New York, May 15, 2013: Istanbul 2020 exported some of the magic of Istanbul's famous Grand Bazaar to the iconic New York Central Station, allowing visitors to experience Turkey's legendary hospitality and its renowned gastronomy. This initiative is being carried out on the occasion of the 32nd Turkish Day festivities in New York, the largest celebration of Turkish culture outside the country.
Led by the Federation of Turkish-American Associations (FTAA), this operation made it possible to dress the Central Station terminal in the colors of Istanbul 2020 and decorate it with traditional objects from the Turkish Grand Bazaar. Visitors were able to taste, on the numerous stands of the operation, the delights of Turkey's gastronomy and admire the quality of its craftsmanship, thanks to the presentation of numerous souvenirs identical to those sold at the Grand Bazaar of Istanbul – l one of the oldest and largest covered markets in the world. Born in the 15th century, the Grand Bazaar of Istanbul stretches over 60 covered streets and brings together more than 3.000 shops which can attract up to 400.000 visitors per day.
Hasan Arat, President of Istanbul 2020, commented:
“This initiative offers a great opportunity to bring Turkish culture to a foreign city and to promote, on an international level, Turkey’s legendary hospitality. Turkish culture already attracts more than 30 million visitors to our country every year, including more than 11 million people in Istanbul alone. If we have the honor of being chosen to host the Olympic and Paralympic Games in 2020, the Olympic Family will be able to visit the region, meet its inhabitants and experience our friendliness and our passion for sport for the first time. Istanbul 2020 will be a bridge to a new culture for the Olympic Movement.”
One of the main partners of the 32nd Turkish Day in New York, alongside Turkish Airlines, Istanbul 2020 will still be present in New York for a few days. A float in the colors of the candidacy will parade on Madison Street on May 18. The flags of Turkey and Istanbul 2020 will also be raised during the Turkish Flag ceremony on Wall Street on May 17.
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Notes to editors:
For further information, please contact the Istanbul 2020 media team:
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