This event will bring together high-level personalities from cultural organisations, the European Union, national and international institutions, think tanks, academia, NGOs and the media, to celebrate Istanbul's cultural vitality and kick off what will be a momentous year for the city. Throughout 2010 the city will host an array of cultural events, celebrating Istanbul as a vibrant European cultural hub, which has been a cultural crossroads for millennia.

The complete programme for the launch event is available on the website below.