Istanbul named European Capital of Culture for 2010
Istanbul, named European Capital of Culture 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 Pécs in Hungary, and Essen in Germany. With its rich heritage and urban life, Istanbul is already recognized as one of the world's great cultural capitals.
Safe Travel in Turkey Most travelers comment on the friendliness and hospitality of the Turkish people. It really is exceptional. Turkey is not only friendly, it's as safe as Europe and North America, although no place is completely safe. Here are some travel danger statistics to put things in perspective. If you're worried about swine flu, read this. Even though Turkey is relatively safe, the only crime-free place is heaven, so here are things to watch:
Turkey welcomes nearly 26 million tourists in 2009 During January-November period, mostly German, Russian and British tourists preferred Turkey as a holiday destination and tourists mainly visited the Mediterranean region.A total of 25,850,971 tourists visited Turkey in this period, with a 2.4 percent rise in last year's figures, officials said.
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Did you know? Istanbul is the only city in the world located on two continents, Europe and Asia. In its thousands of years of history, it has been the capital of three great empires - Roman, Byzantine and Ottoman. Did you know? Did you know? |