| |
| |
 |
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
The city of Istanbul has consistently been named as a go-to destination by travel publications for its vibrant culture and modern vibe.
This year, after having been selected by the European Union as one of three 2010 European Capitals of Culture, the Turkish city will showcase its offerings with gusto.
The celebrations began on Saturday with stage performances at several sites and late openings of museums. The revelry will continue throughout the year, details of which can be found at en.istanbul2010.org/index.htm.
The events are bonuses for a city renowned for religious sites such as Hagia Sophia and Blue Mosque.
Indeed, the old and ancient are never far away in Turkey.
Well-known are the central Cappadocia region, which is dotted with underground dwellings where early Christians hid from their persecutors; and the ruins of Ephesus along the southern coast, which date back to 1st century BC.
More recent historic structures can be found in Safranbolu. The town situated in the northern Black Sea region was an important caravan station on the East-West trade route
Its Ottoman-Turkish buildings - built in the 18th, 19th and 20th centuries - influenced urban development throughout the Ottoman Empire.
Safranbolu is a Unesco World Heritage Centre, but for the time being, all eyes will be on the stars in Istanbul. - TODAY/ra
|
