‘Istancool,’ the festival of art, design, fashion, literature, film, music and ideas aiming to enhance the reputation of Istanbul as a great cultural city and pay tribute to Turkey’s cultural heritage, began yesterday. World-renowned names, including internationally-recognized Turkish artists, will be on stage through until Sunday throughout the city.

The festival, organized by the British cultural diplomacy brand Liberatum, Turkish partner Istanbul 74, the Istanbul 2010 European Capital of Culture Agency in association with the Turkish Culture and Tourism Ministry, provides a riveting artistic journey that aims to boost cultural dialogue.

The event also hopes to reflect a unique and innovative collaboration bringing together some of the most renowned British, Turkish and international cultural icons.

Among the leading actors, designers, musicians, directors, artists, authors and media figures is Trinidadian Nobel prize winning author Sir V.S. Naipaul.

For more on the festival go to http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=236778387228