Istanbul House opens in Paris: The first step for the 2027 European Games and 2036 Olympic bid

Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality (IMM), in cooperation with the National Olympic Committee of Turkey, has opened the Istanbul House at Paris's famous fashion museum, the "Palais Galliera."

The purpose of establishing the Istanbul House, which will host visitors to promote Istanbul until August 8, was determined to be conducting lobbying activities for the 2036 Olympic bid, in addition to Turkey's 2027 European Games promotional program.

The opening of the Istanbul House, enriched with historical documents and visual content, was held with the participation of CHP Chairman Özgür Özel, Union of Municipalities of Turkey (TBB) and IMM Mayor Ekrem İmamoğlu, CHP Istanbul Provincial Chairman Özgür Çelik, and 17 district mayors from Istanbul.

His wife, Dr. Dilek Kaya İmamoğlu, and daughter Beren İmamoğlu also accompanied İmamoğlu at the opening in Paris. Before the opening, İmamoğlu chatted with legendary athlete Sergey Bubka, whom he hosted at the Istanbul House.

At the opening ceremony, which brought together many famous names from the worlds of politics and sports, speeches were delivered respectively by the National Olympic Committee of Turkey (TMOK), International Olympic Committee (IOC) member Nenad Lalović, European Olympic Committees (EOC) President Spyros Capralos, former captain of the Olympic National Women's Volleyball Team Esra Gümüş Kırıcı, and İmamoğlu.

"MY FAMILY AND I ARE BIG FANS OF OUR WOMEN'S NATIONAL VOLLEYBALL TEAM"

Stating, "It is a privilege and an honor for me to speak in your presence this evening at this beautiful venue in Paris, which we now call 'Istanbul House'," İmamoğlu used the following expressions in his speech:

"Together with the Turkish Olympic Committee, we are hosting our guests with the best example of Turkish hospitality. On this day when we come together at the Istanbul House, we are reflecting on the values and countries that transform the Olympic and Paralympic Games beyond a sports event into a global movement that unites humanity in a spirit of excellence, friendship, and respect. So far at the Paris Olympics, we have experienced many emotions intensely together. I had the chance to watch a few competitions in person and witnessed the athletes' excellent performances, discipline, focus, and determination. My family and I are big fans of our Women's National Volleyball Team. We have watched their matches many times in our country. However, seeing them compete and win matches at the Olympics made us extremely proud. Over the past two weeks, Paris has embraced us and the entire sports world warmly and impressed everyone with its extraordinary organizational quality. Bravo and merci Paris 2024."

"SEEING THE OLYMPIC RINGS AT THE EIFFEL TOWER WAS TRULY INSPIRING"

Seeing the Olympic rings at the Eiffel Tower in Paris was truly inspiring. I dream of seeing the rings one day in Istanbul, adorning the bridge that connects Europe and Asia over the Bosphorus. Excellence is a fundamental pillar of the Olympic Games and one of the main principles of the philosophy of the Games.

As the founders of the Games believed; 'Olympism is a philosophy of life that balances and exalts the qualities of body, will, and mind in a balanced whole.' These words reflect the spirit of our Istanbul 2027 European Games vision. Istanbul, which connects two continents, is a symbol of unity, diversity, and cultural richness. In this city where ancient heritage and modern vitality coexist in harmony, we find the perfect location to celebrate human potential and the pursuit of excellence. Istanbul, with its 8,000-year-old rich history as a center of trade, culture, and diplomacy, is the embodiment of the Olympic spirit.

"ISTANBUL IS A LIVING TESTAMENT TO THE ETERNAL POWER OF CULTURE, HISTORY, AND HUMAN ACHIEVEMENT"

Hosting the European Games in Istanbul in 2027 will be a powerful symbol of unity, proving to the whole world that despite our differences, we can unite in a spirit of friendly competition. Istanbul aims to use the European Games as a tool to inspire and mobilize young people and to foster a sense of community and shared purpose.

I thank President Capralos and the EOC for bestowing upon us the honor of hosting these games. Istanbul is a living testament to the eternal power of culture, history, and human achievement.

Istanbul's cityscape is adorned with historical monuments that tell of its glorious past, and the joy and excitement of sports have always been intertwined with this rich history. Sports have had a deep place in Istanbul's culture for centuries. Historical venues like the Hippodrome once served as the heart of both social and political life.

Under Ottoman rule, Istanbul continued to be a center for sporting activities. Equestrian sports and archery, in particular, flourished. These events were not just royal entertainments, but also important social events that highlighted the skills and courage of the participants.

"ISTANBUL HAS EMBRACED THE WORLD OF SPORTS WHILE HONORING ITS HISTORICAL HERITAGE"

In the modern era, Istanbul has embraced the world of sports while honoring its historical heritage. Our city has transformed into a vibrant hub for international sports events, symbolizing a harmonious blend of past and present, where modern stadiums and sports infrastructure coexist with Istanbul's historical charm.

The stories of former athletes and modern sports icons who have graced Istanbul's arenas contribute to a rich mosaic of inspiration. As we move towards 2027, every detail is being planned to provide an unforgettable experience for athletes, officials, and spectators.

One of the most remarkable aspects of the 'Istanbul 2027' preparations is the transformation of the city's sports infrastructure. We will prioritize the improvement of existing facilities and the construction of new modern facilities as part of a sustainable urban plan to provide a legacy and social benefits for future generations. We will ensure that the European Games are organized in an environment that promotes the highest athletic performance, spectator enjoyment, and long-term sustainability.

"GENDER EQUALITY IS ONE OF OUR PRIORITIES"

Our city is committed to hosting a green event. Our goal is to reduce carbon footprints, promote public transport, and ensure that all facilities are accessible to everyone.

Gender equality is also one of our priorities. This year, more than half of the Turkish team consists of female athletes. We will ensure that the Games leave a positive legacy and impact on Istanbul and all the city's residents, and that they are remembered by everyone who participates in and witnesses this extraordinary event.

In the spirit of the Olympics, let us embrace this vision and work together to make the Istanbul 2027 European Games a shining example of what we can achieve when we come together with a common purpose. Let us strive not only for victory, but also for the joy of our collective efforts, the educational value of exemplary behavior, and respect for universal ethical principles. Istanbul looks forward to hosting you all in 2027 and beyond, and I thank you all for joining us on this enthusiastic Olympic night.”

Following his speech, İmamoğlu invited Özel to the platform. Özel and İmamoğlu presented a 'kıspet' (traditional wrestling leather trousers) to EOC President Capralos. The Istanbul House opening in Paris concluded with a concert by Karsu.

LEGENDARY ATHLETE SERGEY BUBKA WAS ALSO A GUEST AT THE OPENING

The Istanbul House began hosting its guests with events held before the opening ceremony in the evening. The talk titled "Artists Whose Paths Cross with Paris" hosted painter Bedri Baykam, moderated by writer and voice actor Yekta Kopan.

The guest of the talk titled "A Hundred-Year Dream," moderated by journalist Banu Yelkovan, was writer İzzeddin Çalışlar. In the talk titled "The Story of the Team That Changed the History of Gymnastics in Turkey," also moderated by Yelkovan, two directors, Efe Öztezdoğan and İpek Kent, took part. The talk titled "Istanbul Talks: A Vision Beyond," moderated by AIPS Europe Secretary General Murat Ağca, brought together legendary athlete Sergey Bubka, whose 6-meter 14-centimeter pole vault record remained unbroken for 26 years, Naz Aydemir Akyol, who wore the national jersey at the London 2012 and Tokyo 2020 Olympics, and World Olympians Association President Joel Bouzou.

News Source: 12punto