Opening Ceremony and Welcome Reception

The Opening Ceremony and Welcome Reception will take place at The Swissotel the Bosphorus on Sunday, 11th July , 2010

From 18:00 to 21:30 hrs.

The Hotel provides extensive banqueting services.

You will enjoy a diverse range of international cuisine prepared by renowned, award-winning chefs with the spectacular Bosphorus view and immaculate service .

Turkish Night

The Turkish Night will take place at the historical 1001 Cistern at the heart of the Old City on Monday, 12th July, 2010.

From 19:30 to 22:30 hrs.

1001 Direk Sarnıcı (Philoxenus Cistern) has been standing for exactly 1675 years. Civilizations, countries, emperors and people have come and gone, but it has somehow survived the centuries. Built in the 4th.century in order to meet the water needs of the Palace of the Byzantine Emperor, Constantinus 1, this structure was used for many different purposes.

This cistern located between the districts of Sultanahmet and Cagaloglu, measures 57mx64m and is approximately 14 m high. It is commonly known as the Cistern of 1001 Columns.

Gala Banquet

The Gala Banquet will take place at Çırağan Palace on Wednesday, 14th July, 2010.

 From 19:00 to 22:30 hrs.

Guests will dine in the splendour of the only Ottoman Imperial Palace and Hotel on the banks of by the Bosphorus.

The history of Çırağan Palace and its site dates as far back as the 16th century. The palace owes its name to the torch "Çırağan" torch festivities held here by the Grand Vizier. Çırağan Palace is now under the management of the Kempinski Hotel chain and is a truly outstanding venue for a gala dinner.

While guests enjoy the summer terrace overlooking the magnificent Bosphorus, an authentic menu will transport them back to the time of the Sultans who once lived at Çırağan Palace.