ISTANBUL - A seminar on "Italian Architectural Restoration and Urban Transformation Experiences, Materials and Technologies on the Protection of the Cultural Heritage" was inaugurated today in Istanbul.
The seminar aims to build up a mutual cultural and technical cooperation by benefitting from the Italian experience in order to achieve the conservation and restoration of the cultural heritage of the city of Istanbul which was selected the "European Capital of Culture" for the year 2010.
Taking the floor at the seminar organised by the Italian Consulate in Istanbul, Italian Trade Commission and Istanbul 2010 Initiative Group collectively, Italy`s General Consul Massimo Rustico said that the urban renovation and restoration activities to be carried out within the framework of Istanbul`s new title of "European Capital of Culture", would remarkably contribute to the improvement of the cooperation between Turkey and Italy.
Pointing to Italy`s technological and administrative experience on the issue, Rustico stressed that all Italian cities had totally changed and returned to their old luminous days thanks to the projects activated in Italy over the last 15-20 years.
Rustico also stressed that such activities would contribute to the development of cultural,tourism and trade relations between the Italy and Turkey and noted that, within the context of the seminar, 15 Italian companies arrived in Istanbul to start bilateral talks with their Turkish counterparts.
-"RAPID URBANIZATION DAMAGED ISTANBUL"
Moreover, Nuri Colakoglu, head of the Istanbul 2010 Initiative Group`s Executive Council said Istanbul`s historical structure was damaged and treated roughly due to the rapid urbanization taking place in the city.
"Our responsibility is to protect what is left over and transfer it to the coming generations," Colakoglu underlined.
Colakoglu also stated that Istanbul`s "European Capital of Culture" title was a great opportunity which would enable the scientific restoration of the city`s cultural heritage conforming with its glorious history.
On the other hand, Italian Trade Commission`s Istanbul Director Roberto Luongo expressed that expert consultants, professors and representatives of private companies experienced in architectural restoration and urban transformation areas, would share their experiences with Turkish companies, architects, public officials and university milieu by the courtesy of this seminar.