Happy New Year Istanbul 2010

3 January, 2010 (12:24) | Films, Music, News from Istanbul, istanbul

Happy New Year Istanbul 2010 and to all of my readers of this Istanbul blog.

2009 was a difficult year for many with the world wide recession that affected every country. None were left unscathed by economic woes. Many people lost their jobs and tourism revenues were down world wide. In Europe, there was an estimated 35% decline in the tourism industry and everyone suffered, especially countries whose income is based largely on tourism. Istanbul and Turkey were no exception.

Unemployment in Turkey for 2009 sat at 15.5% (www.greatistanbul.com/numbers.htm) which is extremely high. Tourism was down in Turkey and Istanbul, the number of people taking flights to Istanbul was down, hotel room bookings declined and the number of tours booked in Istanbul had also decreased from previous years. The decline in tourism affects everyone: hotels, restaurants, and even the small business men in the markets and shops of Istanbul. The statistics have been grim. Everywhere.

However, we can look with optimism towards 2010 which, for Istanbul will be a very special year. Istanbul was nominated The European Capital of Culture by the European Union. Although Turkey has not yet officially become a member of the EU, the fact that Turkey joins Europe in this major European project appears promising. For the period of one year, Istanbul can show the world its culture and its cultural life. The European Capital of Culture designation gives cities within Europe a chance to showcase the city and a chance to bring the nations of the European Union closer together. The results of this nomination have been highly successful for the cities involved and have had a socio-economic impact on these particular cities.

No doubt, this is a wonderful opportunity for Istanbul, which has historically been a home to many civilizations and cultures, reflected in its ethnic and cultural diversity, its production of art, culture, film and music, and its varied and splendid architectural structures. Once, and still a cosmopolitan center in Europe, it will give Istanbul an opportunity to shine splendidly in the year 2010, manifested by its art, theatre, film and music programs. For more information on the cultural programs and events in Istanbul, please check out the Istanbul 2010 organization’s official web site at http://www.en.istanbul2010.org/index.htm.

Happy New Year Istanbul, 2010.

Here are a few views of Istanbul in a video from YouTube. Why not make 2010 the year you travel to Istanbul?