Istanbul becomes one of Europe's Capitals of Culture - by Jonathan Head

Spectacular fireworks displays and cultural performances will mark the launch of Istanbul's year as one of three European Capitals of Culture.

The prestigious title gives cities the opportunity and funding to showcase and enrich their cultural life. For Turkey, which is struggling to fulfil its longstanding aim of becoming a member of the European Union, the title has particular significance.

Istanbul competed fiercely with the Ukrainian capital Kiev to win this title, the last time it will be offered to a non-EU member. The two other winners were Pecs in Hungary and Essen in Germany.

With its rich heritage of Roman, Byzantine and Ottoman history and its pulsating contemporary urban life, Istanbul is already recognized as one of the world's great cultural capitals.

For more - BBC News - Istanbul becomes one of Europe's Capitals of Culture