Istanbul declared 2015 capital of Muslim youth

The Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) has declared Istanbul as the 2015 Youth Capital for the Muslim world. In its new capacity, the city will host youths from Muslim countries and a series of events related to Islamic issues.

The OIC and the Turkish Ministry of Youth and Sports signed a protocol on Friday for cooperation on events. The events will officially open in May with a program entitled "Youth Meet In Their Capital," which will host 200 guests from 60 countries. Participants will attend conferences on the shared culture and heritage of the Muslim world, fighting Islamophobia and conflict resolution. Guests will then join Muslim students from around the world who study in Turkey for a trip across the city to visit landmarks such as the Haghia Sophia and the Blue Mosque.

Along with conferences, youths from OIC countries will join sports tournaments, a fashion festival and a camp for 100 Muslim youths from other countries and from Turkey on Gökçeada Island in the Aegean Sea. A youth festival will also be held.

The highlight of the event is a gathering of Muslim youths from OIC member countries in Çanakkale later this year, as Turkey will host a commemorative ceremony for those who fought in key World War I battles on the Aegean coast.

A series of exhibitions and workshops on Islamic art will be held as part of the program.