Istanbul set for weekend capital of culture inaugural shows

Preparations for Istanbul's year as a European Capital of Culture (ECOC) have finally concluded, and the Istanbul 2010 ECOC Agency is counting down to the inaugural performances set for this weekend. The inaugural events were introduced at a press conference yesterday at the Ciragan Palace with the participation of agency Chairman Sekib Avdagic, agency Secretary General Yilmaz Kurt, the Spell of Istanbul (Istanbul Buyusu) Artistic Director Yekta Kara, Groupe F Choreographer Christoph Berthonneau, and some of the artists who will perform during the inauguration, including Kıraç, Mercan Dede and Zara. Avdagic said all the ads for the ECOC present Istanbul as a dignified, self-confident city. "The most inspiring city in the world, Istanbul , is ready to share the energy it has with Turkey and with the world through more than 400 special projects that will take place throughout the year," he added. Avdagic said this Saturday, many museums such as the Sakip Sabanci Museum , Istanbul Modern, Asiyan Museum , Sadberk Hanim Museum and Hagia Sophia will be open until midnight. The inauguration will start at seven different places, inspired by the idea of the seven hills of Istanbul . The Halic Congress Center will welcome more than 5,000 guests, including President Abdullah Gul and Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan as well as more than 20 foreign ministers. The performances at the inauguration will be seen by public for the first time. One of the inaugural projects, The Spell of Istanbul, includes various branches of the arts, 303 artists and a staff of more than 450. One of the most significant parts of the inauguration will be the special light and fireworks show on the Halic shore, which will be relayed live to six other squares – Taksim, Kadıkoy, Pendik, Bagcilar, Beylikduzu and Sultanahmet – as well as across Turkey and other parts of the world.