The History of İstanbul

İstanbul is one of the world's most ancient cities, a place of rich identity and countless interlocking histories. Over thousands of years, it has been home to great civilisations and a fusion of cultures, from the Megarians to the Spartans, the Romans to the Greeks, and the Arabs to the Turks. As the capital of the Ottoman Empire, İstanbul's hands reached across Europe, Asia and Africa, weaving together the threads that define these continents and making it a cultural, intellectual and diplomatic hub.

Despite İstanbul's rapid modernisation, its history remains in the fabric of its people's lives. The city's architecture was shaped by the Roman, Byzantine and Ottoman Empires, with diverse Christian and Islamic influences. It is a city whose history still lives and breathes.

The Bosphorus and the Golden Horn provide the stunning natural canvas that lies beneath every truly iconic city. The strait leads visitors into the Old City, where İstanbul's past comes vividly to life. The legendary bazaar draws visitors into its labyrinth, embracing them in the essence of the city. Gloriously smelling spices, the call to prayer and the fusion of eastern and western foods excite the senses. From the depths of the Basilica Cistern to the tip of the Blue Mosque minarets, İstanbul teems with hidden charms waiting to be explored.

Beyoğlu, on the city's European side, brings the city to life in a different way. Here, İstanbul boasts an array of entertainment: trendy bars, high-class restaurants, theatres and boutique shopping. These all play their part in the infectious vibrancy that flows through the streets, flooding the atmosphere with the colourful sounds of music and good company late into the night. İstanbul is a 24-hour living city with a buzz and a chic that thrusts its history and tradition firmly into the New World spotlight.

As a physical and metaphorical bridge between Europe and Asia, İstanbul stands alone in its blending of culture and religion. It is the city where two worlds are unified in the most positive of ways, at once brilliantly energetic and harmonious. İstanbul is not just a cosmopolitan city: it is a truly international city where the vast array of races, religions, histories and cultures coexist and combine in a spirit of harmony and tolerance.

Visiting İstanbul

Don’t miss

• The mosques of Süleymaniye and Sultan Ahmet (also known as the Blue Mosque)
• The Ayasofya Museum and Chora Museum
• The Medusa heads at the Basilica Cistern
• The Topkapı Palace, the Dolmabahçe Palace and the Rumeli Fortress
• The ferry up the Bosphorus and to the Princes’ Islands
• The panorama of the city from the Galata Tower and the Pierre Loti
• The Ortaköy market
• The phaeton around Büyükada (island)
• Fish at a restaurant on the Bosphorus, at Kumkapı or Flower Passage; eating yoghurt at Kanlıca
• Rugs, jewellery and leatherwear at the Grand Bazaar, and Turkish delight, baklava, pastrami and candy at the Spice Bazaar
• Shopping at Beyoğlu and other mega-sized shopping malls
• Cultural and artistic activities
• Vibrant and cosmopolitan entertainment

A link for touristic information about İstanbul:

http://english.istanbul.gov.tr/

Olympic Movement

The Olympic Movement is the concerted, organised, universal and permanent action, carried out under the supreme authority of the International Olympic Committee (IOC), of all individuals and entities who are inspired by the values of Olympism. The heart of its work is bringing together of the world’s athletes at the greatest of sports events - the Olympic Games. Its symbol is five interlaced rings, representing the five continents.

The goal of the Olympic Movement is to contribute to building a peaceful and better world by educating young people through sport practised in accordance with Olympism and its values: excellence, friendship and respect.

Paralympic Movement

The word “Paralympic” derives from the Greek preposition “para” (beside or alongside) and the word “Olympic”. Its meaning is that the Paralympic Games are in parallel with the Olympic Games and illustrates how the two Movements exist side by side.

The Paralympic symbol (three Agitos) consists of three elements in red, blue and green -the colours that are most widely represented in national flags around the world- The three Agitos (from the Latin meaning “I move”), encircling a central point, symbolise motion, and emphasise the role of the Paralympic Movement in bringing athletes together from all corners of the world to compete.

The International Paralympic Committee (IPC) is an international non-profit organisation and the global governing body for the Paralympic Movement. The IPC organises the Paralympic Games and functions as the international federation for nine sports. Its vision is to enable Paralympic athletes to achieve sporting excellence and inspire and excite the world.

The organisation works to ensure the growth and development of the Paralympic Movement, expand sports opportunities for all people with a disability -from novice to elite competitors- and to champion the Paralympic values of courage, determination, inspiration and equality.

Vision

Our vision for İstanbul 2020 is to enable sport to bridge cultures, beliefs and traditions to inspire enduring harmony through the Olympic and Paralympic Games.

İstanbul 2020 offers an opportunity for the first ever secular Muslim democracy to host the Games and the first ever city to stage the event on two continents simultaneously. Staging the Games in Turkey will deliver a timely and powerful catalyst to improve global understanding, inclusiveness and harmony. İstanbul, with a rich mosaic of diversity, layered history and acceptance woven into its very core, is ideally placed to play this role.

İstanbul 2020 will unite young and old, East and West, in one of the most authentic, modern and diverse cities in the world, reinforcing the Olympic values and expanding to new regions. By harnessing the city’s historical, cultural and geographical assets, the Olympic Games in İstanbul will promote and embody the Olympic Movement, creating a bridge to the world and promoting harmony across all cultures.

Games Concept

Sport has been at the heart of İstanbul’s vibrant and varied cultural life for millennia. Always a proud supporter of the Olympic Movement, the National Olympic Committee of Turkey has contributed to the promotion of Olympism at home and abroad for 104 years. The passion of Turkey to host an Olympic Games has always been there; now, for the very first time, it is matched by capability. A world-class team of domestic and international experts are supported by a robust financial footing and a government that considers sport as the most powerful tool of development. Turkey is better placed than ever to realise its Olympic dream.

1. DELIVERY – a fresh market with proven event-hosting capacity

A fertile environment
• Every level of government supports İstanbul 2020. The Games Master Plan is perfectly aligned with Turkey's long-term USD 4 billion National Sports Plan, launched as major bid initiative. President Gül, Prime Minister Erdoğan, the Minister of Youth and Sports and the Mayor of İstanbul have all identified the bid as a key strategic priority for the city and the country, and a key pillar of the 2023 Master Plan – the ambitious development programme culminating in the centenary of the Turkish Republic in 2023.

• Sport is enshrined in the fabric of Turkish society. The Turkish Constitution itself embraces basic principles of the Olympic Charter, reflecting a deep-rooted national belief in the power of sport to drive forward lasting and positive change. The Turkish Olympic Law was enacted in 1992, signalling the start of our Games aspirations; İstanbul 2020 is a culmination of a journey that has spanned five bids and over 20 years.

• It is the constitutional right of every Turkish citizen to access quality sports facilities and lead a healthy life. The Olympic and Paralympic Games will bring vital projects to the top of the national agenda and create a nation that lives and breathes sport. In November 2012, the National Government announced the investment of an additional USD1.77 billion investment to build 415 new community sports facilities and 24 stadiums, of which 215 projects are already in progress.

A budget that is realistic and empowering
• The Games will harness and direct the huge appetite for development and innovation in İstanbul. Significant investment across the city – including an annual average of $1.2 billion spent on transport infrastructure and many billions more on general infrastructure since 2004 – means the bedrock for efficient Games delivery is functionally in place.

• Resources have been allocated from municipal and national government budgets for most of the investments needed for İstanbul 2020. The Games Master Plan is tailored to meet the city’s most pressing needs. Additionally, crucial environmental remediation, historic preservation, accessibility for the disabled and internet connectivity plans will be reinforced and accelerated in the bid process.

• Turkey has a robust and resilient economy that continues to grow in today’s challenging times. Forecasted as the OECD's second fastest growing economy from 2011-2017 , and with a sovereign credit rating upgraded to “Investment Grade” in 2012, the Turkish economy is well-placed to deliver the capital investment needed for the financing of the venues to be constructed for the Games.

A city primed for hosting the Games
• Turkey is increasingly viewed as a reliable host for premium sports events. İstanbul was the 2012 European Capital of Sport and can now draw on the experience and human capital of dozens of major international events in the last five years.

• Visited by 11.6 million international visitors annually – a 200% increase over the last decade – İstanbul is the world’s fifth most visited city, the fifth most popular tourist destination in the world and the seventh most popular congress city. The friendly and hospitable residents of İstanbul have the warmth and capacity to make the Olympic Family feel at home in 2020.

• İstanbul 2020’s bid structure has been designed with continuity in mind: the bid is being undertaken by the existing İstanbul 2020 Olympic Games Preparation Committee, overseen by the Olympic Council. This means that the organisations bidding for the Games are the same organisations that will deliver the Games, ensuring a smooth transition from bidding to hosting.

2.EXPERIENCE – a cinematic setting for the greatest show on Earth

An electrifying atmosphere
• Domestic polls have shown that over 93% of İstanbul’s population and 88% of the Turkish population support the idea of Turkey hosting the Olympic Games, and nearly 90% of İstanbul respondents and 87% nationwide believe that hosting the Games will positively affect the image of Turkey on the international stage. The Turkish people are passionate about the Games and athletes of every nation will be roared on in full arenas.

• Turkey has 20 million people under the age of 20 and nearly half of the population is under 25. The Games will channel all the energy, the buzz and the love for sport of Turkey’s youthful population into a single unforgettable celebration of sport.

A harmonious culture
• İstanbul 2020 offers the Olympic Family a historic opportunity to engage with an ancient country founded on a welcoming, hospitable culture. Turkey is a peaceful and secular democracy, where society mirrors the fundamental values of Olympism.

• Visitors to the city enter a melting pot of religions, cultures and beliefs. Europe and Asia blend over the Bosphorus and a new infusion of modernity and tradition waits around every corner.

• Sport is celebrated as a catalyst for social inclusion and cohesion in İstanbul; its role as one of the pillars of a harmonious society will be shared with the world in 2020.

A stage worthy of the spectacle
• From the shores of the Marmara Sea to the historic walls of the ancient city, from the banks of the Bosphorus strait to the Belgrad forest and the buzz of the vibrant modern quarter, the Games concept celebrates the very best of İstanbul.

• The Games will be shared across four Olympic zones spanning two continents in a compact layout that encompasses and integrates the city's most iconic landmarks.

• The venues, renovated or new, will fit seamlessly into the flow and feel of the city, creating cutting-edge facilities amongst some of the most ancient buildings on Earth. They will embrace the history around them, making the city itself an integral part of the events.


3. Legacy

Profound impacts in İstanbul, Turkey and across the Olympic Movement

A bright future for sport
• The Games will reignite an entire generation's passion for Olympism by mobilising Turkey's youthful, dynamic population in support of the Games. Entrepreneurial and educational programmes will attract a new generation of ambitious young talent into the sports industry.

• İstanbul 2020 will reinvigorate Turkish sport from grassroots to elite level. World-class new and renovated facilities will meet a pressing social need and realise the government's vision of providing free access to sports facilities for all.

• The Olympic Training Centre located at the heart of the state-of-the-art Olympic City will lay the foundations for realising Turkey's enormous sporting potential and help translate the passion into long-term success.

A social impact that resonates worldwide
• The Games will transform İstanbul into a model city for the rest of Turkey to emulate and a best practice example of the profound social change that hosting mega-events can effect. For the 1.7 million people with a disability in İstanbul, the Games will accelerate the city's journey towards becoming a barrier-free society.

• The preservation of historic sites and the regeneration of areas of outstanding natural beauty will combine with community education initiatives to restore the nation's pride in its unique but forgotten treasures.

• İstanbul 2020 will embrace and embed cutting-edge sustainability principles at all stages of Games delivery and execution. Games delivery will be underpinned by a robust carbon management strategy, significant energy consumption and emission reduction measures and a responsible sustainable sourcing code .

A fresh market with endless possibilities
• İstanbul 2020 will connect the Olympic Family and its partners to Turkey and the Islamic world for the very first time. The IOC will have a historic opportunity to tap into the region's proven passion for sport at every level: from a youthful population desperate for more chances to play and stay in sport, to world-renowned corporations which consider sport as the springboard to their next phase in development.

• The Olympic and Paralympic Village, the Media Village, the IBC/MPC and the port redevelopment plans will all bring a positive net revenue impact to the city by meeting the thriving, rapidly expanding economy's growing need for accommodation and commercial facilities.

• The world will see the very best of Turkey in 2020. The Games will provide the captivating shop window the country needs to continue attracting inward investment and sustain this exhilarating period of growth.

Legacy

Bid legacies
İstanbul’s bid will promote Olympic and Paralympic sport generally and broaden the Turkish sporting base. These benefits are enabled through the groundbreaking National Sports Plan, a major İstanbul 2020 bid project. The increases in sport participation and youth engagement, both for grassroots and elite athletes, will deliver health, social cohesion, community goodwill and national pride outcomes for the nation for generations.

In November 2012, the National Government announced the investment of an additional USD1.77 billion investment to build 415 new community sports facilities and 24 stadiums, of which 215 projects are already in progress. At the core of this extensive infrastructure development programme is the innovative Olympic Training Centre within the new Olympic City. The first accommodation projects in the Olympic City are already underway, and will set new standards for inclusive design, urban liveability, compliance and healthy lifestyle-driven design.

The Games bid has given new impetus to the strategically important Haydarpaşa Port redevelopment, reinstatement of key tracts of urban forest and the preservation of historic monuments.

Games legacy initiatives

The İstanbul 2020 Legacy Plan leverages a number of the key attributes of the bid proposition, most notably:
• İstanbul’s unique place in the world, showcasing new cultures and delivering access to new markets for the Games
• The energy of Europe’s youngest population, with more than 31 million young people under the age of 25
• The transformational power of the Games throughout İstanbul for sport as well as for inclusion, sustainability, mobility and accessibility

The İstanbul 2020 Games concept fully reinforces the long-term planning objectives of the city. Accountability for key national Games-related objectives will be assigned to the relevant government ministries with the associated funding responsibility, recognising the requirement for these programmes to continue following the Games period.

Seven core legacy and sustainability theme areas have been identified, and are outlined as follows.

The legacy plan is underpinned by strong alignment between all the key delivery partners and a proven track record of broad stakeholder engagement.



Sport legacies

The National Sports Plan will transform Turkish sport, playing a broad role in the enhancement of Turkey’s future health and prosperity. A central sports development capability will be created by accessing the best Turkish and international technical expertise to develop programmes for general and talented athletes. The plan will also seek to increase governance, oversight and monitoring capability at the national level.

Another important sports legacy is the Olympic City concept, featuring the Olympic Training Centre, and the innovative post-Games residential, leisure, educational and health infrastructure. This will be the model for the extended rollout of the National Sports Plan. “Olympic Cities” will become a nation-wide legacy of İstanbul 2020, creating a network of new aspirational communities that promote and incentivise healthy living.

Legacies for the Olympic Movement

The momentum of İstanbul’s development, fuelled by Turkey’s prosperity and youthful populace, offers the Olympic and Paralympic Movements a number of long-term strategic, commercial and operational benefits. The Olympic objective of universality will be reinforced by embracing the Muslim culture, adding distinctive value to the Olympic and Paralympic brands, as a new chapter in Games history is opened.

Benefits will also arise from İstanbul’s status as a multinational hub of business, sport and culture for markets in Eastern Europe, the Middle East and Africa, enabling penetration into new and sustainable markets.

Domestically, Europe’s most youthful population, empowered by new media and Games-inspired confidence, will be a potent voice to youth around the world.

Paralympic legacies

The commitment by İstanbul 2020 to celebrate harmony, understanding and diversity, demands the complete integration of the Paralympic Games within a single Games planning and delivery framework. Within this framework, İstanbul 2020 will work with the IPC to ensure the Paralympic identity is developed in its own right, as well as through its partnership with the Olympic Games.

Beyond the delivery of inspirational Paralympic Games, the opportunity exists in İstanbul to generate profound attitudinal change and greater acceptance. The Games and the National Sports Plan will have a substantial impact on high-performance Paralympic sport, creating a generation of role models and strongly bolstering the Paralympic Movement in Turkey and the region.

This shift will leverage existing legislation, universal accessibility policies and the Prime Ministry’s new Accessibility Strategy and National Action Plan to stimulate new employment opportunities, sports participation and social inclusion for people living with disabilities. It will also deliver enduring increases in community awareness and understanding.

Venues - Transport

The İstanbul 2020 Games concept strikes a careful balance between delivering a spectacular, innovative and technically excellent Games experience for all, capitalising on the opportunity to accelerate existing well-developed City Master Plans and minimising Games delivery risks.

The resulting Games Master Plan presents a series of seven compact clusters in four zones connected by a fast and efficient Games Route Network (GRN) that enables journey times of no more than 35 minutes from the Games Villages to all venues. Each cluster is well served by mass transit transport.

Olympic City Zone - 2 clusters, 1 precinct, 14 venues

The largest of the four zones, the Olympic City Zone is located in the city’s populous and important western growth region, with significant existing and planned transport infrastructure.

Olympic City Cluster

The Olympic City Cluster comprises the İstanbul Olympic Park Precinct (11 venues – Atatürk Olympic Stadium, National Arena, Olympic Training Centre Halls 1-4, Olympic Tennis Centre, Olympic Hockey Centre, Olympic Aquatic Centre, Olympic Diving Stadium, Olympic Water Polo Stadium), as well as the Olympic and Paralympic Village, the Media Village, the IBC/MPC and the Technical Officials Village.

The development of the Olympic City Cluster will establish a new geographical heart for the high-growth western expansion of the City of İstanbul. The Olympic City Cluster will provide much needed amenity to the region, including sporting and recreational facilities, housing, commercial and institutional developments, as well as a significant amount of environmental remediation resulting in additional parklands and green space.

This cluster is designed to be a dynamic and active backdrop to the Games. The venues are deliberately positioned to act as anchors that draw the spectators both literally and also visually throughout the İstanbul Olympic Park Precinct. The architecture and landscape will reflect the excitement of the event, while also expressing the cultural and artistic beauty of Turkey. The eastern edge of the spectator common domain is designed to provide a visual connection for spectators between the precinct and the picturesque natural valley beyond.

Legacy of the İstanbul Olympic Park Precinct is ensured as a result of the wide variety of sports venues available for use for competition and training post-Games, as well as the balanced mix of residential, retail and commercial within the Master Plan.

Esenler Cluster

The Esenler Cluster includes three new venues (Olympic Basketball Centre, Esenler Golf Club and National Equestrian Centre) that deliver sporting legacy facilities for the proximate post-Games Olympic City population and the adjacent military academy.

The existing undulating landscape of this area will be integrated within the Esenler Golf Club and National Equestrian Centre design. In addition, new landscape elements will be introduced to further enhance this cluster and encourage the continued aspiration of an improved ‘green lung’, providing a significant legacy benefit for the local community.

Coastal Zone - 2 clusters, 1 precinct, 7 venues

Home to the historic sites along the Marmara Sea shoreline, the Coastal Zone is currently the site of significant regeneration and restoration programmes. This zone includes many of the most significant historic sites in İstanbul, dating back to ancient empires, including the city walls and the Golden Gate, once the ceremonial entrance to the ancient city.

The Olympic plan has been carefully aligned with the current programme of the restoration in this area and will focus on the creation of public space and parklands, supporting temporary venues. Excellent connectivity is assured through existing Metro and major urban arterial roads.

Old City Cluster

The Old City Cluster incorporates three venues (Golden Gate Park, Golden Gate Marina and Golden Gate Arena), a live site and an elevated spectator plaza to enable optimal viewing for road events in this picturesque location. Approximately 100 hectares of parkland will be created around the Golden Gate to support the programme of restoration which is already in place, showcasing the significance of this important site.

The Golden Gate Arena, proposed for Handball and Goalball, is well positioned adjacent to the old city wall, providing a stunning backdrop for spectators and for broadcast. The outdoor events along the shoreline are located where the ancient wall meets the sea, providing an exciting fusion between the rich history of İstanbul and a world-class modern sporting event.

Ataköy Cluster

Linked to the Old City Cluster by a linear waterfront park, the Ataköy Cluster comprises the Ataköy Precinct (three venues - Ataköy Dome, Ataköy Arena and Olympic Velodrome) and the Ataköy Marina in an attractive coastal area.

The existing Ataköy Dome and Ataköy Arena will be joined with a new structure for the Olympic Velodrome. This will complete the vision for an exciting legacy sports precinct, offering a wide mixed use of sports and retail opportunities.

Bosphorus Zone - 2 clusters, 1 precinct, 8 venues, ceremonies venue

Located in the heart of the old city, the Bosphorus Zone provides the stage for hosting events concurrently on the European and Asian sides of the city, activating the majestic waterway for competition and public events.

Importantly, the ongoing urban reclamation of the İstanbul waterfront and preservation of historic monuments in this zone of the city will be accelerated through the proposed Olympic project.

The existing network of major roads will also be enhanced with the completion of the Marmaray Rail Tunnel and the Eurasia Tunnel Project in 2013 and 2016 respectively.

Port Cluster

The Port Cluster comprises the Port Precinct (five venues – Bosphorus Stadium, Bosphorus Rowing Centre, Bosphorus Beach Volleyball Centre, National Volleyball Centre and Bosphorus Archery Park), the Kadıköy Stadium and the redeveloped Haydarpaşa Port, generating significant public space on the waterfront.

The redeveloped Haydarpaşa Port will be the focal point of the Bosphorus Zone. The Olympic Games will provide the catalyst for this project, one of the most significant urban projects planned for the City of İstanbul. The phased relocation of port activities has already commenced.

The precinct design acknowledges the prime location of the site, directly adjacent to the Golden Horn. The centrepiece, the Bosphorus Stadium, conceptually symbolises the meeting point between the two continents.

Taksim Cluster

Two venues (İnönü Stadium and Congress Valley Auditorium) make up the Taksim Cluster.

The existing İnönü Stadium is positioned to maximise the dramatic views across the Bosphorus and the adjoining palace. The existing open air amphitheatre of the Congress Valley Auditorium will be enclosed with a new roof that will optimise its legacy usage and provide an ideal venue for the theatrical lighting required for the broadcast of Weightlifting competition.

The Taksim area is home to a significant number of 5 star hotels, and several of the Games Family hotels will be located within this cluster, with spectacular outlooks over the Bosphorus and Marmara Sea.

Forest Zone - 1 cluster, 1 precinct, 4 venues

Situated in the north of the city, the Belgrad Forest is undergoing a major remediation programme to return green space to İstanbul residents. Already well served by Metro, road infrastructure in the zone will be upgraded to improve connectivity.

Belgrad Forest Cluster

This cluster comprises the Belgrad Forest Precinct (three venues – Belgrad Forest Cycle Park, Olympic Whitewater Stadium and the National Shooting Centre), as well as the Seyrantepe Stadium.

Surrounded by hills and trees, the Belgrad Forest Cluster is a natural oasis within the city. All venues proposed in this precinct will be designed to operate efficiently together during the Games, while leaving a lasting outdoor activity legacy for the city.

Specific environmental remediation projects are already underway within the footprint of the proposed Games venues, ensuring the Games will have an immediate impact in accelerating plans already in place.

Standalone venues - 4 venues

In addition to the venues situated in the four zones, there are four standalone venues:

–– The Ataşehir Arena located in Batı Ataşehir district on the Asian side is the proposed venue for Volleyball, and is a new world-class facility

–– Regional Football competition will be conducted in the cities of Ankara, Antalya and Bursa (New Ankara Stadium, New Antalya Stadium and New Bursa Stadium). Turkey is a leading football nation and the proposed football stadiums are world-class in all respects.

II) TRANSPORT

Strategy and objectives

İstanbul 2020 aspires to provide an exceptional transport experience to all Games Family clients and to ensure a seamless, interoperable network for spectators and workforce. At the same time, disruption of the everyday rhythm of the city will be minimised.

To leverage the existing and planned infrastructure of the city, the Games transport plan is fully aligned with İstanbul’s Integrated Urban Transport Master Plan (IUAP) for 2009-2023. The seven venue clusters are well interconnected through high capacity transport systems and road links that respect the unique İstanbul topography.

All physical, technical and human links of the Games transport chain will collaborate efficiently, allowing Games clients to move safely and smoothly, and to enjoy the festive atmosphere and the city’s spectacular features.

Public transport users and motorists will receive extensive support in making their travel decisions. Transport modes and fleets will conform to the latest sustainability standards and technologies, while safety and security will be maintained at the highest levels. Intelligent technology will support operations, while inclusiveness will permeate İstanbul’s transport plans.

The above transport objectives form the foundation of the customised transport strategies for all clients.

Airports

Atatürk International Airport (IST) will be the main gateway airport for the Games, with a capacity of 45 million passengers per year and three runways allowing over 1,000 runway movements daily. Its three terminals and 63 gates can process over 10,000 passengers per hour. IST is Europe’s fastest growing airport (Airports Council International - ACI). In 2011 it was the eighth busiest airport in Europe and 30th in the world in passenger traffic. Capitalising on its prime location at the intersection of two continents, IST is the central hub in this key region.

The Sabiha Gökçen International Airport (SAW) will be the second Games gateway. Its new terminal has a capacity of 25 million passengers per year, allowing for significant growth potential. According to ACI, SAW was Europe’s fastest growing airport in its category for 2010 and was voted as the world’s best by the 2010 World Low Cost Airlines Congress.

The current combined capacity of İstanbul’s two airports significantly exceeds the requirements for the Games. The airports of the regional football cities in Ankara and Antalya also comfortably meet Games requirements. Bursa will be served by both SAW and IST.

Over 120 airlines directly connect Atatürk International Airport with five continents and 169 international cities, as well as 31 cities in Turkey. An additional 85 international and 30 national connections are served by SAW. On a weekly basis, a combined total of 2,781 international flights and 1,995 domestic flights land at IST and SAW.

Turkish Airlines now fl¬ies to more countries than any other airline in the world.

Transport infrastructure plan

İstanbul enjoys continuously expanding transport infrastructure that supports 15 million motorised journeys per day: 3,500 km of motorways and major arterials; two light rail lines (34.8 km); a 72 km suburban railway line; a high capacity 51 km Bus Rapid Transit system (Metrobüs); four Metro lines (74.3 km); and two world-class international airports. More than 5,200 buses transport 5.5 million passengers per day, while numerous sea ferries connect the European and Asian sides of the city.

To address the city’s growth while easing traffic pressures, the 2009-2023 Integrated Urban Transport Master Plan (IUAP) charts a significant development of multi-modal public transport networks, prioritising investments into Metro systems. All projects are aligned with İstanbul’s linear footprint and ensure the integrity of its heritage, preserved throughout the centuries.

Implementation of the IUAP is currently underway and significant Metro projects have already been delivered, including the new M3 and M4 Metro Lines. The elements of the IUAP that will benefit the Games amount to a total investment of USD9.8 billion, USD3.0 billion of which is already completed. The remaining USD6.8 billion to be spent over six years is on par with the average annual city investment of USD1.2 billion in transport.

Highlights include:
–– The Marmaray project, a USD4 billion upgrade and conversion of the existing suburban railway line to Metro, connecting Halkalı on the European side with Gebze on the Asian side (already 56% complete, including 85% of the immersed tube tunnel)
–– Four targeted Metro connectors that will facilitate network integration
–– The M6 Metro Line, a USD1.5 billion investment connecting Kabataş by the Bosphorus Strait with the densely populated Mahmutbey area
–– The Bosphorus Road Crossing (the Eurasia Tunnel Project), a USD1.2 billion investment connecting Kazlıçeşme and Göztepe, including 9.2 km of road upgrades and a 5.4 km twin-deck undersea road tunnel. Buses of 2.8m height will use this tunnel to carry athletes from the Olympic and Paralympic Village to the Port Cluster venues within 30 minutes.

While not directly related to the Games Master Plan, the North Marmara Motorway, a ring road that includes a third bridge over the Bosphorus, is currently under construction. Also, İMM is currently constructing a 20 km Metro line between Üsküdar and Çekmeköy (M5 Metro line), which, although it does not provide direct access to any venue, provides vital connectivity with the Marmaray Line.

By 2018, İstanbul’s rail network will extend over 264 km and will serve all competition venues with at least one line. All investments have guaranteed funding, are aligned with the Games Master Plan and will enhance the mobility of citizens.

Public transport network

İstanbul has planned a zero car access strategy for spectators and workforce with travel to venues provided exclusively through the public transport (PT) network. By 2020 the PT network will support 50% of all trips, leveraging the city’s public transport culture. The Games PT network will integrate high capacity, mass transit modes and will satisfy the following strategic imperatives:
–– It will be fully accessible
–– It will serve all venues with stations within walking distance from the venue front of house
–– All planned network investments are fully aligned with İstanbul’s Integrated Urban Transport Master Plan (IUAP), placing emphasis on systems required for the city’s sustainable development

The Games PT network will capitalise on the significant growth of İstanbul’s mass transit systems, which is well underway and utilises the Metro to transform the city’s transport landscape. Metro lines will traverse the entire city, originating from its centre and extending radially. A new circular Metro line (M6) will allow for efficient interconnections. Metrobüs and ferry services will provide vital access to certain venues from İstanbul’s Asian side and will integrate with Metro and Tram. The strategic Park and Rail facilities will enable access to the Games PT network. At least one Metro and Tram service will serve each proposed cluster with an average station to venue distance of less than 1 km.

The accessibility of the Games PT network is in full compliance with the Turkish Disability Act (#5378). Network capacity is capable of comfortably serving the Games surge. The network is resilient, providing alternative options to access all venues in each cluster. It serves four of seven clusters with more than one high capacity mode. Resilience for the remaining clusters will be provided by dedicated shuttle bus routes.

Transport travel times and distances

The exclusive GRN will provide free flow conditions for Games vehicles, and will capitalise on the road network investments, including the critical connectivity enhancement between Europe and AsiIn order to guarantee reliable travel times, İstanbul 2020 and İMM have identified all areas in which GRN flow may be impeded and have planned junction improvements and/or management measures. In addition, demand management will moderate city background traffic to the point that Games traffic is facilitated while the city continues to function.

As a result, İstanbul’s plans ensure that 91% of athletes’ trips will be within 30 minutes, with an average trip time of 16 minutes. 44% of athletes will compete at venues within five minutes (3 km) or less from the Olympic and Paralympic Village.

If the NOC Hotel Precinct is factored in, then 96% of athletes’ trips will be within 30 minutes of competition venues and 69% within 10 minutes. The average athlete trip reduces to 12 minutes.

Media will enjoy similar travel times from the IBC/MPC and the nearby Media Village. The main hotel area will be within 30 minutes from all competition venues. Atatürk International Airport will be 15 minutes from the Media Village and 25 minutes from the main hotel area.

Spectator transport

Ticketed spectators will be provided with free access to all public transport (PT) modes on the day of the event. This policy will be effective within the entire İstanbul metropolitan area and will encourage spectators to use PT for their end-to-end trip. It will be implemented using İstanbul’s interoperable travel card system, which is continually being upgraded to the latest technologies. Workforce and all accredited Games Family members will also be provided with free access to PT systems.

To encourage and support spectator PT travel, İstanbul will develop state-of-the-art online spectator journey planners incorporating personalised daily itineraries. These will supplement the comprehensive guides available on the İMM website and smart phone services. Personalised messaging to ticketed spectators will also be provided based on origin information. Furthermore, a vigorous travel demand management campaign will be developed to steer both spectator and background demand to appropriate modes.

Public transport arrangements

The İstanbul 2020 accommodation plan comprises key clusters of accommodation facilities for all Games client groups and spectators. This cluster-based accommodation plan is fully integrated into the
Games transport strategy, enabling all guests of the hotel accommodation areas to have easy access to the rail-based public transport network of İstanbul.

In particular, the Olympic City Cluster is already well served by the M3 Metro line and will further benefit from the extension of the Marmaray Line by 2018. In addition to providing excellent public transport access to the accommodation zones along the coastal strip and those close to Atatürk International Airport, the Marmaray Line connects with the M2 Metro line to provide good access to the central accommodation zones in the Taksim Cluster.

Ticketed spectators will enjoy free travel on İstanbul’s public transport systems on the day of their ticketed event. This will be enabled through the City’s interoperable travel card system, which is continuously being upgraded to the latest technologies.

17 May 2013: TURKEY ON TARGET AT IPC SHOOTING WORLD CUP

15 May 2013: ISTANBUL 2020 BRINGS GRAND BAZAAR TO NEW YORK’S GRAND CENTRAL STATION

08 May 2013: ISTANBUL’S THIRD AIRPORT CLEARED FOR TAKE-OFF AFTER RECORD TENDER

05 May 2013: ISTANBUL 2020 BUILDS ON TURKEY’S TIES WITH AFRICA

03 May 2013: ISTANBUL 2020 PARTNER, TURKISH AIRLINES: BRIDGE TO GLOBAL MARKETS

29 April 2013: ALL ROADS LEAD TO ISTANBUL 2020

WORLD BANK: TURKISH ECONOMY IS RISING STAR

26 April 2013: TURKEY LAUNCHES NEW E-VISA SYSTEM

24 April 2013: HASAN ARAT: “ISTANBUL 2020 REALLY MEANS SPORT FOR ALL”

18 April 2013: INTERNATIONAL PARALYMPIC COMMITTEE SUPPORTS İSTANBUL 2020

16 April 2013: ISTANBUL 2020 PLEDGES “THE BEST OLYMPIC STORIES” TO WORLD’S MEDIA

15 April 2013: ISTANBUL 2020 TO UPHOLD TURKEY’S GREEN GOALS

5 April 2013: “EXTRAORDINARY” ISTANBUL IS EUROPE’S BEST DESTINATION

27March 2013: IOC EVALUATION COMMISSION PRAISES “EXTRAORDINARY” ISTANBUL

27March 2013: ISTANBUL 2020 WILL HALVE CHANGEOVER TIME FOR PARALYMPIC GAMES

26March 2013: PRIME MINISTER ERDOGAN HOSTS DINNER FOR IOC

26March 2013: ISTANBUL 2020 UNVEILS “FIVE I’S” TRANSPORT STRATEGY

26March 2013: ISTANBUL TO OFFER LUXURY AND AFFORDABLE ACCOMMOATION IN 2020

25March 2013: ISTANBUL 2020 SLOGAN: “BRIDGE TOGETHER”

25March 2013: ISTANBUL 2020 ENJOYS SIGNIFICANT PUBLIC SUPPORT

25March 2013: ISTANBUL 2020 TO PROMOTE OLYMPIC BRAND IN NEW MARKETS

24March 2013: ISTANBUL 2020 UNVEILS PLANS FOR OLYMPIC CITY

24March 2013: PRESIDENT GÜL OPENS IOC EVALUATION COMMISSION FOR ISTANBUL 2020

22March 2013: IOC EVALUATION COMMISSION ARRIVES IN ISTANBUL!

15March 2013: FASHIONABLE ISTANBUL PLAYS TO THE OLYMPIC BEAT

09March 2013: AS ONE FOR ISTANBUL 2020

07March 2013: FORBES: TURKEY “OUTPERFORMED” EMERGING MARKETS

05March 2013: GOVERNMENTS OF TURKEY AND GREECE SIGN ACCORD ON ISTANBUL 2020

20February 2013: UK SPORTS MINISTER MEETS ISTANBUL 2020 BID LEADERSHIP

08February 2013: NOC-FOCUSED” ISTANBUL 2020 ATTENDS PASO ASSEMBLY

04February 2013: ISTANBUL 2020’S TRANSFORMATIVE TRANSPORT PLAN TAKES OFF

21January 2013: ISTANBUL 2020 NAMES 7-STRONG SPONSOR LINE-UP

08 January 2013: ISTANBUL 2020 CANDIDATURE FILE REVEALS ‘HISTORY IN THE MAKING’

07 January 2013: ISTANBUL 2020 SUBMITS HISTORIC CANDIDATURE FILE TO IOC

28 December 2012: ISTANBUL 2020 ENDS YEAR ON ECONOMIC HIGH

20 December 2012: ISTANBUL 2020 HAILS TURKEY'S AMBITIOUS TRANSPORT VISION

13 December 2012: LOCHTE & CO MAKE A SPLASH IN ISTANBUL

07 December 2012: ISTANBUL 2020 BID LEADERS ATTEND EOC GENERAL ASSEMBLY

28 November 2012: ISTANBUL 2020: ENGAGING TURKEY’S YOUTH

28 November 2012: ISTANBUL 2020 WELCOMES FUTURE SPONSORSHIP 2012

22 November 2012: ISTANBUL 2020 WILL ADOPT BEST OF LONDON 2012

15 November 2012: ISTANBUL IN SPOTLIGHT AS WORLD’S TOURISM EXPERTS GATHER

11 November 2012: ISTANBUL 2020 RAMPS UP DOMESTIC CAMPAIGN AT EURASIA MARATHON

08 November 2012: ISTANBUL 2020 IN MACAU FOR NEXT STOP ON WORLD TOUR

06 November 2012: ISTANBUL 2020 CREDIT RATING UPGRADE REINFORCES TURKEY’S OLYMPIC AMBITIONS

25 October 2012: 'From Istanbul 2020 with Love’

17 October 2012: ECONOMIC TRENDS PROMISE STRONG FOUNDATIONS FOR A GAMES IN TURKEY

03 October 2012: TURKEY’S TOURISM INCREASE STRENGTHENS ISTANBUL 2020

14 August 2012: ISTANBUL 2020 INSPIRED BY SYMBOLIC MOMENT AT LONDON 2012

03 August 2012: PRIME MINISTER ERDOĞAN PROCLAIMS TURKEY’S OLYMPIC DREAM TO THE NATION

22 July 2012: ISTANBUL 2020: CANDIDATE CITY LOGO INSPIRED BY VISION OF UNITY

22 July 2012: ISTANBUL 2020: CANDIDATE CITY LOGO INSPIRED BY VISION OF UNITY

21 July 2012: TURKEY’S PRIME MINISTER TO ATTEND LONDON 2012

16 July 2012: MARK SPITZ BACKS ISTANBUL’S OLYMPIC DREAM

02 July 2012: ISTANBUL 2020: ‘MOST EVER’ TURKISH FEMALE ATHLETES AT LONDON 2012

14 June 2012: TURKEY CELEBRATES NATIONAL OLYMPIC DAY IN STYLE

13 June 2012: ISTANBUL 2020 LOGO PUT TO POPULAR VOTE

31 May 2012: ISTANBUL 2020 TO SPAN TWO CONTINENTS WITH THREE BRIDGES

31 May 2012: ISTANBUL 2020: ISTANBUL NAMED 5th MOST VISITED CITY IN THE WORLD

23 May 2012: TURKEY’S OLYMPIC PASSION SHINES THROUGH IN WORKING GROUP REPORT

23 May 2012: ISTANBUL 2020 CELEBRATES HISTORIC DAY FOR TURKEY

Suat KILIÇ - Minister of Youth and Sports

Suat Kılıç, born in Samsun on July23, 1972. Lawyer, jurist, journalist and author with yellow press card; graduated from the Law Faculty of Ankara University. He worked as a producer, speaker, news director and editor at Radio Dünya, Kanal 7, NTV and Kanal D.

Suat Kılıç, who entered the Grand National Assembly of Turkey as deputy for Samsun in 22nd Term after the general elections dated 3 November 2002, was appointed as Secretary Member of National Assembly Presidency Council and also served as Vice Chairman of Publicity and Media of AK (Justice and Development) Party. Along with this duty, Mr. Kılıç also served as Editor-in-Chief of AK Party’s official monthly publication “Bulletin of Turkey” for 6 years.

Mr. Kılıç, who entered the Grand National Assembly of Turkey for the second time as deputy for Samsun in 23rd Term after general elections dated 22 July 2007, served as Vice Chairman of Publicity and Media of AK Party, Member of Constitution Commission of the National Assembly, Member of the Board of Directors of AK Party, Parliamentary Assembly of Black Sea Economic Cooperation (KEIPA), and Chairman of Inter-Parliamentary Friendship Group between Turkey and Brazil. Mr. Kılıç was assigned as Vice President of AK Party Group in 2009 and he carried out this duty for 2 years.

Mr. Kılıç, who entered the Grand National Assembly of Turkey for the third time as deputy for Samsun in 24th Term after general elections dated 12 June 2011, was appointed as the Minister of Youth and Sports of the 61st government cabinet gathered on 6 July 2011.

Suat Kılıç knows English. He is married and has 3 children.



Dr. Kadir TOPBAŞ - The Mayor of Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality

Mr. Kadir Topbaş, the Mayor of Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality and the president of United Cities and Local Governments (UCLG) was born in Yusufeli, Artvin / Turkey in 1945. He graduated from Marmara University, Faculty of Theology in 1972 and Mimar Sinan University, Department of Architecture in 1974. Mr. Topbaş earned his PhD degree from Istanbul University, Department of Art History and Archeology with a study on "Hidiv Kasrı and its place in Bosphorus civilian architecture". Mr. Topbaş worked as an architect for many years.

Mr. Topbaş worked as an adviser for Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, when Mr. Erdoğan was the Mayor of Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality between the years of 1994 and 1998. During this period, he contributed to the restoration of the municipal palaces, summer palaces and historical buildings. Topbaş also served as the deputy director of Istanbul 1st Cultural Heritage Protection and Monuments Committee of the Ministry of Culture.

Kadir Topbaş became the Mayor of Beyoğlu in 1999. During this period, he managed to implement the "Güzel Beyoğlu" ("Beautiful Beyoğlu") Project.

Within the scope of "Urban Transformation and Social Rehabilitation" studies (in which he drew the architectural project), Topbaş put a gymnasium-educational and social facilities complex into service, in Kasımpaşa.

Topbaş became a candidate for the Mayorship of İstanbul Metropolitan Municipality from AK Party in the 28 March 2004 Local Elections, and won with vast majority.

He published "Beyoğlu: Kültürleri Buluşturan Kent" ("Beyoglu: The City That Brings Cultures Together") with Bilgi University, "Geçmişten Günümüze Beyoğlu I-II" ("Beyoğlu From Past to Present I-II") and "Anılarda Beyoğlu" ("Beyoğlu in Memories") with TAC Foundation. He has been carrying on to be the voice of public, and protector of desolates. By keeping in mind where he comes from and remaining real.



Prof. Dr. Uğur ERDENER - President of NOC of Turkey

Born on June 15, 1950, Uğur Erdener attended primary school in Van, where his father was working. Erdener went to middle school in Bandırma. After completing high school at Ankara Gazi Lycée, he started studying medicine at Hacettepe University Medical School, where he believed he would have the best opportunity to fulfill his dream of becoming a doctor. Graduating in 1977, Erdener specialized in opthalmology at Hacettepe University Medical School, Department of Opthalmology.

As a doctor and university faculty member, Uğur Erdener spent all of his professional life at Hacettepe University Medical School. He became an associate professor in the Department of Ophthalmology in 1996, and a professor in 2001. Currently Dean of the Department of Ophthalmology at Hacettepe University Medical School, Prof. Dr. Uğur Erdener is the author of over 60 articles in both Turkish and international publications.

Prof. Dr. Uğur Erdener was appointed General Director of Hacettepe University Hospitals in 2000. In this capacity, he worked as the official responsible for the complete renovation of the buildings belonging to Hacettepe University Hospitals complex, which had aged and deteriorated over the years, losing their functionality in some locations. Working to achieve a contemporary hospital concept and to equip the buildings with the new technologies of modern medicine, more importantly, Erdener was authorized by the University President to bring various quality management and corporate culture development projects to life, as well as an accreditation program, all of which he worked on as the primary person in charge.

The management model which Erdener and his colleagues implemented, constituted a model for Turkey in every respect and represents an important source of know-how. At this point, the model is an acknowledged health model that fulfills close to 1100 standards of the Joint Commission International, the leading health accreditation system in the world, and the fact that it was the first to have been recognized outside of its counterparts in U.S. hospitals is evidence of the developments that have been achieved in this field. The implementation of a significant quality management program also proved to be exemplary in terms of the efforts to establish the concept of working as a team, adopting team awareness, and creating a corporate culture to encompass everyone involved.

Prof. Dr. Uğur Erdener served as Hacettepe University President for a term of four years over the period 2008-2011.

Sports occupy an important place in Uğur Erdener's life. Starting off on a sports career as an amateur athlete, Erdener successfully passed through all the stages that led him to become an international athlete and gain one of the highest positions a Turkish athlete has ever been able to achieve.

Erdener started sports with athletics and then moved into basketball. Playing in various teams, he later served as a basketball trainer for a long period. During this time, he began to work at the Hacettepe Sports Club as a sports manager and served as a director in the various clubs, including football. Since 1982, Erdener has taken responsibility for management of the sport of archery in Turkey and he was elected President of the Archery Federation for 4 terms, serving for 23 years, stepping down from this capacity in 2005. Over this period, Erdener received awards from a variety of organizations and also served as a jury member and ministerial consultant. In the international arena, holding his position as President of Archery Association Europe, in which capacity he served for five years, in 2005, Uğur Erdener was elected to the Presidency of the World Archery Federation (WA), an organization with 142 member countries with headquarters in Lausanne, becoming the first and only Turkish athlete to be elected to the world presidency of an Olympic sports branch. Currently the President of the Turkish National Olympic Committee, Erdener is also a member of the International Olympic Committee (IOC).



Hasan ARAT - Chairman of İstanbul 2020 Bid Committee

Hasan Arat is the Chairman of the Executive Board of Capital Partners, a leading real estate developer operating in Turkey, Kazakhstan and Russia. Ritz Carlton Moscow, Renaissance Atyrau, Renaissance Aktau and Marriott Executive Apartments Atyrau, Metropolis Shopping Mall and Business Center Moscow and Esentai Park Almaty are some of the projects developed and owned by Capital Partners.

He is also a board member of Fiba Group, its investments in the financial services industry are in banking, leasing, factoring, insurance, NPL management and private equity fund and its non-financial investments are in aviation, retail, real estate (Swissotel Istanbul), energy, ship building and port management. Board member of Acıbadem Health Group and the member of board trustees of Acıbadem University are among his other assignments.

He is the vice president of Affiliate Members of UNWTO – United Nations World Tourism Organization, executive board member of TYD - Turkish Tourism Investors Association and was the former president and a current member of the executive council and board of directors of IAF - International Apparel Federation.

He is currently the vice president of NOCT - Turkish National Olympic Committee, and his sports background also includes playing professional basketball at BJK - Beşiktaş Gymnastic Club, serving as a former vice president of BJK – Beşiktaş Gymnastic Club and former 2nd president of TBF - Turkish Basketball Federation.

He was awarded the “Businessman of the Year” award in 1996 by Economist Magazine, National Productivity Center of Turkey and Dünya Newspaper.

Mr. Arat studied Business Administration at İstanbul University Faculty of Management and is married to Simin Arat, a former National Swimming Team Member, and is father of Zeynep (20), a volleyball player, and Ali (24), a Turkish National Water Polo Team player.