LETTER FROM THE CHAIR OF ORGANIZATION COMMITTEE
Istanbul is not only a city with a rich history, characterized by tempting heritages of three big civilizations – Roman, Byzantine and Ottoman ¬– but it is also the heart of modern arts and culture. Above this historical treasure which dates back to 7th century BC, there is a dynamic and productive metropolis that hosts a wide range of contemporary intellectual, cultural and artistic events throughout the year.
With Istanbul Centre in Brussels (ICiB) it is now easier for the people in the European Union (EU) to have a taste of the vivid life in Istanbul and come together with Istanbullites more frequently in the scope of interactive happenings. ICiB offers an established and supplied platform that will enable EU citizens to revisit their common heritage and explore modern Istanbul. Whereas this cultural and artistic interaction will target different groups and communities within the EU and Istanbul, it will also facilitate the bonding of young generations in both societies.
The activities organized in ICiB are structured under three focal pillars: Art, which correspond to the events in the gallery, Knowledge to the library and Opinion to the conference hall and seminar rooms.
ICiB is embellished with fascinating photographs of the Bosphorus collection of Sitki Kosemen, which you can also view through a virtual tour at our website.
The Organization Committee also assumed an important task by redesigning the corporate website of ICiB in collaboration with Istanbul Bilgi University, through a dynamic and user-friendly perspective.
ICiB aims to gather the most inclusive collection and archive focused on Istanbul and to build an Istanbul library in Brussels. Furthermore, it will host several lecture series that will involve Turkish and non-Turkish authors who have written on Istanbul, as well as other panels encouraging the debate on different aspects of local governance and Istanbul.
Istanbul was recently declared the European Capital of Culture 2010. For 2010, ICiB already has a busy agenda of activities. We will be glad to get your comments and support to enrich this process of cultural interaction.
For a unique experience on Istanbul do not hesitate to visit us,
Sincerely yours,
Merve Gürsel
Chair of Organization Committee