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Thousands of festive lights adorn İstiklal Street for new year’s Eve
The street has been decorated as part of a 2011 lighting project launched by the Beyoğlu Municipality and a Beyoğlu association. The street, which connects Taksim Square with Tünel, has been illuminated by 68,412 light bulbs.
Beyoğlu Mayor Ahmet Misbah Demircan said the street attracts every newcomer to İstanbul. “We, the residents of Beyoğlu, have the duty to make all visitors happy. We have gotten prepared for 2011 and are attempting to offer a different and more beautiful surprise than in previous years,” he said. “We will experience this beauty all together as we enter the new year. The nostalgic tramway will add more excitement [to the celebrations] on our street.”
In addition to the famous İstiklal Street, other İstanbul spots including streets and shopping malls, are also ready for 2011 with embellishments.
Nişantaşı, a neighborhood famous for its luxurious clothing boutiques and cafes, is also adorned to welcome the new year. A red carpet was rolled out on Abdi İpekçi Street while giant light fixtures illuminate the street at night. Mannequins have been installed throughout the street.
The smaller Atiye and Bostan streets have been decorated to resemble a galaxy, with many glittering stars installed everywhere. Teşvikiye Street, another major street in the neighborhood, was spruced up with the concept of being a haven of gifts. Also, a giant Christmas tree has been set up in Nişantaşı Square.
As a New Year’s tradition, the Abdi İpekçi Street is getting ready to host thousands of İstanbul residents and visitors to welcome 2011 with a fireworks show.
“Turkey’s heart will beat in Nişantaşı,” Şişli Mayor Mustafa Sarıgül said. Sarıgül said New Year’s celebrations will take place with joy and in peace in a festive atmosphere in Nişantaşı. The mayor also noted that 250 undercover officers will be assigned to the streets to ensure safety during the celebrations.
More than 1.25 million light bulbs were used to decorate the façade of Forum İstanbul, a large mall in the city. The inside of the mall was lit up with more than 1 million light bulbs. The mall was decorated with local themes instead of mainstream Christmas themes.
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