With Istanbul’s vibrant arts season in full swing, the city’s status as an international cultural capital has been underlined by UNESCO’s latest recognition of its rich heritage, strengthening Istanbul 2020’s promise of a unique and world-class Cultural Olympiad in 2020.
The historic peninsula of Istanbul – home to iconic attractions like the Hagia Sophia and the Blue Mosque – was put on UNESCO’s best-practice World Heritage Committee list. The list recognises these sites’ value to humanity and the level of protection they are afforded. At the same time, international musicians such as 50 Cent, Akon and Super Junior are preparing to perform at the Velvet Villains Vestival this weekend, and Music Bank, featuring K-Pop artists from South Korea.
This balance between modern culture and historical riches supports Istanbul’s promise to deliver a Games that weaves together first-class sport and unforgettable cultural experiences.
Hasan Arat, Chairman of the Istanbul 2020 Bid Committee, said:
"The Istanbul 2020 Bid Committee is working harder than ever to bring the Olympic and Paralympic Games to Turkey for the first time, and to share a brand new culture with the Olympic family. I am delighted that, with less than two weeks to go before the vote, the city’s credentials as a cultural capital are being further enhanced.
"In 2020, if Istanbul is awarded the right to host the Games, sport and culture will be woven together at every turn throughout the city. Istanbul will provide an incredible and iconic backdrop for an Olympic Games but the city will also be teeming with creativity and life.
"Many of these events in the city at the moment are focused on young people, which matches Istanbul 2020’s primary reason for hosting the Games. Nearly 50% of Turkey’s population are under the age of 25, with many millions more across the region also in this category. Hosting the Games in Istanbul will awaken their joy of sport and transmit the core values of Olympism."
For more information contact:
Istanbul 2020 Media Team: mediainfo@istanbul2020.com.tr
Nick Dawes: nick@jtassocs.com | +447557435851
Asa service to our readers, Around the Rings will provide verbatim textsof selected press releases issued by Olympic-related organizations,federations, businesses and sponsors.
These press releases appear as sent to Around the Rings and are not edited for spelling, grammar or punctuation.
20 Years at #1:
Últimas Noticias
Sinner-Alcaraz, the duel that came to succeed the three phenomenons
Table tennis: Brazil’s Bruna Costa Alexandre will be Olympic and Paralympic in Paris 2024
Rugby 7s: the best player of 2023 would only play the medal match in Paris
Rhonex Kipruto, owner of the world record for the 10000 meters on the road, was suspended for six years
Katie Ledecky spoke about doping Chinese swimmers: “It’s difficult to go to Paris knowing that we’re going to compete with some of these athletes”
