Centre, where Ministers from Turkey as well as neighbouring countries participated.

"Istanbul is a European city. With its heart, its culture and civilisation, its people, its past and future, it has always looked towards Europe. Istanbul has shaped European culture and has been shaped by it." said , the country's Prime Minister.