Istanbul basks in the warm light of being the European Capital of Culture in 2010.
Amongst the many events on the city's calendar, I noticed the International Poetry Festival, running until May 15.
5 Istanbul poets, Türk Şairler, Vedat Türkali, Turan Oflazoğlu, Melisa Gürpınar and Hüseyin Avni
Dede, are amongst the 48 featured.
Ireland is the theme country for this year's event (last year, Romania was).
To illustrate that in parallel to the festival, the program notes that "A retrospective
Beckett Exhibition will be realized at Beyoglu Art Center between May 4
and 15 focusing on the life and works of the greatest writer of the 20th
Century Samuel Beckett in cooperation with the Embassy of the Republic
of Ireland, Beyoglu Municipality and Istanbul 2010 European Capital of
Culture Agency".
Let the words of the poets conquer you then have a taste of the city.
Street food maybe or views of the Bosphorus.
Travel there virtually with Istanbul 2010 magazine.
In related news Tabanlioglu Architects showcase their Istanbul Connections at CUBE in Manchester until May 15.
Enjoy your trip!