Istanbul has a history and heritage unlike any other city. It began as Byzantium, when it was founded by Greek colonists in 667 AD and has since become the capital city of two great empires. It was known as Constantinople, the imperial capital of the Roman Empire, named for Constantine the Great, and later during the Ottoman Empire as Istanbul, the city it is known as today. Straddling Asia and Europe and divided by the Bosphorus, Istanbul has historically been a melting pot for European culture, Asian influences and the Islamic world.

The city is special in its own right, but now has even more reason to celebrate its unique place in history. That’s because Istanbul was recently designated the 2010 European Capital of Culture by the European Union. The recent surge in its vibrant contemporary arts and cultural scene has many people wondering about this interesting city. This year, Istanbul will have the opportunity to showcase its treasured relics, while also promoting new projects ranging from restoration work on historic sites to building brand new art and cultural centers, staging festivals and commissioning new artistic works.

What does all this mean? A calendar jam-packed with events that highlight the traditional and modern art, architecture, cultural heritage and music unique to Istanbul. 2010 is a particularly exciting year to visit this distinct city.