First of all, I am pleased to extend my greetings and welcome you all on behalf of the city of Istanbul. You are now in Istanbul; the city of the past and the future, the center of two great empires, the meeting point of two continents and two seas, the city of poets, tulips, Judas trees, bazaars, fish, boats, seagulls, minarets and fountains spreading over the domes of the Bosphorus. To the east or to the west, to the previous or to the next; any journey begins from the point where you are now. Offering endless opportunities and secrets in a natural, historic, cultural and architectural environment, Istanbul is a unique city enriching our world for thousands of years. This city guide in your hands has been prepared for you, hoping that you remember Istanbul and say "Merhaba" while far away from us. The period of time we see you and welcome you in this city was a tremendous pleasure and excitement for us. I sincerely wish that this great event of sport we enjoyed together would live in our memories as a nice remembrance. Welcome again and a complete Merhaba. Arch. Dr. Kadir TOPBAŞ Mayor of Metropolitan Istanbul

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