Istanbul marked the official start of its year as one of the European Capitals of Culture 2010 with a spectacular celebration relayed throughout the city.

Ceremonies began with a protocol event at the Haliç Congress Centre, where Ministers from Turkey and neighboring countries participated, along with high level statesmen and diplomats, leading members of the business, culture and arts world.

Bulgaria was officially represented by Vejdi Rashidov, the Minister of Culture.

The Chairman of the Turkish Cultural City Board, Sekib Avdagic, welcomed the world to Istanbul: "Our effort is to introduce Istanbul to the entire world, and promote its rediscovery. Istanbul is a sacred stamp uniting Europe and Asia," he stated.

"With its heart, its culture and civilization, its people, its past and future, it has always looked towards Europe. Istanbul has shaped European culture and has been shaped by it," said Turkish Prime Minister, Recep Tayyip Erdogan.

The opening formalities were followed by a series of light shows, set at seven locations around the city, symbolizing the seven hills upon which Istanbul was built.

A special performance called "The Magic of Istanbul", choreographed specifically for the occasion by Yekta Kara, presented 303 artists over an hour of music, dance, poetry and visions peculiar to Istanbul.

Istanbul, already world famous as a tourist and cultural destination, hopes to attract over 10 M visitors to the city throughout 2010. It will stage some 170 cultural events.

On Saturday night, museums and historical sites remained open to visitors until midnight, among them the Hagia Sophia, the Archeology Museum, Turkish and Islamic Arts Museum and the Basilica Cistern.

The title of Cultural Capital was awarded to three cities for 2010 – Istanbul, Pecs in Hungary and Essen, Germany.