ESDA2010 will be held at Yeditepe University which has the advantage of being situated in Istanbul, the largest city in Europe and the former capital of three empires (Eastern Roman, Byzantine and Ottoman). It is a historical centre of Islam, Orthodox and Eastern Christianity. Since the fall of the Ottoman Empire, Istanbul has continued to be the major city, if not the titular capital the Republic of Turkiye, which has inspired 20th Century movements of national liberation and secular reform. As the commercial centre of modern Turkey, it continues to link Europe to Asia, and the Black Sea to the Mediterranean. The people of Istanbul have roots, and continuing links with Central Asia, the Caucasus, the Middle East and Europe.

Owing to its unique historical and cultural heritage and splendid natural beauties, Istanbul has been selected as the “2010 European Culture Capital”.

YouTube –ISTANBUL 2010 (European Capital of Culture)