An update that includes renovations of major historic sites (Topkapi Palace Museum, Hagia Sophia Church) as well as openings and refurbishments of event venues (Maslak Cultural Centre, Ataturk Culture Centre, launch of the Suna K?raç Cultural Centre designed by Frank Gehry, etc.).
The pearl of the Bosphorus will therefore be presenting itself in the best possible light in 2010, a year which - as is the rule in this type of operation - will be punctuated by a host of special events based on a seasonal division based on the theme of the four elements. The beginning of the year will be devoted to Earth, with a major archaeological exhibition. Spring will be dedicated to Air and summer to Water, with an Istanbul and Sea Festival, a celebration of the city's great hammams and the major exhibition "Europe on the Bosphorus". Finally, since the fourth element had to be dealt with, autumn 2010 will be under the sign of Fire, but above all it will be an opportunity to get to know the Istanbul of today, with particular attention paid to showcasing the city's contemporary artists.
