Istanbul European Capital of Culture
Istanbul 2010 - Inspirations
This is the year that Istanbul is the European Capital of Culture. There is no other city more deserving of this award than Istanbul. This year, in 2010, Istanbul gets the chance to show the world its cultural works to the world. Art, literature, music, dance, photography and film, this year is Istanbul’s turn.
Istanbul also shares this nomination by the European Union with two other cities in Europe, city of Essen in Germany and the Hungarian counterpart Pécs. However, it would appear that Istanbul is stealing the spotlight this year.
The last couple of years have been spent preparing cultural projects for the year 2010. Numerous projects have come out of the preparation for Istanbul’s year as the European Capital of Culture including visual arts, music & opera, film and documentary and animation, literature, theatre and the performing arts, traditional arts, urban culture projects, education, and cultural heritage and museums projects.
From it’s rich, diverse cultural history many works have come to the forefront, bringing history to the contemporary and giving these artistic works a chance to be exposed to the masses of Istanbul, Turkey and the world. This appears to be the chief goal of the organizers and fund providers, to bring art to the masses.
However, there are many projects that seem to promote the historical and traditional wonders of Istanbul and fewer that focus on the contemporary. Many excellent modern artists and photographers were not given the chance to participate in these projects. It is disappointing in this respect.
The Istanbul 2010 Capital of Culture event is sure to increase tourism, openness and communication within Istanbul and beyond the borders of Turkey. There are many joint projects on the go with other European cities. It is an exciting time in Istanbul, especially this year.
The photograph that I have placed in this article is an advertisement for the Istanbul 2010 Capital of Culture project which has been on display all over European. I am not exactly positive, but I believe the photograph used in the advertisement is the work of the famous, Cannes best director and also genius photographer, Nuri Bilge Ceylan. Or, it’s taken in exactly the same style of Mr. Ceylan. It’s a photograph and ad showing the inspiration that comes from being in one of the most beautiful and mystical cities of the world, Istanbul.
This photo comes from Istanbul2010.org
