Istanbul 2010 European Capital of Culture
Istanbul is celebrating the title "2010 ECOC" together with all lovers of this magnificent city...
 The European Capital of Culture (ECOC) is a city designated by the European Union for a period of one calender year during which it is given a chance to showcase its cultural life and cultural development. Istanbul will have the honor of being the 2010 European Capital of Culture. Through various activities and festive celebrations held on 16 January 2010 in seven different centres of the city, Istanbul celebrated its new title as 2010 ECOC.
The contemporary artist from all over the world prefers to live in Istanbul not only because the city joins Asia and Europe but also because this city synthesizes Eastern and Western norms, the old and the new, traditionalism with modernism and the universal and the local. Istanbul 2010 European Capital of Culture events are organized at home and abroad with full speed. The city will host over 400 events during the year 2010.
ISTANBUL... The most inspiring city in the world…
By 2010 ISTANBUL will be a city where dreams will be made real…
2010 Formula 1 Turkish Grand Prix
Istanbul is ready, set, go for Formula One race…
 The king of motor sports, Formula One, travel to Turkey for one of the 19 races of the season. The Istanbul Park circuit hosts the Turkish Grand Prix along with thousands of keen spectators. The event will be held at Istanbul Park between May 28 and April 30, 2010.
Starting in Bahrain, the 2010 Formula One season crosses four continents, ending with the big finale in Sao Paulo, Brazil. Highlights include the Monaco Grand Prix, set on the roads of Monte Carlo, and the Italian Grand Prix at Monza, where you can expect passionate support from Ferrari's fanatical tifosi.
The Legend is coming back! The most successful driver in motor racing history Michael Schumacher, returns to race with Mercedes in Formula One after three seasons in retirement. Ferrari’s 2000-2004 champion Schumacher won seven world championships in a career spanning 16 years and 249 races.
The teams and drivers are:
Hamilton and Button – McLauren
Schumacher and Rosberg - Mercedes GP
Massa and Alonso – Ferrari
Vettel and Webber - Red-Bull
F1 session times
Friday 28th May 2010
Turkish Grand Prix Free practice 1 – 10:00 – 11:30
Turkish Grand Prix Free practice 2 – 14:00 – 15:30
Saturday 29th May 2010
Turkish Grand Prix Free practice 3 – 11:00 – 12:00
Turkish Grand Prix Qualifying – 14:00
Sunday 30th May 2010
Turkish Grand Prix – 15:00
Eric Clapton & Steve Winwood
Two legends, one live experience!
 19 Grammy Award winner guitar legend Eric Clapton will be performing with Steve Winwood in Istanbul as part of their European Tour. It’s a union of giants: guitar hero Eric Clapton meets Steve Winwood, one of the most distinctive voices of rock history.
Eric Clapton's solo career has seen him become, arguably, the UK's most influential and commercially successful guitarist after his formative years as a member of classic groups The Yardbirds, John Mayall's Bluesbreakers, Cream and Blind Faith.
His touring band always includes some of the most highly respected and sought after musicians in the world. His hit singles include original songs such as Tears in Heaven (for which he won six Grammies), Wonderful Tonight and Layla together with classic versions of tracks such as, I Shot the Sheriff, Knockin on Heaven's Door and Cocaine.
Event date: 16 June 2010
Venue: Santral Istanbul
Time: 21.00
U2 360 Tour
The legendary rock group U2 will be performing in Turkey for the first time with 360° Tour!
 Tour! Live Nation in collaboration with Pozitif and Istanbul Foundation for Culture and Arts presents the biggest event of 2010, with the support of Istanbul 2010 European Capital of Culture Agency. Legendary rock group U2 will perform in Turkey for the very first time, on 6th of September 2010, as part of its 360º Tour.
This concert will be the biggest stadium concert to be held in Turkey. Long-time U2 Show Director Willie Williams has worked again with architect Mark Fisher (ZooTV, PopMart, Elevation and Vertigo), to create an innovative 360º design which affords an unobstructed view for the audience. U2 360º also marks the first time a band has toured in stadiums with such a unique and original structure (which can be viewed at U2.com). With a cylindrical video system of interlocking LED panels, and a steel structure rising 150 feet from the floor over a massive stage with rotating bridges, the band has truly created a intimate 360º experience for concert goers.
Event date: 06 September 2010
Venue: Ataturk Olympic Stadium
Time: 21.00
Pera Palas Hotel Opening
Agatha Christie's favourite!
The Historic Pera Palas Hotel will re-open its doors in June 2010...
 The Pera Palace Hotel is a world-famous historic hotel located in the Beyoğlu district in Istanbul. It holds the title of "the oldest European hotel of Turkey". The hotel has been closed from 2006, undergoing a major renovation and restoration project and will re-open its doors in April 2010.
The Pera Palace officially opened in 1892. A Belgian rail travel company, the "Compagnie Internationale dés Wagons et des Grands Express Européens", built the hotel to host passengers of the Orient Express, a luxury train with non-stop service from Paris to Istanbul. A French-Arab architect designed the Pera Palace using a mixture of orientalist, rococo, and neoclassical styles reminiscent of other late Ottoman buildings. The hotel has six floors and approximately 145 guest rooms, many of which offer a spectacular view of the Golden Horn.
The hotel has entertained many kings, queens, statesmen and artists from all over the world since its establishment. Notable guests include Atatürk, the founder of the Turkish Republic, whose room is now kept as a museum with the original furniture and objects. British mystery novelist Agatha Christie was in fact one of the hotel's most ardent visitors. The "Agatha Christie Room", number 411, is now preserved in her honor. It is rumored that she wrote the 1933 classic Murder on the Orient Express at the Pera Palace.
The long list of prominent visitors includes Franz Joseph I of Austria, Czar Nicholas II of Russia, King George V of England, Kaiser Wilhelm II of Germany, Franz Josef I Emperor of Austria and King Ferdinand I of Bulgaria. The long list of historically notable people includes Ernest Hemingway, Alfred Hitchcock, Jackie Kennedy, Rita Hayworth, Mata Hari, Jacqueline Onassis, Sarah Bernhardt.
Karakol Restaurant Topkapı
Rediscovering legendary cuisine with cosmopolitan roots...
 The cuisine of the Ottomans, whose empire once stretched from Baghdad to Budapest, was perfected in Istanbul in the 15th and 16th centuries in the kitchens of Topkapı Palace, home of the sultans for 400 years. A chef in the classical Ottoman period might have devoted his whole working life to one dish; modern-day chefs have special training and often base their interpretations on archival research.
In September, a contemporary take on Ottoman cooking came to Topkapı Palace, with the opening of Karakol restaurant, just inside the palace gates in a meticulously restored guardhouse.
Karakol, which means "police station", is located inside the Topkapı Palace between the Church of St. Irene and the palace walls. Karakol restaurant is serving gourmet Ottoman cuisine in an old Ottoman building which was used as a police station in the 19th century. Serving an up-to-date synthesis of traditional Turkish and Ottoman cuisine, Karakol Restaurant develops its menus according to the season, procuring only traditional, natural foodstuffs and carefully preserving the classic flavors.
Karakol Restaurant offers its customers the experience and expertise born of a return to Ottoman cuisine takes its Bosphorus guests on a nostalgic journey into the past. It is a magical setting to remember always.
Paragliding over the Turkish Paradise
Fly like birds from Taurus Mountains to sandy beaches of Mediterranean Sea of Turkey!!!
 A paraglider is a free-flying, foot-launched aircraft, this is one of the best experiences ever. Olu Deniz, on Turkey's Turquoise Coast near Dalaman, is one of the world's best places to paraglide. Single or tandem jumps are on the menu for adrenalin-seekers who want a memory that will last a lifetime. The glide drops 2000 metres, offering views over the Xanthos Valley, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The high mountain peak (1975 metres) of Babadag is the launch point for a breathtaking journey through the clear country air with the lagoon and promontory of Olu Deniz, the Butterfly Valley and the old Greek village of Kadakoy spread out below you.
All you have to do is say "I want this". What's more, in a tandem jump the pilot does the work and your hands are free to take pictures to show pals just how brave you were when you get home!
When: May – October 2010
Time: Available all summer
Where: Babadag Mountain
Rixos Yachting & Aviation
Exclusive Services…
 Rixos Hotels was established in Antalya, the capital of Turkey’s tourism industry. The Rixos Hotels Group, is in service with 5 resorts in Turkey, has highly executive services like Rixos Yachting & Aviation.
Rixos Yachting & Aviation joined the Rixos Group in 2003. The company has been serving as executive air and yacht charter service provider.
Rixos Yachting provides an exclusive luxurious experience for its guests.  Rixos Yachting’s office is located in Antalya, heart of the well known First Class Destination in Turkey. Rixos Yachting’s "Moon Star" is the perfect yacht for an unforgettable experience. "Moon Star" yacht offers an opportunity to explore magnificent Aegean and Mediterranean coasts in luxury isolation from the daily rush.
Rixos Aviation is a premium air transportation service company and provides safe, fast and comfortable travel all over the world with the modern Bombardier Learjet-60 Special Edition.
2010 FIBA World Championship
Turkey is welcoming you to this joyous and exciting event where the greatest of the world basketball will be determined.
Watch the draw live in TURKEY!!!
 Turkey will be the host for the most important basketball event on the globe. The 2010 FIBA World Championship for Men will be hosted by Turkey between August 28 and September 12, 2010 in the cities of Istanbul, Ankara, Izmir and Kayseri.
For the third time since 1986, the World Championship will have 24 competing nations, an increase from 16. As a result, the groups are each playing in different cities, with the knockout round being hosted by Istanbul. The Championship will be played in Turkey in the cities of Istanbul, Ankara, Izmir and Kayseri where where 80 games will be played and followed from all around the world.
Turkey is working with the utmost energy to host 24 countries from 5 continents. The basketball fans travelling to Turkey to be a part of the World Championship will be watching the basketball stars live as well as they will blend with the basketball fans who will gather around from other countries. The guests will taste all the gorgeousness of basketball and have the opportunity to experience the famous natural beauties and historical wonders in place at the same time.
 CITIES
Istanbul is the largest city in Turkey and the fifth largest city in the world with a population of 13,8 million people. It is the only city in the world to straddle two continents, and the only one to have been a capital during two consecutive empires - Christian and Islamic. Once capital of the Ottoman Empire, Istanbul still remains the commercial, historical and cultural pulse of Turkey, and its beauty lies in its ability to embrace its contradictions. Ancient and modern, religious and secular, Asia and Europe, mystical and earthly all co-exist here. The city was chosen as joint European Capital of Culture for 2010.
Its variety is one of Istanbul’s greatest attractions: The ancient mosques, palaces, museums and bazaars reflect its diverse history. And the serene beauty of the Bosphorus, Princes Islands and parks bring a touch of peace to the otherwise chaotic metropolis.
 Ankara is the capital of Turkey and the country's second largest city after Istanbul. The city has a population of 4,3 million. is primarily an administrative city, but it is also an important commercial, industrial, and cultural center. Ankara lies in the center of Anatolia on the eastern edge of the great, high Anatolian Plateau. The region's history goes back to the Bronze-Age Hatti Civilization. The city subsequently fell to the Romans, Byzantines, and Seijuks and then to the Ottomans. It became an important center when Kemal Ataturk chose it as the base from which to direct the War of Liberation.
Ankara, despite its long history, is a thoroughly modern, well-planned city. The city is distinguished by its wide avenues, green parks, elegant shops, embassies and government buildings, and a large number of first class restaurants and hotels.
Ataturk's Mausoleum dominates the modern part of Ankara. The imposing limestone structure, completed in 1953, represents a fusion of ancient and modern architectural concepts. Ankara is also a center of history and culture. The Ethnographical Museum and the Sculpture and Painting Museum are noteworthy for their wide collections of artifacts from the area. The performances of the well-known philharmonic orchestra and frequent artistic events include ballet, theater, opera and folk-dancing.
 Izmir, with an area of 12,012 square kilometers and a population of 3,5 million, is known as the "Pearl of the Aegean.” It has the second largest port in the country and is the number of inhabitants, the third largest city in Turkey. Formerly called the city of Smyrna (Greek name) and was until 1922 mainly inhabited by Greeks. It is one of the oldest cities in the world and famous poets such as Homer should have lived.
The symbol of the city is the "Saat Kulesi" (Clock Tower) on the Konak square with 24m in height was built in the late Ottoman Moorish-style. In further vicinity are some important ruins sites and natural beauties such as Ephesus with the Temple of Artemis, burial place of the Virgin Mary, Pergamon, Camalti Bird Paradise. The Kordonboyu is probably not only Izmir but also the world’s longest bar. Within Turkey, Izmir as the most Western and modern city.
 Kayseri is one of the most important trade centres of the Anatolia region. Located in the middle of the country, it has the feeling of a modern and busy city as well as a strong traditional and religious atmosphere.
The setting is spectacular with the mountains of Mountain Erciyes and Mountain Kara in the background, a snow capped volcano and green fields and the nearby Sultansazlığı bird sanctuary.
Cifte Medrese, Seljuk era Medrese, Mahperi Hunat Hatun Complex, Surp Krikor Lusarovis Armenian Church, a street market next to Citadel are the most important sights to see during the tour.
You should visit Cappadocia which is unique in the world and is a miraculous nature wonder is the common name of the field covered by the provinces of Kayseri. In the upper Myosen period in the Cappadocia region as a result of the vulcanic eruptions occurred in Erciyes, Hasandag and Gulludag, in the region was formed a large tableland from the vulcanic tufas and together with the erosion of the Kizilirmak river and wind over ten thausands of years there appeared the chimney rocks which are a wonder of the nature.
Butterfly Valley Breeding Season
 Butterfly Valley is home to the unique Jersey Tiger butterfly. Between April and June, butterflies in thousands of colours and countless varieties can be seen here. This valley is an interesting canyon with steep cliffs up to 350 meters high and stretches back from the cove some 3-4 kilometers.
Pack your tent and take a boat across the aquamarine waters of the Ölüdeniz lagoon to watch clouds of butterflies flutter across south-western Turkey's protected Butterfly Valley. No wonder the pretty winged insects choose to breed here every year.
Construction is prohibited, so camp overnight or stay in the tree-houses provided. Look out for the beautiful black-and-white-striped Jersey Tiger Moth, as well as the gushing waterfalls and the wide range of plant life. Keep noise levels to a minimum, take nothing but photos and leave nothing but footprints.
Hillside Su - SunSplash Antalya Festival
Sunsplash Antalya is back!
The second Sunsplash Antalya Music Festival will take place between May 23-30, 2010.
 An exclusive week of sun, sea and legendary music in Turkey’s funkiest hotel. Sunsplash Antalya is back! Last year’s debut proved to be a massive hit and our 2010 session promises to be even hotter. Fantastic music, sunshine and party people in a ridiculously beautiful location: the boutique (500 capacity) music festival returns to the amazing 5 star design hotel Hillside Suon Antalya’s Mediterranean Turquoise coast. Antalya Sunsplash takes place 23-30 May, 2010.
SunSplash Antalya, Turkey’s fabulously boutique music festival returns to the stunning Mediterranean coast. Styling itself more as a “private party” than a large festival, SunSplash Antalya takes place in the grounds of the luxurious Hillside Su Hotel. Designed to within an inch of its life, the achingly chic Hillside Su affords guests spectacular rooms with views, a beach-front location, large gym and sporting facilities. There is also great cuisine – the sushi to die for, daily yoga and a world-class spa to relax in after working out on the dance floor. This may well be the healthiest festival you ever attend and hopefully not a raindrop in sight!
SunSplash Antalya brings together some of the UK’s and Turkey’s most influential DJs and musicians to provide the perfect musical accompaniment to a week of chilled out beach days, sunset beach parties, evening club sessions and to top it all; there wont be a single queue or moody bouncer in sight!
Providing the music over the week-long duration will be Gilles Peterson, Norman Jay, Phil Asher, Rainer Truby, Manasseh, Simbad, DJ Cliffy (Batmacumba), Lefto, the bPm and adding a twist of the orient, local offerings include Ahu, Baris K, Dearhead and Fuchs from Istanbul’s award winning Dinamo FM. And, headlining the live stage will be the sonic hurricane that is Jamie Lidell, unleashing brand new material from his forthcoming album.
Against the stunning backdrop of the Taurus Mountains, Hillside Su offers affordable accommodation without compromising on style or service. Designed in the dynamic minimalist style of the ‘60s, six enormous disco balls dominate the impressive lobby and all-white architecture acts as a blank canvas washed over by multi-coloured injections of lighting.
No more sleeping in your wellies and queuing for grim showers... this place has a world class spa, private beach, and a sushi bar!
 Rafting on the Dalaman River
Rafting is one of the exciting, adventured outdoor sport. When you flow on the river with your boat, you will reach to summit of your exciting. Besides, you will have satisfaction to watch unique panaroma of canyons. Especially, to have lunch can’t be described in middle of beatiful natural views. Shortly, you will have an excellent time in rafting.
The fast flowing rivers of the Toros mountains foam with white water, especially at snow melt in spring. 6-10 person rafts and two seater canoes are available at the Dalaman rivers. After basic instruction, paddle practice takes place on a quiet stretch, before the rafts turn their noses to the swooping standing waves.
Take to the waters of the Dalaman River and shout with excitement one minute while negotiating the rapids, catching your breath the next as you float calmly through the canyons lining the Taurus Mountain river.
Trips are available each day between May and October at the Dalaman River, subject to weather in the spring.
 International Yacht Festival
International Yacht Festival will take place in Marmaris town of Aegean Turkish city of Muğla between 09 - 13 May, 2010.
The Marmaris Marina with its promenade adorned with palm trees is like a yachting center. The visitors may join here the “Blue Voyage” and enjoy every single moment of their vacation making a fascinating trip along the coastline of the Aegean. Marmaris is a yachting paradise with vast facilities for yacht owners. In the marina 930 boats, 750 of them in the sea and 180 at land may be accomodated.
Ships from Spain, Greece, the United States, Britain, Italy, Australia, Russian Federation, Ukraine, Israel, Bulgaria, Romania and Germany will take part in the festival. Competitions, concerts, exhibitions and panel discussions will be held and films will be shown as a part of the festival.
 Aspendos International Opera and Ballet Festival
Between 08 June – 01 July 2010
Every summer, operas and ballets are performed in the 20,000 capacity Aspendos Amphitheatre in Antalya as part of the Aspendos International Opera and Ballet Festival. Overlooking the Mediterranean Sea, the 2000-year-old amphitheatre resounds to classical tunes, attracting thousands of spectators.
Organised by the Turkish Culture Ministry's State Opera and Ballet Directorate, the programme has included Verdi's Aida, Orff's Carmina Burana and Puccini's Tosca, with the participation of prominent companies such as Istanbul's State Opera and Ballet Company and Antalya's State Opera and Ballet Company.
Aspendos is renowned throughout the world for its magnificent ancient amphitheatre. It was designed during the 2nd century A.D. by the architect Zeno, son of Theodore. The theatre at Aspendos is also famous for its magnificent accoustics. Even the slightest sound made at the centre of the stage can be easily heard as far as the uppermost galleries.
 Whirling Dervishes Festival
The Commemorative Ceremony for Mevlana, the great Sufic saint (1207-1273), is one of the world's greatest spectacles. Become entranced at the origins of the Whirling Dervishes in Konya, the ancient Selçuk capital, home to Mevlana Jelaleddin Rumi, a revered 13th-century scholar. Every December on the anniversary of Rumi’s death known as Seb-i Aruz, thousands of pilgrims flood Konya to witness the ritualized whirling at his Mausoleum.
Mevlana taught complete tolerance, positive thinking, awareness of God through love and union with God through dance. At his Mausoleum in Konya, centuries-old mystical dances are performed in his honour by his Sufi followers.
The dance, music, listening and spiritual experience fuse together during the dance of the Dervishes, and the religious leader and the leader of the dance also become one. The final night commemorates the death of Mevlana and his union with God.
The dancers are accompanied by the ney (the title of one of Mevlana's longer poems) reed pipe, a reference to the mythological trumpet sur that will be blown on the Day of Judgement.
The dancers' conical hat represents a gravestone, their cloak a coffin and their white skirt a shroud, while the leader represents the sun and the spinning dancers the orbits of the stars and moon. The four dances symbolise the four seasons, the four elements and the four ages of man.
The dancers begin by marching around the hall three times, representing the knowledge of God, the seeing of God and the truth of unity. Then, as each phase of the performance starts, the Dervishes kiss the right hand of the Sheikh (Mevlevi religious leader) and begin to whirl. The head twists to one side, the arms are crossed and the hands are clasped. The upturned palm is said to receive influence from Heaven, which is handed down to the world below by the other hand. With downcast eyes, the dancers spin faster, their long white skirts spinning open like umbrellas.
International Istanbul Music Festival
 The 38th International Istanbul Music Festival will take place between June 03-30, 2010.
Organized by the Istanbul Foundation for Culture and Arts, this annual event is one of the biggest festivals of its kind in Turkey. Since it was first held in 1973, the popular International Istanbul Music Festival has presented an exciting programme of opera and classical musical performances by artists and groups of regional, national and international repute.
With a selection of various historic sites in Istanbul like the Hagia Eirene, the Archeological Museum, Topkapı Palace, Lütfi Kırdar Convention & Exhibition Centre and the Süreyya Opera House as concert venues; 38th International Istanbul Music Festival contributes to the growing appreciation for cultural heritage in Turkey.
In 1992, the Foundation was awarded the "Trophée Internationale des Arts et de la Culture" by Institut International de Promotion et de Prestige of UNESCO.
International Istanbul Jazz Festival
 The 17th International Istanbul Jazz Festival will take place between July 1-20, 2010. Each year the International Istanbul Jazz Festival treats music lovers to a packed two-week programme of jazz concerts. Taking place in various venues around the city, the festival always attracts large crowds made up of jazz fans from Turkey and beyond. Each year, the festival awards a “'Lifetime Achievement Award' to one of the old jazz masters for their contribution to the world of music. Over the years, the festival has welcomed many jazz legends to the stage with past performers including such greats as Ray Charles, Miles Davis, Dizzy Gillespie, the Modern Jazz Quartet, Stan Getz, Ornette Coleman and Youssou N'Dour.
The International Istanbul Jazz Festival presents a remarkable variety of music, ranging from traditional and contemporary jazz to rock, electronica and world music. But, it's jazz in particular that is performed by big names at venues all over the city.
The Cranberries
 Irish indie rock band The Cranberries will perform two concerts in Istanbul and Çeşme in July 2010.
The Cranberries are an irish alternative rock band from Limerick, Ireland that formed in 1989. The group was one of the most successful rock acts of the '90s and sold over 14.5 million albums in the United States alone. The band has achieved four top 20 albums on the Billboard 200 chart and eight top 20 singles on the Modern Rock Tracks chart.
"Zombie", "Ridiculous Thoughts", "Ode To My Family", "Linger", "Animal Instincts" almost anywhere in the world with legendary tracks such as the heart of millions of people who play music with incredible sound and Dolores O'Riordan'ın all of us who captured the spirit of their nearly THE CRANBERRIES, UNILIFE by organizations.
Concerts will be held on July 22 and 23 July in Turkey in the hearts of fans and after 7 years to re-conquer.
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