The concept of European Capital of Culture first emerged in the 1980s. Given to cities which add value to European Culture and contribute to Europe, the title was first given to Athens in 1985. Each year from 1985 to 2000, it was given to a city in one of the EU member states. As of 2000, and on occasion of the new millennium, the European Capital of Culture title was concurrently given to more than one city, and to cities of EU candidate states as well. And Istanbul's European Capital of Culture journey started, thanks to the new millennium, upon the decision to give this title to EU candidate states. On November 13th, 2006, Istanbul was announced as the European Capital of Culture for 2010 upon endorsement of the European Parliament and approval of the European Union Council of Cultural Ministers.

With its geographical position and thousands of years of cultural heritage, Istanbul has a prestigious standing among world metropolises. Its young and dynamic population gives rise to a creative energy, making Istanbul, the mirror of Turkey, one of the most dynamic cities of the world. The cultural awareness which has been on the rise in Istanbul especially for the last two decades is reflected on cultural life as well. By each day, Istanbul is becoming a centre of attraction, culture and arts not only for its citizens but for the whole world as well.

Istanbul's becoming the European Capital of Culture for 2010 will help Europe rediscover the roots of its culture in Istanbul, and take important steps in understanding one another. Istanbul will become a successful European Capital of Culture with its citizens' adoption of this project, and participate at a large scale in all different sorts of planned events.