About the Istanbul 2010 European Capital of Culture Agency

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About the Istanbul 2010 European Capital of Culture Agency The Istanbul 2010 ECOC Agency was founded for the purpose of planning and managing the activities for preparing Istanbul as European Capital of Culture by 2010 and for coordinating the joint efforts of public bodies and institutions in order to realize this goal.

The Agency operates in three strategic areas:

• Culture and Arts

• Urban applications and protection of cultural heritage

• Tourism and publicity

Projects for urban applications and protection of cultural heritage are carried out by the Directorate of Urban Applications, the Directorate of Cultural Heritage and Museums, and the Directorate of Urban Projects Coordination.

Istanbul 2010 ECOC projects for culture and arts are produced, shaped and conducted by the Departments of Visual Arts, Music and Opera, Urban Culture, Literature, Cinema and Documentary, Stage and Performing Acts, and Traditional Arts. A main goal is for all projects and activities to be sustainable, continuing well after 2010.

What is a European Capital of Culture?
The European Capital of Culture is a city designated by the European Union for a period of one calendar year during which it is given a chance to showcase its cultural life and development. A number of European cities have used the City of Culture year to transform their cultural base and, in doing so, the way in which they are viewed internationally.

The European Capital of Culture program was initially called the European City of Culture and was conceived in 1983 by Melina Mercouri, then serving as Greek Minister of Culture. Mercouri believed that at the time, culture was not given the same attention as politics and economics and a project for promoting European cultures within the member states should be pursued.

The European City of Culture program was launched in the summer of 1985 with Athens being the first title-holder. During the German Presidency of 1999, the European City of Culture program was renamed the European Capital of Culture.

Following the EU Resolution in 1999 enlarging the ECOC Project to include non-member countries, a group of civil society volunteers in Turkey arranged a meeting on 7 July 2000 in order to establish an “Enterprise Group” that would take the required steps for Istanbul to be a candidate for European Capital of Culture.

After long processes and endeavors of many civil society members, Istanbul was found ready on 11 April 2006 for being the 2010 European Capital of Culture, along with Pecs (Hungary) and Essen (Germany).

Conceding the view of the European Parliament and approval by the Council of Cultural Ministers of the European Union on 13 November 2006 Istanbul was finally announced to be the European Capital of Culture for 2010.

Why Istanbul?
Istanbul maintains a distinguished position among world metropolises with its unique geographical location and cultural heritage spanning thousands of years. As one of the most energetic cities in the world, Istanbul continually grows as a center of attraction.

Through Istanbul being the European Capital of Culture in 2010, Europe will re-discover the roots of its own culture and will take a giant step for mutual understanding. Istanbul’s success as European Capital of Culture will depend on Istanbul residents’ embracing and supporting this project through extensive participation.