EIFFEL TOWER TO LIGHT UP FOR FRANCE’S ‘TURKEY SEASON’

Hurriyet Daily News
Sept 15 2009
Turkey

The Paris Municipality has decided to make a gesture to President
Gul and light up the tower with the colors of the Turkish flag (red
and white) from Oct. 5 to 11.

The Eiffel Tower, which has become a global icon of France, will be
lit up with the colors of the Turkish flag as part of the ongoing
"Turkey Season" activities in France.

Turkish President Abdullah Gul will pay a state visit to France on
Oct. 6 to attend the opening of the exhibition "Istanbul through the
Ages" at the Grand Palais.

The Paris Municipality decided to make a gesture to President Gul and
light up the tower with the colors of the Turkish flag (red and white)
from Oct. 5 to Oct. 11.

A new lighting system will be used.

"Turkey Season" activities began with a performance by the Anatolian
Fire dance group in front of the Eiffel tower in July. Among other
related events there will be exhibitions and performances.

The newly opened Paris Bosphorus Institute aims to promote Turkish
culture in the French capital even after the season ends, as well as
to create an independent and objective dialogue platform.

"Our primary aim is to eliminate the prejudices between the two
nations," Chairman of the Board of Directors of AXA and member of
the institute Henri de Castries said.

The institute will become active with a conference to be held in
Istanbul on Oct. 22-23.

Prominent Turkish and French politicians, businessmen, economists
and opinion leaders will meet in a "science council" formed within
the body of the institute.