Whilst the city was introduced in all its professionalism and splendor, one could easily foresee the potential impacts on both the local and national economy as well as in general terms, meaning an even further enhanced positive image. “İzmir, the brand” definitely benefits “Turkey, the brand.”
From its inauguration in London back in 1851 to the most recent show held in Shanghai in EXPO 2010, dubbed “The World's Fair,” it has become an event that attracts enormous publicity; besides, it is going to last for six long months.
It is fair to say that EXPO has lost none of its original appeal regardless of today's hectic world where innovations and everything else that is “new” or noteworthy arrives in our inbox a few hours -- and often only a few minutes -- after its discovery.
As it seems keeping up the tradition of hosting a global exhibition that has become so much more than simply being another -- albeit larger -- trade fair makes sense, and İzmir, which has learned its lessons from a recent, previous bid, seems to be extremely well placed this time round to come out on top once the votes have been counted.
The fascinating thing is that not just the city's elected office holders are ready (and behind) the bid, but it seems most segments of local civil society, too. The past yet unfortunately unsuccessful try at hosting another EXPO and the counting of the votes had been broadcast live on television in one of the city's major squares and had become a large scale public event in its own right. However, the people of İzmir got their act back together incredibly fast, and it took them less than three years to be “EXPO ready” once more. Only now everything seems to be just that little bit better prepared, including a tri-lingual website that was just about ready in time for the “serious” lobbying to kick off.
As it is too early to speculate about the outcome of the vote in 2013, let us for the time being focus on something else that is remarkable in its own right. EXPO 2020 has already been turned into a cross-party affair with a committee made up of leading personalities of both the local ruling political party as well as the local opposition. Further members hail from universities, chambers and other important institutions.
The national government in Ankara lends its full-hearted support to the municipality and the organizers in a move that is clearly aimed at creating an atmosphere of much reduced polarization -- far too often party political bickering overshadows more flexible, more pro-active day-to-day policy making. İzmir's elected officials know only too well that without the backing by Ankara its bid would not have materialized, and Ankara will understand that a city such as İzmir is indeed one of the best “business cards” the country has to offer. Combining local with national efforts to secure the nomination for EXPO 2020 is a classic win-win situation.
Having spent considerable time in and around İzmir I often resort to describing the city as “the gateway to Turkey and beyond” due to its unique geographical position. It is much more than a dispersing point for incoming tourists -- it is an economic hub that over time has turned itself into a successful location for state of the art enterprises as well as top universities. Whereas most visitors, businessmen or commentators would know a thing or two about İstanbul and many others for sure understand the historical and political relevance of the capital Ankara, İzmir sometimes seems to be a “distant third” and all for the wrong reasons. I hope the campaign leading up to the crucial vote in 2013 will get that right.
Competition is expected to be fierce so local organizers should brace themselves for a tough ride, Yet, as the product on offer looks right, no one including the İzmir Development Agency should shy away from promoting İzmir as a success story.
Or as the Turkish people might wish to say: “Haydi, İzmir!”
