Istanbul 2020 Bid Boosted by UNESCO Status

The Istanbul 2020 Olympic Games bid has been handed a timely boost after the Turkish capital was recognised by UNESCO for its rich heritage.

Istanbul 2020 has promised a unique and world-class Cultural Olympiad in 2020 and the Chairman of the bid was delighted the city received this recognition just one week ahead of the host city election vote in Buenos Aires.

Hasan Arat said: “I am delighted that, ampoule with less than two weeks to go before the vote, arthritis the city’s credentials as a cultural capital are being further enhanced.

“In 2020, if Istanbul is awarded the right to host the Games, sport and culture will be woven together at every turn throughout the city. Istanbul will provide an incredible and iconic backdrop for an Olympic Games but the city will also be teeming with creativity and life.”

Istanbul was placed on UNESCO’s best-practice World Heritage Committee list, which recognises Istanbul’s peninsula – home to the Hagia Sophia and the Blue Mosque – as valuable to humanity.

The International Olympic Committee (IOC) will select either Istanbul, Madrid or Tokyo to host the 2020 Games at their 125^th Session in Buenos Aires on September 7.