The 2010 European Capital of Culture: Istanbul

Through this class, I quickly discovered the vibrant, rich and beautiful culture of Istanbul and became more and more enthralled with every aspect of Istanbul; from it's unique location between two the continents of Europe and Asia, to the politics surrounding the city to the overall civilization, I was engulfed with the beautiful city.
While doing research for my final paper, I found that Istanbul will be noted and celebrated as the 2010 European Capital of Culture (by Examiner.com, which is an online-travel guide that features different places of travel around the world) due to its' history, culture, and diversity.

This will be a year-long celebration, where the theme “A City of Four Elements,” focusing on Earth, Air, Water, and Fire, as the theme creatively categorizes Istanbul and it's sense of diversity. Earth represents the values of the past, in relation to the historical development throughout the years and the rule of the Ottoman Empire. Air represents the spiritual wealth of the religious city and a bridge between all cultures. Water is used as another connecting factor, as the people who live nearby and in Istanbul are connected by water, all of these events will take place off of the shores of Istanbul. Lastly, fire is meant to represent the future of Istanbul. This theme will be used as a cultural torch as it will continue to pass throughout generation to generation.

There is no doubt in my mind that Istanbul really is the Capital of culture, after reading some literature in regards to Turkey and doing personal research, Istanbul, Turkey seems like a global melting pot that connects an array of cultures from all around the world. Istanbul also incorporates different aspects from other cultures within their own, such as some European traditions, which is another cause that gives way to the detailed and vibrant city. The theme, “A City of Four Elements,” perfectly fits the personality of Istanbul and represents it's immense history within the city and country, the religious beliefs, and a sense of unity between all cultures.