Construction workers prepare for the opening ceremony of 'Istanbul 2010'
By Jonathan Head
BBC News, Istanbul
Spectacular fireworks displays and cultural performances will mark the launch of Istanbul's year as one of three European Capitals of Culture.
The prestigious title gives cities the opportunity and funding to showcase and enrich their cultural life.
For Turkey, which is struggling to fulfil its longstanding aim of becoming a member of the European Union, the title has particular significance.
But Istanbul's celebration is not without its problems.
Turkey must meet strict conditions for EU membership
Istanbul competed fiercely with the Ukrainian capital Kiev to win this title, the last time it will be offered to a non-EU member.
The two other winners were Pecs in Hungary and Essen in Germany.
With its rich heritage of Roman, Byzantine and Ottoman history and its pulsating contemporary urban life, Istanbul is already recognized as one of the world's great cultural capitals.
But the title means a great deal in a country which has for decades aspired to membership of the European Union.
The opening celebrations will be marked by a spectacular fireworks display choreographed by the French pyrotechnician Cristoph Berthonneau.
And by a series of cultural performances set against the backdrop of some of Istanbul's greatest landmarks.
But big questions hang over how effective the rest of the year's programme will be.
The organizing committee has been rocked by conflict between NGOs and government bureaucrats, with mass resignations last year.
There have been persistent allegations of corruption.
Critics say there has been too much focus on restoring well-known historical sites, and too little on contemporary culture.
And very little effort has been devoted to confronting the painful twentieth century legacy left by the mass expulsion of the Greek and Armenian communities, whose buildings, many of them derelict, still litter the city.
, 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.