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"Continuity of EU Cultural Policy: Istanbul 2010" by Nuri M. Colakoglu
"Continuity of EU Cultural Policy: Istanbul 2010 - a European Cultural City already in dialogue"
Nuri M. Colakoglu - Coordinator of Istanbul 2010
further contents - CV
Nuri M. Colakoglu between Spyros Mercouris and Guy Feaux de la Croix
Presentation
The uniqueness of Istanbul 2010 is that it started out from creating a NGO and therefore represents a bottom-up process until the designation to be a European Capital of Culture besides Pecs, Hungary and Essen, Germany in 2010 was given.
To understand the various layers of history as evident in a city like Istanbul it should be reminded that there Hellenism, Byzantine, Ottoman and modern Turkey all of which have left their own unique imprint and which are still influencing how the city views itself in terms of history.
In terms of the complexities and problems to be faced in the present, the key question is how these problems can be overcome with the help of culture. Istanbul wants to set here an example. It can be done best by being a grass root, bottom up movement to allow for the participation of everyone.
Istanbul is a city of poetry and philosophy with many outstanding scholars and poets having created the basis for the approach adopted for 2010. In particular Aximander's definition of the four key elements, namely air, earth, water and fire shall be used to adopt the cultural program accordingly.
The Capital of Culture in Istanbul will not focus merely on the centre, but as well on the poor districts. Moreover it is the aim to involve the youth studying in 28 universities which exist in Istanbul. It gives an idea of the dimensions involved.
Note: There was made at the ECCM Symposium a special presentation of Istanbul 2010 by Mr. Truncer. Also Nuri M. Colakoglu resigned from his post as coordinator before Istanbul entered the crucial one year of implementation. See comment by Hatto Fischer about the fate of a bottom-up organisational strategy when it involves a NGO.
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