"Istanbul launches year as European cultural capital
AFP
Istanbul launches year as European cultural capital AFP – Fireworks explode next to St Sophia Museum during the official opening ceremony of Istanbul as one of …
by Nicolas Cheviron Nicolas Cheviron – 2 hrs 34 mins ago
ISTANBUL (AFP) – Istanbul on Saturday launched a year of art events as it became one of three Cultural Capitals of Europe for 2010, feting the occasion with concerts, street shows and firework displays.
The accolade, bestowed by the European Union, is seen by Turkey as an opportunity to reaffirm its bid to join the bloc and showcase a diverse heritage shaped by both Western and Eastern cultures."
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