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From encounter to companion: Istanbul-Gyeongju Expo ends

From encounter to companion: Istanbul-Gyeongju Expo ends

The Istanbul-Gyeongju World Culture Expo 2013 came to an end on September 22. Hosted in Istanbul, the city regarded as amiddle point between Asia and Europe, the expo featured cultural exchanges with 40 participating countries for 23 days starting from August 31.

"The cultural expo has opened up a new prospect for worldwide cultural enrichment and co-prosperity", said Governor Kim Gwan-yong of Gyeongsangbuk-do (North Gyeongsang Province), a co-organizer of the event, at the closing ceremony. "Upon this opportunity, we expect to further strengthen our relations in the fields of politics, economy, and foreign policy".

Mayor of Istanbul Kadir Topbas, who served as Turkish co-organizer, also celebrated the closing. "Beyond the historical ancient Silk Road, we can further promote our friendship and exchanges here in the middle way between the east and west", said Topbas.

Governor Kim Gwan-yong (right) and Istanbul Mayor Kadir Topbas exchange "honorable citizenship" of each other's province and city (photo shown above).

Two organizers from Korea and Turkey recited a manifesto which includes messages of peace, hope, interaction, respect, sharing, and prosperity. Once translated into eleven languages including Korean, Turkish, Japanese and Chinese, the statement will be sent to each nation and the UN.

During the 23-day cultural journey, Korea has showcased colorful cultural offerings from musical performances themed on ancientSilla Dynasty(57 BC - AD 935),regional folk performances,taekwondodemonstrations,Hanbokfashion shows, and K-pop concerts to a joint parade participated in by the queen of Silla and warriors of the Ottoman Empire.

From encounter to companion: Istanbul-Gyeongju Expo ends

A b-boy street performance catches the attention of visitors.

From encounter to companion: Istanbul-Gyeongju Expo ends

A gugak band from Cheongdo County showcases samul nori (percussion ensemble) in Ayasofya Square.

From encounter to companion: Istanbul-Gyeongju Expo ends

Visitors to the K-pop concert enthusiastically cheer on the performance.

From encounter to companion: Istanbul-Gyeongju Expo ends

A joint parade by Korean and Turkish performers is welcomed by the Turkish locals.

A TV producer from Turkish public broadcasting outlet TRT said that it seems like the first time that the culture of another country has been introduced in Turkey in such detail, and it offered a chance for Turkish people as well as visitors to learn about Korea.

In recognition of the possibility of diversified cooperation at the expo, the two sides began discussions on post-expo events. The two nations agreed to create a partnership and hold regular exchanges under three categories of culture and sports, industrial trade, and exchange of human resources.

(All photos courtesy of theIstanbul-Gyeongju World Culture Expo 2013Organizing Committee)

ByLee Seung-ah
Korea.net Staff Writer
[email protected]From encounter to companion: Istanbul-Gyeongju Expo ends

Source from :www.korea.net