SOCIAL EVENTS:
Welcome Reception - April 26, 2010 (Included in the ICN Conference)
Prior to the commencement of ICN İstanbul Annual Conference, a welcome reception will be held in honour of conference attendees at the Swissôtel poolside on Monday evening at 19:00 hrs.
Topkapı Palace tour- April 27, 2010 (Included in the ICN Conference)
Topkapı Palace constructed in 1478 by Fatih Sultan Mehmet, has been the official residence of the Ottoman Sultans and center of State Administration around 380 years until the construction of Dolmabahce Palace by Sultan Abdulmecid. The palace having around 700.000 m.² areas during the foundation years has currently 80.000 m.² area. Situated on the acropolis, the site of the first settlement in Istanbul, it commands an impressive view of the Golden Horn, the Bosphorus and the Sea of Marmara. Hagia Irene, which is located on the 1st courtyard of Topkapi Palace, was constructed by the Emperor Lustiniaus in the 6th century. It is a typical Byzantine structure with its material and architecture.
On Tuesday evening, conference attendees are invited to a tour of the Topkapı Palace and Hagia Irene which will be followed by a cocktail prolonge at 20:30 hrs.
Sponsored by Istanbul 2010 European Capital of Culture Agency and the Turkish Competition Authority
Gala Dinner - April 28, 2010 (Included in the ICN Conference)
Gala dinner will be held for conference attendees at Dolmabahce Palace on Wednesday evening. Located at the European side of the Bosphorus, Dolmabahce Palaceserved as the main administrative center of the Ottoman Empire from 1856 to 1922, apart from a thirty-two year interval (1877-1909) in which the Yildiz Palace was used. Ottoman military band, the Janissary Band which is thought to be the oldest military band in the world, will be welcoming our guests at the entrance of Dolmabahce Palace.
Sponsored by the Union of Chambers and Commodity Exchanges of Turkey (TOBB)and the Turkish Competition Authority.
Bosphorus tour - April 29, 2010 (Included in the ICN Conference)
Following the closure of ICN İstanbul Annual Conference, both conference attendees and their companions are invited to join a tour to enjoy the beauties of the Bosphorus. The Bosphorus also known as the Istanbul Strait, is a strait that forms part of the boundary between Europe and Asia. It is one of the Turkish Straits, along with the Dardanelles. Used for international navigation, the strait connects the Black Sea with the Sea of Marmara (which is connected by the Dardanelles to the Aegean Sea, and thereby to the Mediterranean Sea). The boat will depart from Kabataş pier on Thursday afternonon.
