Temporary City at Particular Locations / ISTANBUL, Turkey

© Istanbul 2010

Istanbul (the former Byzantium, Constantinople) with its more than 12 million inhabitants is one of the largest cities of the world. As a fast growing metropolis on the historic gateway between Europe and Asia it looks back to a history of thousands of years. It is a city that has reinvented itself several times – and not only in name. During the year of the Capitals of Culture, Istanbul will not only present its full cultural heritage. The city also intends to launch a series of new urban projects, e.g. next to the Golden Horn – an inlet of about 7 km of length located in the north west of the city. The Golden Horn is one of Istanbul’s most prominent urban spaces, although for a long time its predominant use has been industrial. Only the decline of industry has changed the picture: attractive free spaces have been generated including a multitude of recreational facilities and parks. The diversity still exists with historic military, industry and harbour facilities which are now to be redeveloped into vivid city quarters. For this process, Creative Industries – like in Pécs and in the Ruhr Area – can play an important role as drivers for future urban development.

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