26

interview

colour

Minister for EU Affairs and Chief Negotiator

Egemen Ba:

Europe without Istanbul unimaginable

Interview BERVAN AYDIN

On the eve of the 2010 Progress Report, we asked Egemen Ba, Minister for EU Affairs, Chief Negotiator and Istanbul Deputy, what he expects from the Union, what he thinks of Istanbuls performance as a 2010 ECOC and what colour is his Istanbul. The Report praised the Chief Negotiator for strengthening coordination among institutions, including the civil society in the process and communicating with various religious communities. Ba emphasizes that Istanbul is full of colours, and it is a cultural capital of the world, not only of Europe.
ISTANBUL 2010

Photo: SECRETARIAT GENERAL FOR EU AFFAIRS ARCHIVE

28

interview

colour
Photo: SECRETARIAT GENERAL FOR EU AFFAIRS Archive

The European media often argues that Turkey needs a minor miracle to revive its EU process. Yet the Greek Cypriots are still furious that Angela Merkel said both sides should take steps. What is the picture you imagine for the Turkey-EU relations after the Progress Report is released? In the EU negotiation process, Turkey has come to a point in which Cyprus acts as a stumbling block in opening Turkeys chapters. The fastest way to get around this is to implement the European Councils 26 April 2004 unanimous decision to abolish the isolation of Northern Cyprus, which was taken after the Greek Cypriots said no to the Annan Plan. Today, only one of the 27 EU member states implements this decision. The only state that encourages its citizens to travel to and engages in direct commerce with the Northern Cyprus is the Republic of Cyprus. It is hypocrisy in itself that Cyprus prevents the citizens of other 26 EU member countries from benefiting from the same right. Right now the European Parliament is discussing the regulation on direct trade with Northern Cyprus under the new terms of the Treaty of Lisbon. If this regulation passes and EU members begin to trade directly with Northern Cyprus, it will be a lot easier for Turkey to apply the EU-Turkey association agreements additional protocol to Cyprus as the other member states. Mrs Merkel should actually take the biggest step herself. If she allows Lufthansa Airlines to fly directly to Ercan Airport, then Turkey will open its ports to Greek Cypriot ships and airplanes. But if the major states and economies of Europe reveal their determination to continue with the comedy of hiding behind the beautiful and charming island of Cyprus, then this will show their insincerity. After all, Turkeys EU process may be important for Turkey but it is even more so for the EU. Without the contribution of Turkey, the chances of Europe solving the problems it

faces today are pretty weak. Today, Turkey has the strongest army and the youngest population of Europe. Seventy per cent of all energy resources needed by Europe are around the Turkish borders. It is a key country to combat Europes internal integration problem because Turkey is a unique country that integrated democracy and Islam very well for over two centuries. When we consider all this, we see that now it is time for the Europeans to look after their own interests. It is time that they compare the costs of Turkeys EU membership with the costs of its remaining out of the EU and to acknowledge that Turkeys accession is in the interests of the EU more than Turkey. This is what we expect from the Europeans, but what are we going to do about their expectations from Turkey? In terms of public support, for instance As long as the Europeans continue with this doublestandard attitude toward Turkey and efforts to create obstacles that no other candidate had to deal with, the public opinion will not improve. But if they apply fair practices as they did to other countries, if they grant Turkish citizens the right of free movement in the EU as they granted to Serbia which had not even begun negotiations yet, if they support our fight against terrorism, if Turkey begins to be represented at EU summits again and if they stop hiding behind the Cyprus island, the support for the EU process in Turkey will at least triple. You played a major role in bringing the 2010 Capital of Culture project to Istanbul, and at its Brussels launch you said Europe without Istanbul is unimaginable. Having left nine months behind, has the Agency reinforced that situation? During Istanbuls nomination for the European Capital of

Culture process, I was the president of the Advisory Committee. I had the honour of heading the delegation that defended Istanbul in front of the jury. Istanbul is the cultural capital of not only Europe, but the world. Having been the capital of the Roman, Byzantine and Ottoman empires, Istanbul is most naturally a European Capital of Culture. It was important to assume and then to make good use of this title for our natural value to be strengthened and better appreciated by Europeans. In this regard, Istanbul 2010 ECOC Agency has made a very intense effort. And we, as the government and the parliament, provided the necessary budget and facilities. We see the successful work of the 2010 Agency underlying the realization of many cultural infrastructure projects, provision of financial opportunities for the activities and the sharing of Istanbuls cultural richness with the world. Once U2 was refusing to come to Turkey saying There are human rights violations, and now they gave a concert and sang a song they wrote for a victim of an unsolved murder. This shows whence Turkey has come. If the state television broadcasts in Kurdish 24 hours a day in a country in which people were afraid to say Im a Kurd ten years ago, if 90 years later masses can take place in Smela and Ahtamar once again, if a city whose mayor was imprisoned for reading a poem becomes ten years later a European Capital of Culture, these mean that Turkey is going through an evolution. I think the more significant development than those masses was that the people of Trabzon and Van supported them with great enthusiasm, let alone reacting. This shows that mentalities are changing in Turkey and that we return to our essence in peace with our own culture. Istanbul has reinforced its distinction of being a city in which mosques, churches and synagogues give piece to

humanity, as it was the case eight centuries ago, and shows that Turkeys goal to become a full member of the EU is the right target. All these strengthen Turkeys European identity. Today we see that those who discuss how European Turkey is change their minds once they have been to Istanbul. Recently we hosted a dinner in this garden for a parliamentary delegation from the Flemish region of Belgium. One of the parliamentarians in the delegation said that he opposed Turkeys EU membership throughout his life. But two days after leaving the dinner, he returned home and published an article in a local newspaper. From now on I will support Turkeys EU process which Ive opposed all my life, he wrote. This delegation had come to Istanbul because it became a cultural capital, and they were the Commission of Culture of the Flemish Parliament. Even that one article by that one parliamentarian in that commission was worth all this fatigue, if you ask me. Just like this, hundreds of thousands and perhaps millions of people who changed their views about Turkey, Istanbul, Turks, us. But we must work even harder to change more You are also a parliamentarian, an Istanbul deputy. What colour is this city that you represent, do you think? Istanbul is colourful In Istanbul, there is every colour. There are mosques, churches, synagogues, Turks, Kurds, Circassians, Laz, Bosnians, Arabs, Albanians, easterners, westerners, soldiers, civilians, women, men, the young, the elderly, workers, employers, Alevis, Sunnis, Muslims, nonMuslims, more religious or less religious, non-believers That is what makes it Istanbul, makes it so strong, the cultural capital of the world and not only of Europe. Istanbuls most important feature is its colourfulness. It cannot be summed up with a single colour.

30

interview

from istanbul

Tell me about Istanbul.

How was it?

Let it go, the coffee may boil. Tell me how was Istanbul, Nzm Hikmet
Interviews BERVAN AYDIN

Journalism is a profession that takes the pulse of life all around the world. Its essence is the effort to understand what is going on and tell it to others. That is why the foreign correspondents dispatched to various parts of the world have a more difficult job, but also have more fun. To understand completely the agenda of another country, they need to get to know its peoples, languages and cultures. Plus they have to deliver these to a completely foreign audience, in a neutral manner but still providing considerable context and perspective. New discoveries await day every day. They answer the five Ws and one H using the five senses and not recitations. Compared to local reporters, they can see the stories from brand new perspectives. That is why they contribute not only to the audience back home, but also to the host country. Therefore, it is no coincidence that they came to our minds when we decided to reflect the colours of Istanbul. These people try to understand Istanbul and tell it to others, they were 'foreign' once and now most of them settled here. We wondered how they would colour a painting that we are accustomed to, and we asked them what colour is Istanbul. They gave us wonderfully coloured answers. The 'foreign' journalists are sure that they are at the right place at the right time. For on the palette of Istanbul 2010 European Capital of Culture there are more colours than ever. They continue to discover to show these colours to the world. Here are Istanbul's colours, as seen through their eyes...

STANBUL 2010

32

from istanbul

Michael first came to Istanbul in 1992 to report on the Council of Europe summit which was taking place a few months after the breakdown of the Soviet Union new countries were emerging and the delegates were fighting in the corridors. That was his first article for Die Zeit, and in 2007 he opened the newspapers office in Arnavutky. He loves olive-oil based food and Istanbul seems to be paradise. However, he had to learn that in Istanbul there are certain times of the year when you are supposed to eat certain fish. I like that now that I have learned the schedule, as a connoisseur.

Dorian was dispatched to Istanbul by the BBC in 1993, and when he noticed he spent more time working here than living in London he decided to move. Now that he and his wife have a little child, they cannot move around the city very much. Yet still they never miss the nebolu Market, set up every Sunday morning in Kasmpaa by villagers who travel overnight all the way from Kastamonu. Before Cihangir he used to live in Moda on the Asian side and he loved it. It has the feeling of being in the city but outside the city.

Michael Thumann Middle East Bureau Chief of Die Zeit

Dorian Jones Freelance journalist

I see changing colours in Istanbul

I see changing colours in Istanbul, because the city changes so strongly throughout the year. In spring and summer, the green and the blue are very important. Then as the winter sets in, the greyish atmosphere of some weeks in February remind me of Hamburg, my hometown. You would find that in Orhan Pamuks book when he reflects on the Istanbul of his childhood. What I like about Arnavutky is that it has preserved its character. We have a rather small mosque over here, and an enormous Greek Orthodox cathedral on the other side. You have the usta here and the terzi there. This is a very urban structure. Then a little boutique opens next to the church, adding to the mosaic, and I see it as the opening up of Istanbul to the world as it becomes, increasingly, a hub. I was struck when the incidents in Tophane happened. Neither should push out the other, nor fear that they would be displaced. Sulukule was a bad example, but Arnavutky is a good one and it should be advertised to show that contrasts can live in one area, which again has very much to do with colours. You dont have to resolve them by having one colour here and the other in the outskirts.

Nothing is black and white in Istanbul

The first colour that comes to mind is grey, as the expression of the melancholy of Istanbul that Orhan Pamuk and Ahmet Hamdi Tanpnar talk about. The UK is grey too, but that is because of the weather. Nothing is black and white in Istanbul. It is a meeting point of so many cultures, ideas and geographies coming together that nothing can be clear, there is always this mixing together. That is also what makes Istanbul interesting. It is an incredibly dynamic city and always changing, not always for the better, but constantly moving. But I think you find this energy in all big cities. New York has a similar feeling. This dynamism may be what I like the most here - there is always something new to discover. It might get tiring, frustrating and be very difficult sometimes, but never boring. The first time I came to Istanbul was in 1986. One thing that struck me was that there was not much electricity and streets were dark. I used to work in Berlin when it was divided as the West and East. One of the first things you would notice about visiting the East Berlin was the lack of street lights. I think it is quite a good indication of development. In the Istanbul of 1990s people did not live outside, there were only a few cafes. Now its unimaginable, how it has changed. One of the biggest differences in Istanbul is that people are now living more on the streets.

Jrme has been living in Istanbul since 1996. He loves the escapades to the Islands when they are not so crowded, the little fishermen ports where there are six to ten boats and some wonderful people, and the tiny places full of old people you discover by accident like the inns and narrow streets around the Grand Bazaar. He also loves lfer (bluefish), and how it is the king fish of Istanbul. In the middle of the city you still have some people who live linked to the rhythm of nature. They go fishing very early in the morning, whether its bad weather or not, and they keep on watching the Bosphorus until they see the lfer in early October. I love that.

Cambridge History graduate Pat travelled all around the world and settled in Turkey. For more than 10 years she co-authored Lonely Planets Turkey guidebook, and she also produced A Handbook for Living in Turkey to help fellow expatriates. And she recently published the Istanbul: The Ultimate Guide with Saffet Emre Tongu. She lives in a restored cave house in Cappadocia with an ever-changing entourage of cats. I love Istanbul for its vibrant modernity while still relishing the continuing otherness.

Jrme Bastion Radio France International

Pat Yale Lonely Planet

Istanbul is turquoise, golden and a range of grey

One of the colours of Istanbul that I love is the light turquoise that the Bosphorus has after a heavy rain. The Bosphorus is like a main vein bringing life to Istanbul. That colour of fresh air and water is like the natural expression of an entity living inside the city. Something else to discover is how the weather changes very quickly. It never rains for long. Only a few hours after rain or snowfall the sun appears. I love the colours of the morning in Istanbul. Now we are in the season when the Bosphorus, not the sea but the air above and around it, is nearly golden. They say that this is why the Hali is called the Golden Horn. There is a special light humidity and the sun is not very strong, giving the city a light golden colour that I love. Last but not least, I also love a colour that is not normally a great one the grey of the marbles. The marbles have all kinds of grey, lines and waves. I like them less when they are renewed. I like the marbles a little tarnished with scars and darker corners that show its history. For me, these marbles are very significant in terms of showing the very rich and long past of Istanbul.

Istanbul is red and gold, the imperial colours of the Sultans.

I think Istanbul is red and gold, the imperial colours of the Sultans. To me, they reflect the grandeur of Sultan Sleyman and the earlier years of the Ottoman Empire. The first time I came to Istanbul was in 1974. The city was obviously very different then. There was the Topkap Bus Station which was so chaotic that I actually had to have somebody guide me out between the buses. And I have this very vivid memory of 1974 of walking up and down the road where the tram line now is, with other foreigners all of us trying to find one bank that would change travellers cheques. Sadly, what I dont remember is the Bosphorus. Had I paid attention then, the Bosphorus would have been the villages still. In a way, Sultanahmet is my favourite part of the city as I always stay there. Buy when Saffet and I were researching Istanbul: The Ultimate Guide, the most interesting area that we explored together was Cerrahpaa. It is inside the city walls and it has a lot of historic monuments, but as far as I can see nobody goes there. Again, when we were doing the research for the book, we discovered the Kadnlar Pazar, which is in front of the Aqueduct of Valens. You can eat bryan kebab and perde pilav there. I absolutely loved the perde pilav, in fact I liked it oh-so-much that I actually then went to Siirt, which is where the people in Kadnlar Pazar have come from.

34

interview

from istanbul

Marc came to Istanbul first in 1983 and it was love at first sight. He wanted to become a correspondent here, but instead was sent to cover the Islamic world and the US for many years. Finally in 2006, he became a freelancer and fulfilled his dream: He and his wife flew directly from New York to Istanbul on their wedding anniversary. In his free time Marc organizes informal walking events in various parts of Istanbul in English and Dutch feel free to contact him if youd like to join! Well Im four and half years here now and I dont regret it one second I feel at home here.

Marc Guillet Freelance journalist

Having studied music in New York and fashion design in Paris, Alexandra moved to Istanbul in 2007. Then, she learned that her Bulgarian grandmother had gone to school in Istanbul in 1905 Alexs DNA had preceded her. She lives in Fener near the marvellous red-brick 1881 Greek school. Down the street is Balat with the quaint old shops and where everyone knows her name. She loves the vapur. I cant live without my magical and meditative crossings on the waters of Old Constantinople. I especially like the older boats in which I can feel a physical connection to the Bosphorus.

Alexandra Ivanoff TimeOut Istanbul, Today's Zaman

Istanbul is orange; it reminds me of tulips

The colour of Istanbul is orange, I would say, because the city obviously reminds me of tulips and it is also a very warm city. Orange is the colour of the rising and setting sun, soft and warm. It reminds me of the people of Istanbul who are very friendly, helpful and hospitable. Of course there are also rough sides of the city. But my overall impression is that it gives a warm feeling, like the sunset and the sunrise. Just as in New York we lived in Brooklyn and not in Manhattan here in Istanbul we live in Kadky on the Asian side and not in Beyolu as most foreigners do. The reason is that I want to be among the Turks and feel the non-touristic atmosphere of the city. I love history and exploring new places here. For instance I recently went to Eyp, and I walked eight kilometres from there to the Sleymaniye Mosque. That was the last phase of the Sultans Trail, an initiative of a Turkish man living in Holland to walk from Vienna to Istanbul following the route taken by Sleyman the Magnificent when he marched on the Austrian capital. In Istanbul there is always so much to discover, or redisc over because it is changing all the time like in New York. I actually call Istanbul the New York of the Bosphorus.

Istanbul is the colour of ay, as the dusky horizon and the sound of oud...
On one of my several trips to Istanbul, as I came off the plane, an employee of Turkish Airlines waiting just outside the door spoke to me: Welcome to Istanbul! He had the face of a Sultan in an old Ottoman painting: arched black eyebrows, a huge smile, dancing dark eyes, and skin the colour of Turkish tea. I thought I had stepped back into the pages of history. Turkish tea, that pale orange/brown, a tawny taffy colour, has the same vibrant hue of the sunsets in the Orientalist paintings of the port at Eminn. Its the same colour of the urban rooftops of the Old City seen from above. Its a golden brown-red-yellow mlange that permeates the dusky horizon I witness every week from the Bosphorus ferry, the embroidered threads in the Turkish carpets on my floors, the ambiance of the Byzantine Chora Museums interior and of Aya Sofias extraordinary exterior. Its the colour of the brick building in which I live. Its the colour of the melancholy sound of the oud. Its the smell of the wood and sweat of millions of immigrants souls in the history of Haydarpaa, Its written on the wind on the Golden Horn.

In 1973, David was 16 living in a little town in California and madly but unrequitedly in love with an exchange student from Sweden. He applied to AFS hoping to be sent to her country, but he ended up in Kadky Maarif Koleji. He lived with a Turkish family and came back for another year to study at Boazii. David and his Turkish wife now live in Nianta. On the weekends they go to Rumelihisar for breakfast, and they both are crazy for mant. I like going to Turkish movies, because thats one way to see the spectrums of the city that are not otherwise visible.

David Dead Judson Editor-in-chief, The Hrriyet Daily News

Julia has worked for the BBC for 20 years and is currently making a film for Al Jazeera International. She loves visiting Bykada Island, walking up to the Greek chapel and admiring the peaceful and beautiful view. It took a few visits before she discovered the delicious midye tava. Polonezky is rather close to her heart because she is of Polish origin. Going there feels like arriving at a 19th century Polish gentrified village. Each house has a big garden full of roses, fruit trees and green grass where you can sit and drink tea. Lovely!

Julia Rooke Freelance journalist

Istanbul is exploding with colours invisible to the Western media

Just as there is a spectrum of colour in nature as well as colours and shades invisible to the human eye because we dont perceive them like the infrared, Istanbul also has colours that dont show up on the normal spectrograph of conventional English-language journalism. As the largest city of Europe and the commercial and cultural capital not only of Turkey but of the region, Istanbul is exploding with colours invisible to the Western media. Our job is to see and to reflect these. The Western media only has five stories about Turkey: Allegations of Armenian genocide, Turkish-Kurdish conflict, honour killings/status of women, Islam versus secularism and freedom of expression. What we have created here is an authentically Turkish newspaper that goes deeper and beyond those narratives. We cover the five colours that the Western media is stuck with, but we also cover the complexity of the thirty-seven other major languages spoken in Turkey. There are fourteen languages spoken at the Daily News, other than English and Turkish Kurdish, Armenian, Zaza, Pomak, Georgian, Arabic We have spent an extraordinary amount of time covering the issues in the Armenian debate, including the Muslim Armenians of Turkey who live along the Black Sea in Hopa. They converted to Islam in the 16th century but still speak Armenian in their villages. The New York Times would never do this.

Istanbul is rich, sparkling Bosphorus blue

Istanbul is blue, the deep rich sparkling blue of the Bosphorus. The blue breathes life into the city and cleanses it. Where else in the world does the sea enter the heart of a city bringing with it depth, freshness and fish? Most sea towns have shores - in Istanbul the sea is part of the city. And it always makes me feel so alive! Rain or shine. The first time I came to Istanbul was 2006. I recall taking an evening stroll near my hotel in Sultanahmet. I climbed up the hill to the Blue Mosque and Hagia Sophia. It was March and the streets were quite empty. Suddenly three calls to prayer rang out at the same time. It was as if time had stopped. It was a magical moment. Ive now entered Istanbul, I thought. I sat down and watched seagulls flying over the minarets in couples - like tiny spirits I remember visiting Eyp Sultan Mosque during Ramadan last year. I was surprised how many families were picnicking in the square - children playing after dusk. It was touching to see this large spiritual-social space where people came in large numbers, not only to pray but to just be. And theres the Pierre Loti cemetery, full of benign ghosts. Another world unto itself. And last but not least I love Istanbuls street dogs... such polite and affectionate creatures. Istanbul is noisy, busy but permeated with light. It is full of smaller worlds some open, others secret, and still others that you wouldnt notice unless you were searching for them. A city worth investigating.

36

conference

from istanbul

We asked the Greens

what colour Istanbul is

Daniel Cohn-Bendit Co-President of the Greens/EFA Group in the EP

The Greens in the EP defend Turkeys integration into the EU. What do you think of the debate about whether Turkey is shifting its axis towards the East? Our Group is strongly working on European integration. Because Europe also needs the partnership - and integration, if possible - with Turkey, we work on that as well. Turkey has a bridge role between the West and the East, if you want, and it should fulfil this role. The opposition should try to push the government in the direction of opening freedoms; they should tackle the modernization, democratization and transformation issues in their politics. Your colleague Rebecca Harms referred to a phrase you used in the 2004 meeting of the Greens in stanbul. What did you mean when you said that you want a Wonder of Bosphorus? Europe was built on, what I call the Wonder of the Rhine. The Rhine was the frontier between France and Germany,

and now it has become a common river. Then you have the Wonder of Oder, as the Oder River between Poland and the West has also become a common river. And my dream is that the Bosphorus will also become a common river of the European Union. So the idea is a continuation of two previous wonders of Europe. While you were a leader in the May 68 student revolts in Paris, you were called Danny the Red. Then you were called Danny the Green as you focused on environmental politics. What colour is Istanbul, do you think? It is difficult to say. Istanbul is a moving city with a lot of colours. Sometimes you have a blue Istanbul, sometimes green Istanbul has different faces, and not just one colour. I like this dynamism and diversity. Although a lot needs to be done before Istanbul has a more sustainable life. Its very difficult, but also very exciting.

Coming to Istanbul was my dream

Coming to Istanbul was a dream of mine. One of the best short novels I have ever read was by a Finnish writer, Mika Waltari, written in the 1920s. It is called A Lonely Mans Train and tells the story of a young man who just finished his academic studies but longs to see the world. This is 1920, so what you do is to take a ferry from Helsinki to Hamburg, and then take the train through Vienna, Belgrade, and finally to Constantinople. Ever since I read that novel at a very young age, I was longing to come and get to know Istanbul. And of course, Turkey is highly interesting for us Greens. I feel that the Greens wholeheartedly want Turkey to join the EU. Istanbul is already Europe, and we know there is also the big Asian part of the country. However, Istanbul is a fascinating bridge between the East and West. It is a beautiful, historic, very European city on the edge of Asia.

Heidi Hautala MEP

One of Turkeys closest allies in the EU process, the Greens/EFA Group of the European Parliament (EP) held their Enlarged Bureau Meeting in Istanbul on the 1st and 2nd of November, 2010. The conference titled Turkey in Europe at the Istanbul Congress Centre attracted dozens of politicians, NGO representatives, activists, academics, journalists and observers. A range of pressing issues on the political agenda including energy security, democratization, a new constitution and the question of European culture were discussed in detail and with enthusiasm. We took the chance to interview some MEPs to learn their views on the discussions and on Istanbul.
Interviews and Photos BERVAN AYDIN

Isabelle Durant Vice President of the European Parliament

Is it just a coincidence that the Greens are having their Enlarged Bureau Meeting in Istanbul only days before the 2010 Progress Report is released? No, it is not. It is important for us to have this meeting here and to discuss the situation of Turkey, and the sensitive issue regarding the accession of Turkey to the EU. We feel that the process is so long and slow, and there are points that remain misunderstood on both Turkish and European levels. So we wanted to give the floor to the NGOs and political representatives etc., especially considering the huge debate about the referendum. Having this discussion on Istanbuls year as a European Capital of Culture is very important as well, because today we have shown that the cultural question is not actually a problem. There is a real proximity between Turkey and Europe in that sense. When you are working in Istanbul, you feel the European influence it is there, we are in Europe here! This is my city, part of my story. I know that the last time you stayed in Istanbul was 32 years ago. What has changed? It was a very different city back then. The renovation of streets and houses, animation, traffic You feel the economic development, but you also feel the same feeling as three decades ago when you stood on the bridge. There is a very nice mix of the past and the present, the tradition and the modernity. And there are so many people everywhere, at any time Do you think Istanbul makes a good ECOC? Absolutely. I think that the patrimony in Istanbul needs to be shown to the whole world.

Istanbuls architecture reminds me of the Casbah

I am French and Algerian, and here in Istanbul I see many links between the Turkish and the Algerian cultures. The architecture, for instance, reminds me of the Casbah. Also the food is very similar. We have the same sweets. And you know what? I know how to cook baklava! The way Turkey has developed in very interesting for two reasons. First, it shows other countries with Muslim majorities that democratic and secular governance can coexist with the Islamic population. And secondly, the close links between Europe and Turkey, including the Turkish migrants in Europe, remind European people and governments that Islam is part of the European culture. It is there, and we have to build intercultural confidence. For that, we need to build human contact and cultural relations in literature, cinema, architecture etc. So our stake as the MEPs is to contribute to improve the politics of free movement to enable that.
ISTANBUL 2010

Malika Benarab-Attou MEP

82

festival

colour

Yaz BERVAN AYDIN

With a shipload of arts and science the Hulda arrives in Istanbul

Text BERVAN AYDIN

Master sculptor lhan Komans home and workshop, the M/S Hulda, completed her journey, which stretched from the North Sea to the Mediterranean, and arrived at the Bosphorus. In nearly two years she has sailed 6500 nautical miles (12,000 kilometres) and unloaded some of her arts and science at every country on the route. Now the Hulda Festival colours up the 2010 European Capital of Culture with the genius of Ilhan Koman.

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festival

colour

Koman on the deckhouse of Hulda, named after a forest fairy in Icelandic mythology. For his friend Abidin Dino, Koman was like Noah, wintering by the sea: I always doubted: is he waiting for the flood or what?

VERY LIKELY the best known statue in Istanbul is the Mediterranean, if not by name, then by shape. This is a woman embracing the city with open arms and like the waves, made of matter and space. Komans creativity entailed both a pure beauty and a striking depth. But the reason why the world calls him the Turkish da Vinci is the coalescence of arts and science in his works. Modernity has imprisoned these two in opposite poles, yet for Koman they reinforced one another. His work which spans a great variety of innovative materials and methodologies is presently found in the collections of the modern arts museums in major world cities including Stockholm, Paris, New York, Brussels, Seattle and Istanbul. Born in 1921 in Edirne, lhan Koman studied at the Department of Sculpture at the Istanbul Academy of Fine Arts. After his graduation he went to Paris for further studies and opened his first solo exhibition. Returning to Istanbul, Koman worked as an assistant at the Academy and opened a workshop with his friends, where they produced Turkeys first iron furniture pieces. This was

also the team that brought Turkey its first international design award. In 1958 he moved to Stockholm where he taught at the Swedish School of Arts Crafts and Design, Konstfackskolan. He also produced various artworks, ranging from the Royal Coat of Arms relief at the Swedish Parliament to statues exhibited in public places. In 1964, he built himself a houseboat: He bought the M/S Hulda, a Baltic trader and cargo ship built in 1905, and made it into his home and workshop. Koman and his family lived on Hulda, which was anchored at the Drottningholm Royal Port in Stockholm, for twenty years until the master died in 1986. Hulda soon became a stamping ground for the artists who happened to pass by Sweden. Her guests included Yaar Kemal, Abidin Dino, zdemir Asaf, Ak Nesimi, Tuncel Kurtiz and Zlf Livaneli among many others. Bringing his boat to the Mediterranean was Komans dream, yet he thought that it would be difficult to find eight people for the journey that would take months. Moreover, restoring the Hulda to sail in the Mediterranean would be very costly, as the boat was built for cold waters.

FOR LHAN KOMAN

A gracious pirate was he unfolding all his sails would weigh anchor to skim out to high-seas in his homely frigate every night would give a foray of rose petals with his brazen cannons onto Swedish shores a gallant captain was he no matter for him to die for the sake of his beloved but when with his wind-borne statues he landed on death from his homely frigate one night he wasnt yet sated with mud and marble and his dreams keep on shrieking over him.
Oktay Rifat

Translation Oru Aruoba

Komans best known statue, Mediterranean

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festival

colour

Having transcended the oppositeness of arts and science, an idea imposed by modernity, lhan Koman registered eight of his inventions at the Swedish Patent Office.

Moebius and Whirlpool

Hulda Festival, a dream coming true

Realizing his fathers dream was entrusted to Professor lhan Koman, a lecturer of molecular biology at the Bosphorus University, and witnessing this dream come true was apparently saved for the 2010 European Capital of Culture. Having been renovated and restored, Hulda started her journey from Sweden in 2009. She was welcomed at all nine European cities with great interest. There were lhan Koman exhibitions aboard Hulda and at the partner institutions at each city, and workshops for the young public who brought artistic and scientific disciplines together through topics like Sculpture & Aerodynamics or Art and Alternative Energies. A competition among the art students from the ten cities on Huldas route was organized to encourage them to create scientific artworks. Ten winners got the chance to exhibit their creations in the Artscist exhibition at Tophane-i Amire in Istanbul. Reaching its final destination on the Tuesday afternoon, 21st of September, Hulda anchored at the port of the Mimar Sinan Fine

Arts University, where Koman studied and lectured. The opening attracted broad participation from the press, and guests included Beyolu Mayor Ahmet Misbah Demircan, MSFAU Rector Professor Rahmi Aksungur, Swedish Consul-General Torkel Stiernlf and Istanbul 2010 ECOC Agency Assistant Secretary-General Mehmet Grkan. Remarking that he was one of the students of lhan Koman, Professor Aksungur said: Koman has studied and worked in the workshop here for many years, and now his travelling workshop anchors right in front of it. This has an emotional value for us. Every year the Academy opens with an exhibition by a famous alumni, this years exhibition is by Koman. Consul-General Stiernlf also noted that he was proud of welcoming Hulda, and that Koman was strengthening the links between Turkey and Sweden. Actually, I am the one who is the happiest here, because this boat will remain anchored for two months at the Hasky shore and it will primarily address our children, Mayor Demircan added.

We had a dream and it came true 30 years later

Greeted with great interest from the press, the two-masted centennial schooner then took off to the Esma Sultan Mansion in Ortaky where a cocktail dinner and concert would take place, giving a lift to the welcoming audience. Sailing with Hulda, which housed the genius of lhan Koman for twenty years, as the sun set on the Bosphorus was indeed a great pleasure. On the deck, we had a conversation with Kaya Hota, who has been a crewmember since the beginning of the journey.

How was the journey? After three months of restoration, we set off in March last year. We had official ports where we would open exhibitions, but we also touched at many other ports. At the official ports we had partners such as maritime museums, science and technical institutions. At every stage, very many people joined in and we met some very special people. The target audience was 20,000 but I think we reached over 30,000. One of the things I liked the most was for instance the workshop in Barcelona, where we taught children how maps were made in the Middle Ages. Do you see the knowledge they received at that age? I am one of the few people who know the boat the best, because I had been on it when I was a student in the 1970s. That is when I got to know the late Mr Koman and Ahmet Koman. I had a Jewish friend from Istanbul, a wonderful man called Benjamin. He told me There are three kinds of people, a Belgian philosopher said: Those who are alive, those who are dead, and those who are at sea. Indeed so. A day at the sea is worth a twenty on land. Sea is a different world, it is very tiring if you do not know it and like it. When we were in Naples, we got invited to the classic yacht festival in Sete I dont know how they found us. We were the flagship of the festival. So while we were returning to the south of France, we saw whales. I was over there hanging around, with a paint brush in my hand. It appeared out of the sea, as if saying Where the hell did you come from, a single glance makes you understand that it is a smart animal. Then he dived back, I was paralyzed. Neither fear, nor breathing. Long afterwards I came to my senses and started to hit my foot to the ground to call the others: Look, whale, whale! What does arriving in Istanbul feel like? Amazing. I knew Uncle lhan in person and I knew about his dream, we used to talk about it 30 years ago. Now that it comes true, it feels very different. You dream of something, and 30 years later you actually live it. This is inexpressible. I havent grasped it yet; we will probably get the hang of it after tonight.

Hulda Festival will continue until the end of November

The Hulda attracted a great interest in Stockholm, Amsterdam, Antwerp, Bordeaux, Lisbon, Barcelona, Naples, Malta and Thessaloniki. Most of the festivals Istanbul events will continue until the end of November so it is not too late to be a fellow passenger of the Journey into Arts and Science! lhan Koman Exhibition aboard M/S Hulda: If you want to see the Hulda boat anchored in front of the Beyolu Municipality Sailing School in Hasky, and also 20 of the latest Koman works, you have time until November 23. The exhibition is open every day from 10.00 to 19.00. Workshops: Held daily at the Beyolu Municipality Sailing School in Hasky, the workshops teach children how to combine arts and science in an interesting and fun way, under headlines such as Life in Seas, Energy Workshop or DNA Modeling. They will also continue until November 23. For program and registration: hulda@koman.org All activities are free of charge. For more information www.huldafestival.org

26

festival
Istanbuls streets and venues have been pulsating with arts since the weather got warm, and the city hosted an unprecedented festival on the weekend of July 2-4. Istanbul 2010 ECOC Agency, Istanbul 74 and the British cultural diplomacy brand, Liberatum, joined forces to bring some of the worlds leading fashion, arts, architecture, literature, music and film icons to Istanbul. Following a weekend filled with talks and shows, the people of Istanbul got to know them, and they got to know the legendary connector of two continents.
Text and interviews BERVAN AYDIN

from istanbul

The coolest festival of the summer:

ISTANBUL has always been a vibrant city, but its residents were never exposed to such high levels of culture and arts. On the first four days of July, Istanbul hosted an elite group of some of the most talented names of the international arts and fashion circles. Setting out with the motto Paying tribute to Istanbuls cultural heritage and celebrating its creative future, Istancool featured an ambitious and original programme aimed at raising the profile of Istanbul as a forward-thinking capital of culture. Amazed by young Turkish people and their drive and determination, their passion for life, culture and creative pursuits, Liberatums young founder Pablo Ganguli said the festival was primarily held to further encourage them to push artistic boundaries. The festivals creative director Demet Mftolu was happy that they realized a significant addition to the European Capital of Culture calendar with a project resembling the mind-blowing creative exhibitions and shows that she sees abroad. Even before it began, the Turkish press called Istancool the most colourful, exciting and striking event of the 2010 European Capital of Culture activities. A mere glance at the festivals programme and guest list helped to explain the rather die than miss it attitude of the press. The programme included exhibitions, performances, art installations, fashion showcase, talks, discussions, Q&A sessions and film screenings, most of which were open to all. Guests included celebrities from London, New York, Paris and Milan.

What happened?
On Thursday, June 1 guests were invited to dinner at the Sakp Sabanc Museum.

Before the dinner, organized in honour of Architect Zaha Hadid, the guests had the chance to see the Legendary Museum exhibition at the museum. On Friday morning, the group went to Vakko Cultural Centre and listened to a special piano recital by Michael Nyman. Moving on to the Seed for the official opening ceremony, the group then listened to Nobel Laureate Sir VS Naipaul who read from A Writers People: Ways of Looking and Feeling. Next was a Q&A session with Franca Sozzani, editor of Vogue Italy, and that was followed by a panel titled The Future of Digital Media. The same night, the Istanbul 2010 ECOC Agency and the Ministry of Culture and Tourism held a gala dinner that hit the bulls-eye, so to say. Guests arrived at sunset in the garden of this historical seafront building located where the Bosphorus and the Golden Horn meet. So they had no choice but to be mesmerized. As I interviewed British composer Michael Nyman, he said that he would love to give a concert here in September. Later on during his speech, Istanbul 2010 ECOC Agency Secretary General Ylmaz Kurt said: Tonight, we confirmed our motto inspiring city. Michael Nyman said he wants to play here! and the audience cheered for the good news. The night concluded with a Bosphorus cruise on a slick yacht. The second days events were held at Istanbul Modern. Turkish writer Elif afak, British novelist Hanif Kureishi and Sir VS Naipauls wife Pakistani journalist Lady Nadira Naipaul talked about how their childhood shaped their literacy journeys as writers of Muslim origin. Then Michael Nyman discussed his film and photographic work with Haluk Akake. After lunch, the programme included Kim Jones portfolio workshop

The festival featured an ambitious and original program aimed at placing Istanbul at the centre of the international cultural scene.

presented by Vogue, screening of Precious followed by a Q&A session with the director Lee Daniels, Philip Treacy on the art of millinery, and Gore Vidal in conversation with Leyla Umar. Saturdays after party featured the Misshapes and Gareth Pugh as DJs. The last day of the festival, July 4, was held at the Pera Museum. After a private view of the Botero exhibition, Pera Museum Director zalp Birol spoke about the history of the museum and shared old Istanbul photographs from the Suna and nan Kra Foundations Photography Archive. This was followed by Stephen Frears and Vecdi Sayars conversation on independent films. Taner Ceylan told what contemporary Turkish culture means to him. Last but not least, My Beautiful Laundrette was screened, a controversial movie which became a turning point in the careers of its director Stephen Frears and writer Harif Kureishi.
ISTANBUL 2010

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from istanbul

Organizors of Istancool: Pablo Ganguli, Demet Mftolu and Alphan Eeli.

Composer, Author, Director Michael Nyman:

British author Hanif Kureishi

I am very happy to be here. Istanbul is a very modern city.... Everything is functioning well; there are modern buildings and good transport. The traffic is terrible, but so is the traffic in London, Paris or Amsterdam. I thought Istanbul would be crazier and noisier, maybe more like India or Lahore in Pakistan, but it is quite civilized. Im very interested in meeting writers and artists from this place so we can talk, have an exchange. I know many writers from here. One of the most important writers of the world, Orhan Pamuk comes from Istanbul. Im very happy to be in his hometown. You must be very proud to have a Nobel Prize winner coming from your country!

Who came?
Sir VS Naipaul, Nobel Laureate novelist Hanif Kureishi, one of the 50 greatest British writers since 1945 according the Times Stephen Frears, director of Dangerous Liaisons and The Queen Gareth Pugh, designer recognized for his outlandish club wear Michael Nyman, British composer best known for the Piano movie scores. Kim Jones, fashion designer The Misshapes (Leigh Lezark and Geordon Nicol), New York-based DJ band. Gore Vidal, famous American author and political activist Waris Ahluwalia, Indian jewellery designer and actor Zaha Hadid, a star in architecture Lee Daniels, actor and director of Precious Terence Koh, Canadian artist Philip Treacy, milliner who has designed hats for Givenchy and Chanel Daphne Guinness, fashionista Tony Elliott, founder of Time Out Group Lily Cole, model Jefferson Hack, editor in chief of Dazed & Confused and AnOther Franca Sozzani, editor in chief of Vogue Italy Tony Chambers, editor in chief of Wallpaper* Foreign guests were accompanied by these people from Turkey: film critic and Istanbul 2010 ECOC Executive Committee member Vecdi Sayar, one of most esteemed figures of Turkish media Leyla Umar, artist Haluk Akake, interior designer Serdar Glgn, painter Taner Ceylan, Pera Museum Director zalp Birol, film critic Muammer Brav, co-founder of Istanbul 74 and director Alphan Eeli, novelist Elif afak and chief curator of Istanbul Modern Levent alkolu.
ISTANBUL 2010

Istanbul preserves its sophistication

One of Britains most celebrated composers, Nyman has written operas and string quartets, soundtracks and orchestral concertos. As well as being a composer, he is also a conductor, pianist, author, photographer and filmmaker. Thrilled to interview him, I approached Mr Nyman as he was having a chat with Ylmaz Kurt before the dinner at Sepetiler Kasr, and Mr Kurt asked the first two questions for me! Ylmaz Kurt: What is your first impression of Istanbul? I was first here 44 years ago, in the summer of 1966. My impression is that is immensely sophisticated, and it has not lost its soul. You have actually managed to preserve everything that I loved about Istanbul. There is a higher level of sophistication here, because you have more love and passion for what surrounds you. We have English heritage, but it is a kind of formalized attitudewe do not love it nor cherish it. Ylmaz Kurt: Do you want to play in Istanbul? I would love to do a solo piano concert. I really would like to work with local folk musicians. The music I write is very personal and very out of my culture, but it seems to communicate to musicians from other cultures. Do you find Istanbul inspiring? I honestly do. The last time I came it was for only one night, so there was no chance to see anything and more importantly, no chance to meet anybody. So now by being here for longer, I found an audience. You are part of it; all these wonderful, intelligent, elegant people are part of it. If you are in a space that you are not really familiar with, with an audience who are sitting in the dark, and you dont know any of them personally, then you still perform pretty well, but to have the chance of renewing ones love for a city like this, and to have personal friends in the audience is just a better thing. So I am persuading them to give me a concert in September. Thats great news! You are the first journalist to know. I feel proud! By the way, our new issues theme is bridge. You know how people refer to Istanbul as the bridge between Europe and Asia, would you agree that it is more than that? This is a unique situation obviously, but it is also what it is itself. Its interesting that in England we never read about Turkey, except to do with Islam, to do with preparing yourself for the EU. And Im glad that you failed to get into the EU, because all this would be destroyed and it would become uniform, unified, it would lose its specialness. There were two things that really impressed me. The first time was when the Turkish government refused to allow American planes to overfly Turkey during the invasion of Iraq. And then, the position that Turkey took with the Israeli attack on the ships that were taking benefits to Gaza was very dignified. So suddenly Turkey becomes a player. It is amazing that you rise out of being slightly unsure of yourselves. I have this love of Turkey going back to when I was 22; I feel very proud of and I really support anything good that happens to Turkey or in Turkey. This is a new Istanbul for me. And the most valuable thing is that I am meeting real people from Istanbul.

Nobel Laureate Sir VS Naipaul

I was very glad to come here. I should have thought of it before on my own. When I was a young man, it was not a place people came to. It was very far away, very alien and people never thought of it. So I suppose I fell into that way of thinking and travelled to the standard places, travelled to Europe, Spain France and Italy and left Turkey out. Then peoples attitude to the world changed. My attitude to the world has changed. I dont know how much Istanbul has changed. I havent seen enough of it; Ive only been here a few days.

Director Stephen Frears

When I was a child, I was taught history and Istanbul, or Constantinople as it was then known as, was clearly very important, and I never understood why it was so until I came here. When you see the geography of it, and the connection between Europe and Asia and it all makes sense. The clash of cultures is very interesting. The Asian side is less European, I find that complexity rather interesting.

30

summit

from the world

European Union Prize for Cultural Heritage

Protector of the European cultural heritage

Europa Nostra
Maybe you have heard its name this year for the first time, and that was probably because of the European Cultural Heritage Summit sponsored by the Istanbul 2010 ECOC Agency. Europa Nostra, or the Pan-European Federation for Cultural Heritage, is an organization committed to safeguarding Europes cultural heritage.
Europa Nostra represents some 250 non-governmental organisations (NGOs), 150 associate organisations (such as municipalities) and 1,500 individual members from more than 50 countries that are fully committed to safeguarding Europes cultural heritage and landscapes. It tries to secure the priority of the protection of cultural heritage and to raise social awareness in that matter. As the closest partner of the European Commission, European Council and UNESCO in the field of cultural heritage, Europa Nostra has been organizing congresses in a different city every year since 1963. These meetings are held at a citys most prestigious historical buildings and halls, and of course with the participation of Europes most influential administrators and intellectuals. This conference, or the European Cultural Heritage Summit, was this year held in Istanbul on June 8 to 12. In accordance with the organizations name and purpose, the meetings took place in special venues such as Hagia Irene, Tophane-i Amire, Sirkeci Train Station, Alay Mansion, Istanbul Archaeology Museum, Yldz Palace, Istanbul Library, Kadir Has University and Dutch Palace. Nearly 300 guests from Europe, including the European Commissioner for Education and Culture Androulla Vassiliou and many other representatives of important institutions, had the chance to learn about these exceptional places in Istanbul, and they attended the meetings as speakers. One of the discussion topics of the summit was Cities and City Walls. Europa Nostra Istanbul 2010 Coordination Team answered our questions on the organization and the summit: Can you tell us about the impacts of the summit? The most concrete measure of the summits impact is the increase in the number of institutional and individual membership applications from Turkey to Europa Nostra. In the last year, Europa Nostras corporate members in Turkey doubled by increasing from six to 14, and individual members increased from six to 46, seven to eight times higher. The events we organized especially helped to strengthen the communication between the experts working in the cultural heritage field in Turkey and their colleagues in Europe, and to enhance partnerships in future projects. We aimed to spread the impact of our work on a long term with print publications. European Manifesto for Multiple Cultural Affiliation was translated into Turkish and Europa Nostra Review

magazine published a special Istanbul issue. The preparations for Forum 2010 book continue. If we can find the funds we will also collect the Cultural Heritage and NGOs in Europe preparation panels into a book. Also we inaugurated the Power of Example exhibition in the Sirkeci Train Station. Curated by Yonca Ksebay Erkan, the exhibition covers a selection of 108 European Union Prize for Cultural Heritage Europa Nostra Award winning individuals, institutions and projects. We have very positive feedback from both the congress participants and the exhibition visitors. What was the contribution of the Istanbul 2010 ECOC Agency to the summit? Istanbul 2010 ECOC Agency is the main sponsor of the Europa Nostra Istanbul 2010 events. The agency provided a lot of support for communication issues as well as financial support. By using its own communication network for the press relations and announcements, it contributed to raise our visibility and increase participation in events. How many of your member institutions and individuals are from Turkey and what is the significance of the establishment of the Turkey branch of Europa Nostra? We have nine NGO, five associate and 46 individual members. As part of the Istanbul 2010 preparations and activities, Europa Nostra acquired a much greater number of corporate and individual members, and a founding group with a strong solidarity emerged. So the necessary conditions for the establishment of Europa Nostra Turkey were created. The success of Istanbul 2010 programme and especially the young protectors recognition of and adaptation to Europa Nostra will yield long-term results. The institutionalization which will serve the whole cultural heritage conservation sector, particularly to the members in Turkey, when a strong ownership is established, and cooperate closely with the existing foundations, associations, centres and institutes, and provide efficient communication with Europe, began to be formed at the June 23 Initiative Board meeting where a founding Board of Directors was set up. Can the summit and the Istanbul 2010 events speed up the foundation of Europa Nostras Turkey branch? With the Istanbul 2010 ECOC activities, culture and arts events were brought up in the public agenda. This situation increased the awareness about the importance of preserving cultural heritage. Naturally, the European Cultural Heritage Summit and the Istanbul 2010 events have contributed to the establishment of Europa Nostra Turkey and they will continue to do so.

Since 1978, Europa Nostra has been awarding Europes best cultural heritage applications with the aim to bring them forward. Since 2002, the awards have been given under the name the European Union Prize for Cultural Heritage - Europa Nostra Award under the direction of Europa Nostra and on behalf of the European Union Commission. This year, 29 projects were awarded in four categories at the ceremony in St. Irene on the evening of June 10, attended by Turkish Culture and Tourism Minister Erturul Gnay and the Istanbul 2010 European Capital of Culture Agency Executive Committee President ekib Avdagi. The Yeni Mosque Sultans Pavilion Restoration project from Turkey was awarded in the category of Conservation. Sponsored by Istanbul Chamber of Commerce, the restoration took four years and 9 million Turkish liras to complete. The award was presented by Minister Erturul Gnay and EU Commissioner for Education and Culture Commissioner Androulla Vassiliou to the president of the restoration project, Architect Hatice Karakaya European Union Prize for Cultural Heritage was also given to projects from cities such as Berlin, Amsterdam, Paris, Copenhagen and Cartagena in the fields of Conservation, Research, Dedicated Service by Individuals or Organizations, and Education/Training/Awareness-raising.

ISTANBUL 2010

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interview

from Europe

European Commissioner for Education, Culture, Multilingualism and Youth

Androulla Vassiliou:

"I was struck by Istanbul's energy"

Interview BERVAN AYDIN

"Istanbul is a very special city where the old and the new, traditional and modern, co-exist in harmony. I adore the sounds and scents of the market places, the dazzling architecture and the spirit of the people" says Androulla Vassiliou, the EU Commissioner for Education, Culture, Multilingualism and Youth. We asked Ms Vassiliou, who praised the Istanbul 2010 ECOC Agency for "opening up culture to people", what value the title of European Capital of Culture will add to Istanbul, how it will affect our integration with the European Union, about her first initiative The European Heritage Label, and what Istanbul means to her.

As you presented the Europa Nostra Awards of 2010, you praised the Istanbul 2010 project for "opening up culture to people". Nurturing cultural integration is one of your priorities as EU Commissioner. In what ways do you think that being a European Capital of Culture will affect the integration of Istanbul, and of Turkey for the matter, with the EU in the long-term? The European Capital of Culture has always been an opportunity for Europeans to meet, to share experiences, to learn about what they have in common and to celebrate their diversity. In setting up the European Capitals of Culture initiative, one of our main aims was to promote and celebrate this cultural diversity, as well as to encourage intercultural dialogue and mutual understanding. The program for Istanbul 2010 highlights the links between Istanbul and European cultures. However, it is important to stress that Istanbul European Capital of Culture is above all a cultural event. The title was awarded following a selection process established by an EU Decision (1622/2006/EC). The proposal was assessed by a panel of independent experts according to the criteria laid down in the rules. There were no political considerations in the designation of Istanbul as European Capital of Culture 2010. In terms of Turkey's long-term integration with the European Union, Turkey is a candidate country which started accession negotiations with the EU in 2005. The shared objective of this process is EU membership, even if its outcome of the accession process cannot be guaranteed in advance. Turkey will be able to join the EU once it has met all the relevant conditions. Your first initiative in the cultural field was to develop the "European Heritage Label". You wish to highlight the sites which celebrate European integration, history and ideals. What are the criteria you apply for the selection? On a rather jealous note, why is the Label exclusive to EU members only? As you correctly state, the proposal to establish the European Heritage Label as an EU-wide initiative was my first initiative

(announced 9 March 2010). There are three aspects the criteria for selection. Firstly, sites put forward for the award must have a symbolic European value and must have played a significant role in the history and building of the European Union. Secondly, they must have a strong educational dimension, reaching out to citizens, especially young people. For me, this is the main added value of the label compared to existing cultural heritage schemes, which put more emphasis on the conservation of sites. The European Heritage Label will also encourage networking between sites to share experiences and best practice. Finally, candidates will have to submit a plan to ensure sound management of the site, the quality of the reception facilities, and its promotion as a sustainable tourist destination. The European Heritage Label is very closely linked to the history and development of the European Union, and one of its main aims is to bring citizens, especially young people, closer to the European Union. Given the nature of the initiative, I believe that it is wiser to launch the label with the Member States of the European Union only. However, we will evaluate and monitor how it works in future. As part of that process, we will examine whether it should be extended at a later date to non-EU countries, including Turkey, which participate in the Culture Program. As a lawyer, politician and even First Lady of Cyprus, it seems that you have always been a powerful woman working to improve people's lives. Leaving aside your Commissioner identity, how do Istanbul's colours, flavours and spirit appear to you as a woman? Nobody visiting Istanbul can fail to be seduced by the colours, flavours and spirit of this city of amazing contrasts. On my most recent visit, for the European Union Prize for Cultural Heritage/Europa Nostra Awards, I was once against struck by the wonderful energy of the city. It's a very special place, where old and the new, traditional and modern, co-exist in harmony. I adore the sounds and scents of the market places, the dazzling architecture and the spirit of the people.
ISTANBUL 2010

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venue

bridge

There are two famous schools on either side of the Galata Bridge. One represents the German ecole, and the other the French. With regard to their histories, buildings, facilities and achievements most people think of them as private, yet they are state schools. Istanbul and Galatasaray High Schools are two bridges of education, introducing Turkeys finest students to Europe and vice versa.
Text BERVAN AYDIN

COKUN AYDIN

two high schools

Two bridges of education,

GALATASARAY GRADUATES ASSOCIATION ARCHIVE

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venue
LEGEND HAS IT that Sultan Bayezid II enjoyed roaming Istanbul, disguised as an ordinary citizen. One day he discovered a marvellous garden near Galata filled with beautiful roses in different colours. He asked the keeper of the garden, Father Rose, how he should arrange Istanbul as it filled with many immigrants. Father Rose suggested him to establish a school. It is not clear whether Bayezid II followed his advice, but Galata Saray Imperial School was founded in 1481. The school was meant to prepare students to take up administrative and diplomatic roles. The school is now called Galatasaray Lisesi, yet its mission remains the same. Amidst the uproar of stiklal Avenue traversed by millions every day, this high school remains an oasis. As soon as you enter the garden, you feel the centuries that have come and gone, and the almost-materialized dignity. Galatasaray graduates are not exactly modest, as their motto shows: J'aime la qualit, j'aime la superiorit, alors j'aime mon Lyce, French for I like quality, I like superiority, thus I love my high school. This is for good reason, though. From the outset, Galatasaray has been the Window to the West of Turkey. As part of the Westernization movement in the late Ottoman Empire, Sultan Abdlaziz reorganized the school according to the French lyce system. The new Lyce Imprial Ottoman de Galata-Srai aim to raise the intellectual staff who would realize the reform in the legal, political and social fields. It was reopened in 1923 under the name Galatasaray Lisesi and adopted to the Republican revolution. The obligation to speak in French during breaks was cancelled, however many other traditions remained the same. The most

Istanbul Lisesi was built in 1897 by Alexandre Vallaury, the Levantine architect of French origin who blended Ottoman and Western architectural styles and presented Istanbul with unique buildings such as the Pera Palas Hotel and the Archaeological Museums.

IF YOU CLIMB the Babali Slope and turn to the street of the Iranian Consulate-General, you will come across a historical building that somehow manages to hide within the silhouette of the Historical Peninsula despite its glory and grandeur. The yellow-black emblem at the entrance belongs to Istanbul Lisesi, one of the oldest and most successful high schools in Turkey. The first owner of this building was the Council of Ottoman Revenues and Debts Administrations. Judging by the location of the building, it seems that the European states wanted to remind Topkap Palace of its increasing debt. The building with a view of Sarayburnu, Galata, Golden Horn, skdar and the Bosphorus has been hosting the Istanbul Lisesi since 1933. It is a school with marble staircases and high ceilings illuminated by streams of light filtered through the coloured-glass dome; and its students graduate dreaming of the day on which they can skip school by discovering the tunnels from the Byzantine cistern in the basement, leading to Hagia Sophia and Eminn. Founded in 1884 under the name The Example of Progress, Istanbul Lisesi is still mostly known as Istanbul Boys High

School (EL), even though it has been also taking girls since 1964. The students who perform best at the secondary school leaving examinations across the country can enter Istanbul Lisesi, where they receive a challenging five-year education combining Turkish and German curriculums. After the German preparatory class, German teachers instruct the science, maths and foreign language classes. Final year students can take the examinations in these fields to get the Abitur, or German high school diploma, and it is also natural for the same students to rank at the top in the university entrance exams. Graduates are mainly disperse amongst Bosphorus University, ITU, METU and medical schools, but they might also be found abroad in a range of universities from Heidelberg to Massachusetts Institute of Technology. What makes Istanbul Lisesi exceptional is the Weltanschauung, or worldview, it gives to its students, who are only teenagers as they argue in three different languages, calculate how to launch a rocket into space in a physics exam, and make fun of everyone and everything, but mostly, of one another. The most famous victim of the schools infamous tradition of jokes and tricks that zealously resists the German discipline must be the short story writer Sait Faik Abasyank, who was expelled with his 40 classmates for putting a needle in the seat of Arabic teacher Salih Efendi and not confessing which one of them did it. Other famous graduates include Foreign Minister Ahmet Davutolu, two Turkish prime ministers, erif Gren, Professor-in-ordinary Ekrem Akurgal, Erol Evgin, Sadri Alk, Mnir zkul, Asm Kocabyk, Ali Saydam, mit Kvan, Banu Gven and several others.

incomprehensible for those outside of the Galatasaray community is the fraternal hierarchy. For instance, younger students must address their elders as Aabey (older brother) or Abla (older sister), and the elders must protect the younger brothers and sisters. Nonetheless, the commitment and support that Galatasaray graduates have for one another cannot be found in any other institution. Another tradition of the school going on since 1934 is the Rice Day. The education here lasts five years, and it is primarily in Turkish and French, whereas English and Italian are taught as foreign languages. Graduates can take the French Baccalaureate diploma, and they have no difficulty in enrolling in any university in Turkey and abroad. Galatasaray has produced two prime ministers, eight foreign ministers, several ministers and over a hundred ambassadors. Famous graduates include Tevfik Fikret who was also a school principal, Nazm Hikmet, Sedat Simavi, etin Altan, Mehmet Ali Birand, Ara Gler, Bar Mano, Fikret Mull, Ahmet nsel, Cengiz Aktar, Nedim Grsel, Candan Eretin, Ferhan ensoy, Okan Baylgen and many others.

Photos MEHMET BURAK SOYSAL

Dating back to 1481, Galatasaray Lisesi has the first conference hall of Turkey. It was built at the request of Tevfik Fikret, well-known author and the school principal. Both the entrance gate on stiklal Avenue and the garden with centuries-old trees represent the schools deep-rooted history.

GALATASARAY GRADUATES ASSOCIATION ARCHIVE

bidge

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music

citys energy

Miss Pera is back home!

Z Mziks founder and producer Nilfer Saltk chased an instrument called laterna she saw in old Istanbul movies and heard about in stories. She found the last laterna maker, Panos Ioannidis, in Thessaloniki and convinced the master, of Istanbul origin, to make the Laterna of Istanbul. Sponsored by the Istanbul 2010 ECOC Agency, the laterna is nowadays cheering Istanbuls streets together with its dancers, photographer and erbeti serving cool lemonades.
Interview BERVAN AYDIN Photos COKUN AYDIN

How did you choose the repertoire of the Laterna of Istanbul? Panos helped us with the Greek songs. We added pieces that the young people are familiar with. Then we blended these with Turkish-Greek common songs. Within the scope of the project, we are preparing a CD and a documentary movie. I did not want this adventure going on for two years, and these sorrows and joys happening on the streets to disappear into thin air. Also, it is very hard to find laterna recordings except in the movies. You brought the laterna back to Istanbul. Your husband Hasan Saltk, the founder of Kalan Music, is a music archaeologist saving Anatolian melodies from vanishing. How will we ever pay our debts to the Saltk Family? The laternas return to Istanbul is an indicator that the citys history is protected. I cannot understand when people say This city is overit is not worth doing anything. Then we should not live, there should be no hope. Your image looks very well on the laterna you have worked so hard for Panos is a tactful artist; he sympathized with my enthusiasm and made an unforgettable gesture. I thank him once more. Laterna is a female instrument, so it is ornamented, a womans figure is placed in its middle, and the accompanying tambourine is decorated with ribbons. There are idioms such as you are a woman like a laterna. They call the laterna Lady of the Streets, and I call it Miss Pera. Dancers dressed in period costumes, erbeti, photographer They take people to a hundred years ago in the past. What are your plans for the future? We wanted to animate the era, and we added some visuality of course. With this event, I thought that we should conduct a documentation of remaining laternas in Istanbul. Why should we not make an exhibition with the laternas we will find in the attics, church stores and private collections? What is the feedback you get from the audience? The new generation does not really recognize the laterna, which is only natural. But the elderly people do. A Greek from Istanbul cried when he saw the laterna. Aside from its female identity, the laterna also has a torn-between identity. After the population exchange, it was not very popular here because it reminded people of the Greeks, and it was not liked in Greece because it reminded people of Anatolia. It is sad that an instrument is seen that way. Sometimes there are no words to say, just like now.

ONCE UPON A TIME, the laterna was the backbone of outdoor festivals in Istanbul. It sounded like a live orchestra and could easily be taken to the tavern, countryside or fairground. When the crank was turned, seven thousand pins studded carefully on a wooden barrel could play nine different songs. As Greek musicians migrated away during the years of population exchange, the laterna also faded away. Almost a hundred years have passed. Z Mziks founder and producer Nilfer Saltk chased the instrument she saw in old Istanbul movies, and heard about in stories of the Kathane Festivals. Sponsored by the Istanbul 2010 ECOC Agency, the laterna has entertained the people on Istanbuls streets for two months, together with its authentic dancers, photographer taking souvenir photos, and erbeti serving cool lemonades to the audience. Nilfer Saltk told us of the Laterna of Istanbul.

Can you tell me why you found the last laterna maker in the world and made him construct the Laterna of Istanbul? The laterna was already there, it was Istanbuls. In the early 1900s, people danced with it, they enjoyed themselves, felt sad, had drinks and sang What we do is a sort of reestablishment, actually. It is a turn to basics, and a love of Istanbul. I think this is the worlds most beautiful city. Holding the title of Capital of Culture is good obviously, but with the culture it hosts, Istanbul is an undisputable capital. Show me another city that is as multicultural, as passionate and still as beautiful as Istanbul. Back in time, the laterna has brought the Greeks, Turks and Armenians of this city together, and it expresses Istanbuls identity very well. When I first heard the sound of the laterna, I knew that it should be in Istanbul.

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opening
Celebrating its new title with the worlds prominent personalities in politics, culture, arts and media, Istanbul is being rediscovered in 2010.

from istanbul
COKUN AYDIN

While it became a European Capital of Culture, Istanbul hosted Ministers of Culture from several European countries. We asked them about our common heritage and Istanbul.
Interviews LALEHAN UYSAL - BERVAN AYDIN

Minister of Culture of UKRAINE* Vasyl Volodymyrovych Vovkun Minister of Culture of PORTUGAL Maria Gabriela da Silveira Ferreira Canavilhas
Welcome to Istanbul, how has your trip been so far? As Minister of Culture for Portugal, my aim is to understand the cultural organizations of other countries, especially of those which we want to consider as part of the European community. I am visiting museums and mosques. The directors of these institutions explained to me how financial support is organized, and how the partnership between state and private founders is used for cultural purposes. I find it very interesting that in Istanbul and Turkey, culture is understood as a public right as well as a public obligation. What impressed you most so far? What impressed me most is the way this culture is a mix of so many cultures. It is really amazing the way this beautiful country is able to combine cultures from all parts of the world that are together here in Turkey. A unique country, unique people, and unique way of living. I am sure that I will also be impressed by the palaces and museums I have yet to visit. Being Portuguese, how do you see Istanbul from there? Portugal is at the one edge of Europe and Turkey is at the other. So I see our two countries as the boundaries of Europe. We feel, as you do, that we are on the periphery of the big decisions and strategies. Countries like ours should stand together. This way, the peripheral countries can have the same weight as the central countries. How did you like the opening show? I was not expecting that kind of concert. A potpourri of little pieces would be difficult in the centre of Europe where people are stricter. If they listen to Verdi they listen to all of it, for one hour, non-stop. I was also surprised with the amount of pop music, which is, in traditional countries, considered not to be first class music. But the good thing is that the Turkish pop music is directly rooted in your traditional music, which makes it more authentic. We have many things in common. Are we also going to realize common events? I have met your Minister of Culture. We decided to organize a cultural event together at the end of this year in Portugal, and then we aim to repeat it in Turkey. It might be an exhibition or a traditional music festival. I invited him to Portugal to inaugurate it. We shared a destiny with Kiev, you were also a candidate for 2010 ECOC. It is very important and special that you are here The first time I came to Istanbul was only last year; but I had many dreams about that trip. In the 10th century, Princess Olga of Kiev came to Constantinople. She converted from Paganism to Christianity, and she is the first Russian female saint of the Orthodox Church. When she went back, she brought along the culture of this beautiful town. Olgas grandson Vladimir ordered a church inspired by Hagia Sophia to be built in Kiev. So both you and we have a Hagia Sophia today. So our partnership dates way back before 2010. Considering all these links, do you feel part of our ECOC joy? In the Middle Ages, when Russia didnt exist yet, the Kievan Rus was ruling the region. Then the Black Sea became a maritime territory for the Turks and Ukranians. Lady Roxelana of the Harem was from Ukraine. We see many things in common, looking at the 17th and 18th centuries. Turkish and Ukrainian have many words in common. In the show tonight, we saw traditional clothes which are similar to ours Our ancestors did not only battled, but also taught each other. Unfortunately Kiev is not a ECOC this year, I hope that she will become one in the upcoming years. As the Minister of Culture, I am mostly interested in attending many cultural events and observing the organizations. We have many things in common, especially in the cultural field. When I go back I will ask my colleagues to work on how the two countries can collaborate more. For example, a year after Sertab Erener won the Eurovision, Ruslana won the contest, and the two artists gave a concert last year in Ukrain. So as Ukraine and Turkey, we have such potential. Did your dreams about Istanbul come true when you came here? I was particularly impressed by the citys look; it is as glorious as an opera stage I am impressed by the people. Ukrainians and Turks are both open and goodhearted. The architecture is really interesting, leaving aside the obvious symbols such as the mosques and Hagia Sophia...the way houses mingle surprises me. Did it fit in your dreams that Istanbul became a cultural capital? I congratulate Istanbul wholeheartedly for receiving this well-deserved tenure. I have had a chance to meet Mr Erturul Gnay tonight, he told me about the activities which will take place this year. I will write him an official letter about the issue. I will try to find ways to collaborate with the Istanbul 2010 ECOC programme.
EREN AYTU

* Having attended the Istanbul 2010 ECOC opening ceremonies as the Ukranian Minister of Culture, Mr Vovkun later resigned.

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COKUN AYDIN

Minister of Culture of SERBIA Nebojsa Bradic

What impresses you most in this city, Istanbul? Culture. All the cultural diversity, and the level of culture that reaches from the ground to the sky. And the people...Here you feel the civilizations gathered together, and how they have been replaced by others over time. As a person from Serbia, I always feel that a part of our history, tradition and culture is connected to Constantinople, and after that to Istanbul. We found out that right after your plane landed in Istanbul, you wanted to go and see a play by a Serbian author. How did you find it? It was the General Rehearsal for a Suicide. Serbian author Dusan Kovacevic is one of our most famous, and his plays are represented all over the world. I have been to other performances of the play, but this was a unique opportunity as it was also the reopening ceremony of the Muhsin Erturul Theatre. I have a very good collaboration with people from Turkish theatre some are my friends. Last year I attended a performance of Dervish and Death in Kocaeli. This was a play that I adapted from Mesa Selimovics novel. It was the first time that a Serbian author was presented in Turkey. You were the head director of the Serbian National Theatre I have a long history in theatre. I started as a director and then became a general director. I directed more than 80 performances. For me, international cooperation is very important, as is communication between the state and cultural organizations. I am truly happy that Serbian artists and projects will play a role in Istanbuls ECOC program. Is the Serbian Ministry of Culture preparing any official requests to better facilitate cooperation from Turkey? Last year we signed a bilateral cultural cooperation

agreement. Last month in Konya we had a meeting with culture ministers on intangible cultural heritage. There we discussed theatre, music and literature projects. One very specific project that we would like to support is Emir Kusturicas. He wants to shoot a movie based on Nobel Prize winner Ivo Andrics novel titled Bridge on the Drina. The bridge over the Drina River was built by Sokullu Mehmet Pasha, the Grand Vizier of Kanuni Sultan Suleyman and a Serb by origin. Thus it belongs to both cultures, connects our histories and our nations.

Minister of Culture of ALBANIA Ferdinand Xhaferri

Welcome to Istanbul. What do you think of our city? I think that Istanbul is a very attractive city, and you produced some excellent celebrations for the ECOC Year. However, it does not really matter whether Istanbul is officially declared a capital of culture. I think that Istanbul has been and will be a cultural capital forever. To me, regardless of where you come from, be it the Balkans, Asia or the US, everyone can feel a piece of their own here. This makes Istanbul the cultural capital of the whole world, not only of Europe. I am glad that you enjoyed it. Do you have a personal symbol of the city, what impresses you most? I think it would be the sea, the way it fits together with the citys essence. There are many centres in the world declaring that they are the bridge between the East and the West. Yet in fact, only Istanbul can make such a statement. What fascinates me most is the way Istanbul brings so many things together. Coming back to my previous idea, whether you come from the Western Europe, from Asia or Africa, you can find a piece of your own in Istanbul. Our countries share a common history, are we having any common projects this year? I had a wonderful meeting with Mr Gnay, the Turkish Minister of Culture. Our political and economic relations are excellent. So as culture ministers it is our responsibility to move further in the cultural field with our projects. We have an excellent cooperation. I invited Mr Gnay to visit Albania in the spring. It is a good thing that the Turkish ministry of culture covers tourism, too. As I see it, we have a common objective on how to improve and have a better presentation of our cultural heritage to serve tourism. As an Albanian, how do you see Istanbul from there? Based on our past and common roots, we have a very good relationship with many cities and countries. When it comes to Turkey though, the term we use is brotherhood beyond friendship. This is the way Istanbul appeals us.

EREN AYTU

EREN AYTU

EREN AYTU

Mayor of PCS Zsolt Pava

Welcome to Istanbul. Is this your first time here? My one and only visit to your city was in 1990. The infrastructure has changed.Traffic was worse back then, now it seems better. I am enjoying my trip. We share the same title, joy and energy with Pcs this year. Are we collaborating in any projects? Pcs has a population of only 150,000 - it is not really comparable to Istanbul. Yet we have the same title now. It is a good opportunity to think over the links between Pcs and Istanbul, Hungary and Turkey. We can cooperate on new projects, and that is what I and your mayor, Mr Topba, talked about. I invited him to Pcs. In May, Pcs will host a project called the Journey around the Turkish Crescent. Pcs has another Turkish sister city, Ktahya Due to the porcelains, right? Exactly. Both cities are very famous for their porcelains. Ktahya has been Pcs sister city since 1975. I think that kind of link should also be built with Istanbul. How does Istanbul make you feel? Istanbul has a fantastic atmosphere. No one can remain unimpressed by her strong and definite attraction.Istanbul combines the Roman, Byzantine, Ottoman and other eras. Istanbul is a very enjoyable destination, despite the neglected parts. Yet I am sure that this problem will be solved over time. I found out that there is a restoration project for the old timber houses; these are very attractive aspects of the urban heritage, and I hope that the project succeeds.
ISTANBUL 2010

Do you have a personal symbol of Istanbul? What will first come to your mind when you go back home? My first visit to Istanbul was as a theatre professional, during the summer festival. We were going to perform on the Galata Bridge over the Golden Horn in the open air. It was an interesting experience, and we had a rehearsal during the day. I had one very specific feeling when the sunset came. The lights were going down, and I heard thousands of voices, from the mosques and the noise of the city. That moment made me feel enlightened. Thinking of Istanbul always takes me back to that time, those lights and shadows, the water, and the bridge.

Minister of Culture of SLOVENIA Majda Sirca

Thank you for coming to our city to join in our joy. Being Slovenian Minister of Culture, what do you think of Istanbul? Istanbul is very rich, especially in the sense of cultural heritage. I read about Istanbul and the ECOC program, it is wonderful. Congratulations. The Slovenian city, Maribor, will be 2012 ECOC. So I am here to see what happens. Slovenias population is 2 million, yet many more millions live in Istanbul. That is a big difference. We are rather small but also have a very good heritage which we need to preserve, and we are preparing a big program.

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interview

from the world

European Union Committee of Regions President

Luc Van den Brande:

Istanbul is a world within the world

This is an opportunity, says Mr Van den Brande, President of the EUs Committee of Regions, regarding the ECOC Year of Istanbul a world within the world in his words. He adds: Istanbuls becoming a cultural capital can help us to get to know one another.
Interview LALEHAN UYSAL, BERVAN AYDIN

Your responsibilities focus on local and regional constituencies as opposed to central authorities. Cultural themes and works are prominent among these. Do you think that in present day Europe, cultural and artistic activities can be freed of central interference? Anywhere in the world, you cannot build up a community without values, including cultural heritage and cultural identity. In Europe, we emphasize the so-called subsidiarity principle, namely that the decisions have to be taken at the right place. It would be an illusion to think that only institutions can give direction to our society. The state, along with financial entrepreneurs, should not interfere with peoples creativity. It is not the task of the politicians or institutions to tell creative people what to do. Many observers think that Istanbuls tenure as the cultural capital will have a positive impact on Turkey's European Union (EU) bid. How you assess this observation? I think that being a cultural capital is very important in itself. It is not about awarding cities, but about finding the potential for change. I think that Istanbul has lots of capacities and a real cosmopolitan society. I am sure that for too long too many European people have had just a partial idea and image of Istanbul and of Turkey. This is the opportunity to show that you are part of our common heritage. I think that it could, can and will help to know each other better. This is about building a partnership, and you need to know your partner. Being the cultural capital will provide a better insight to this wonderful society. It is leverage. Turkey's EU prospects are often rejected on cultural ground. Do Europe and Turkey have more in common than some seem to think? The accession to the Union is not and cannot be a
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interview
community and urban society has its own diamond. I can only urge the Turkish authorities to not only accept, but to promote regional and local autonomy. It is not an antagonism to build up the state and also give responsibility to local and regional communities. There is no conflict between these. But people have to understand that only when everybody is on board, we can make progress.
Brande says, I think you have to show yourself as you are. You do not need anything artificial. The program shall obviously include many cultural and interactive activities depicting your past and your future. This is an opportunity to present who you really are.

from the world

wonderful cities in the world the nicest are the cities of my region. But the unique situation here is that it is a world inside the world. And then, speaking in terms of history, Constantinople is part of our mental hard disk... When you are back in your country, what will be the thing you remember first of this city? When I was here for the first time, I took with me the unique combination. When I close my eyes I see not only the Hagia Sophia, but also the small streets, the old station there - Haydarpaa, and one of the Roman baths... This is such a disturbing architecture, a kind of chaos. Part of the feeling I have of Istanbul is chaotic. But in the good sense of the word. Do you have favourite tastes from Turkey? Such as the coffee or simit... Food matters and we have a long gourmet tradition from

Burgundy. Some of my favourites are the vegetables. The best artichokes I ever ate were in this country. Creating wonderful dishes with basic ingredients is part of the heritage of a culture. And rak In 2008 you made a speech for the opening of an Istanbul exhibition in Brussels. And you said Istanbul ECOC will be the showcase for the world. What have you seen displayed so far, what would you rather see in it? I think you have to show yourself as you are. You do not need anything that is artificial or not linked to your essence. The program shall obviously include many cultural and interactive activities representing your past and your future. This is an opportunity to present who you are. The worst is to make an artificial image. You have a lot of diamonds, not just one. The natural Istanbul that is what you have to show. This will open a lot of windows, I am sure.
COKUN AYDIN

In what ways do you think Istanbul is different from the other cities in the world? Istanbul is a unique city in terms of cosmopolitanism. You have the interaction, confrontation, all kinds of doctrines of so many communities living here. It is not only a mixture of communities, but such a energizing city from the moment you step in; you feel that something is behind. When you see the Marmara, Bosphorus, Golden Horn one day in Istanbul and you feel attracted, teased, captured. There are other

EREN AYTU

unilateral process. A partnership requires that both sides evolve. For many years, one of our main questions has been about the limits of Europe. My answer to that is to not just look at the geographical frontiers of the Union. The essential question is whether we can together build up the community of values... where we keep our different values but the basics remain the same. Is Turkey, and will Turkey be a part of our European community? That is the question. I have come to Turkey so many times, not just to Istanbul or Ankara, but also to Pergamon, Ephesus, Seluk, Gaziantep, Diyarbakr. I think that I might have a feeling for the country. We learn about these places the Asia Minor as Europeans call it at school. This is part of our common history. My conviction is that it is in the hands of the Turkish people themselves to become real partners one day, and part of our European community. But also in Europe, we have to oversee the situation, see the opportunities for other European countries, and accept cultural differentiation. With the Lisbon Treaty coming into force the Committee of Regions will have more initiative. How will you organise so as to fully benefit from these new responsibilities? Europe is built step by step. The Committee of Regions is the youngest institution of all. We are only 15 years old. I always say that Europe cannot face challenges and reach its objectives when we are not all working together. Now that we have the Lisbon Treaty setting the new environment to go further, we have to think about how to deliver more. That is the democratic and normal aspiration of our people. That is why we cooperate with the European Parliament, Commission and Council. We have to make clear that the Union gives value to local communities, as small as a village. Each village,
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Published on behalf of Istanbul 2010 European Capital of Culture Agency Chairman of the Executive Board ekib AVDAG Editor-in-Chief Ylmaz KURT Managing Director Osman NCE Editorial Board Chair Prof. Dr. Ahmet Emre BLGL Managing Editor Mehmet GRKAN Editorial Board Filiz BABALIK, Mehmet GRKAN, lhan OUZ, Nilgn REN, Taha ZALP, Olcay YAZICI Place of Management stiklal Caddesi, Atlas Pasaj, No.131 Beyolu 344435 stanbul / TRKYE Tel: 0212 377 02 00 www.istanbul2010.org

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AGENDA
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Cultural and art events calendar Private museums Interview HAYAT YAZICI, Minister of State: 2010 is the year in which change begins

Interview PAUL MCMILLEN and HAKKI MISIRLIOLU, creative directors of Istanbul 2010 ECOC Agency's domestic and international promotional campaings Literature 40 books, 40 authors, 40 districts: stanbulum Art is Everywhere! Works and Lives in Istanbul Portable Arts Photography Parade Kadrga Art Production Centre Cinema 1001 Istanbuls in My Binocular Cinema Lies as the Heart of Istanbul Atf Ylmaz Studio European Culture Award goes to 41-29 stanbul Network Istanbuls Century-Long Transformation: 1910-2010 exhibition Istanbul on the stage! First Istanbul International Opera Festival Seond Istanbul International Ballet Competition Dance, theatre, music: Barbarossa Classical Turkish Music is being archived Inspired Symbols of the City Books and CDs on Istanbul Leaving trails behind

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Kasap Sokak, Hilmi Hak Han No.22 Kat:6 80280 Esentepe / stanbul Tel: 0212 337 51 99 (pbx) Faks: 0212 288 62 36 General Coordinator Cengiz CEMR Publishing Consultants Dr. Cengiz AKTAR, lk KARAOSMANOLU, Prof. nder KKERMAN Creative Director and Editor-in-Chief Lalehan UYSAL Redactor-in-Chief Sleyman KARAN Art Directors Ahmet AKGL, Metin ZKAN Editor Mine EROLU Assistant Editor Leyla BEKTA Photographers Cokun AYDIN, Eren AYTU, Yaln KARADEMR, Caner KASAPOLU English Editor Berivan AYDIN Proofreader Michael WYATT Printing - Binding Matsis Matbaa Hizmetleri A.. Tel: 0212 624 21 11 Type of Publication Periodical
Istanbul 2010 is a quarterly magazine published by the Istanbul 2010 European Capital of Culture Agency, and is free of charge. Texts and photos published in the magazine may be reproduced by the third parties on the conditions that prior permission of the publisher is obtained and the sourse is openly acknowledged.

Yenikap: Istanbul 8,500 years ago Discovering the future in the trails of the past Tsunami and pickle effect An ArcheoPark in Kkyal Sur-i Sultani will be protected The Story of the Strategic Plan for Sur-i Sultani First city museum to be founded on the Islands Interview LBER ORTAYLI, President of Topkap Palace Museum 2,000 Years of Common Heritage

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Interview OYA ECZACIBAI: "Istanbul will be a stage for arts and life to act upon"

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