Istanbul readies to assume European Capital crown

An official inauguration ceremony will be held at the Halic Congress Center this weekend to kick off Istanbul's year-long reign as the 2010 European Capital of Culture. Among those set to be present at the ceremony are President Abdullah Gul, Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan, politicians, Turkish business leaders, high-level officials from European and other neighboring countries, artists, and Turkish and foreign journalists. The ceremony will include a fireworks display, a dance performance, and several concerts. The European Capital of Culture (ECOC) is a city designated by the European Union for a period of one year during which it is given a chance to showcase its cultural assets. Istanbul shares its European Capital of Culture 2010 title with Pecs, Hungary and Essen, Germany.