November 2008
Turkish film producers call for sponsor support
Turkish movie production industry currently attracts $15 million annually from the private sector. The movie production firms need more sponsorship to continue to develop, particularly during a time of global economic crisis, urged industry representatives.
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Ministry of Culture provides guidelines for ‘sema’ programs
A notice sent out by Minister of Culture and Tourism Ertuğrul Günay detailing new guidelines on conditions under which "sema" (whirling dervish ceremony) programs can take place has been well received by experts in Mevlevi cultural history. more >
July 2008
Ministry of Culture and Tourism investigates 11 artists
Action has been taken by the Ministry of Culture and Tourism to stop the abuse of national symphony orchestra laws by launching an inquiry into 11 artists alleged to not be fully performing their duties. more >
What will the artistic face of İstanbul look like in 2010?
İstanbul is gearing up for the year 2010, when it will assume the title of the European Capital of Culture, and the projects to be carried out in connection with this have already started blossoming. more >
The runaway success of Müzekart
The Müzekart (museum card), recently introduced by the Ministry of Culture and Tourism to boost people's interest in Turkish museums, has proven far more popular than expected. more >
May 2008
Turkic states convene to forge common culture and elect new head
Ankara will host the 24th meeting of culture ministers from 14 Turkic states, which together form TÜRKSOY, an international organization that aims to 'consolidate Turkic culture’s place in world civilization,' in the words of its deputy director general. more >
March 2008
Turkey at the heart of European music
In April Turkey will sign the Arts Festivals' Declaration on Intercultural Dialogue initiated by the European Festivals Association. more >
January 2008
Minister of Culture and Tourism Ertuğrul Günay
Ertuğrul Günay was once a tourist with an interest in archaeology, but now he is the minister of culture and tourism. more >
Let art and culture surround Istanbul
Already amid a flurry of preparations, Istanbul is gearing up to show its dynamism and artistic depth as the 2010 European Capital of Culture. more >
November 2007
Turkey to introduce new promotional campaign
Traditional handicrafts and cuisine will be the cornerstones of a new campaign by the Ministry of Culture and Tourism to promote the image of Turkey internationally. more >
October 2007
Ministry revamps website
Turkey's Ministry of Culture and Tourism is revamping its website into one of the most "advanced" of any country in the world. more >
September 2007
Putting dreams into action
An interview with Spyros Mercouris on cultural policy, the role of culture, inter-cultural dialog, cultural event planning, culture and economy. more >
July 2007
Black Sea State Culture Ministers meet for first time
Black Sea State Culture Ministers met in Athens to consider proposals, strategies and finances to promote cultural activities around the Black Sea. more >
February 2007
Armenian diaspora invited to church opening
Turkey has invited members of the Armenian diaspora and Armenian religious leaders to the opening of a restored ancient Armenian church in April. more >
September 2006
Novelist cleared of
Bestselling Turkish novelist Elif Shafak has been acquitted of the charges of "insulting Turkishness" brought against her under Article 301 of Turkish law. more >
June 2006
Contemporary Art: Istanbul set to stamp its culture credentials
The European Union and its bureaucracy are sometimes lampooned for living in a parallel universe. Looking at the voluminous proceedings of its committees that decide on the annual European cities of culture, you could be forgiven for thinking that in 2010 the eyes of the Continent will turn to the German mining city of Essen and the obscure Hungarian city of Pecs. more >
May 2006
Reader Interest in Turkish Authors Increases
Statistics from Turkey suggest that over the last six years there has been an increase in interest in Turkish authors and a decrease in publication of translated books. more >
November 2003
Turkey allows Kurdish conference
Turkey has allowed Kurdish writers to hold a conference in their own language for the first time in years. more >
January 2003
Turkish song competition announced
The Republic of Turkey's Ministry of Culture has announced an international song competition to commemorate the anniversary of the Gallipoli campaign. more >
September 2002
Linking intangible cultural heritage and cultural diversity
Some 80 ministers of culture and other relevant officials, representing around 100 nations, are currently meeting in Istanbul for what is thought to be the first round-table to discuss possible government action in preserving the world’s intangible cultural heritage, vested in languages, customs, songs, plays, dances, celebrations and craft skills. more >
Linking intangible cultural heritage and cultural diversity
Some 80 ministers of culture are to meet in Istanbul on September 16 and 17 to debate the safeguarding of intangible cultural heritage, highlighting its importance in the maintenance of the world’s cultural diversity. more >
June 2002
Turkish government launches cultural e-commerce site
The Turkish Ministry for Culture has recently launched a new e-commerce site for local art and craft products. more >
November 2008
UCLG Committee on Culture meeting
The Committee on culture of the World Council of United Cities and Local Governments will take place in Istanbul. more >
August 2008
June 2008
Exploring Cultural Perspectives
The objective of this conference is to address the realities of culture from an experiential perspective rather than the theoretical applications that are sometimes misleading. more >
The international who's who in cultural policy, planning and research >