(ATR) Undaunted by four previous attempts to win the Olympics, Istanbul tries again with improvements to show over the past bids. An Olympic Stadium is one of the new venues that has been built as well as a new indoor arena.
More is still needed, but Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan, Istanbul mayor during an earlier bid, appears committed to leading the country towards a winning bid.
One significant difference between this bid and the last is a much stronger Turkish economy, perhaps in better shape than the current situation in Italy or Spain.
Strengths: Turkish economy, existing venues, government support, frequent host for international sports events.
Weaknesses: Traffic and transport, political situation in Kurdish region.
Possible Storylines: First Muslim nation to host, large youth population, cultural cross roads, exotic scenes.
Leadership: Turkish NOC President Ugur Erdener, also IOC member and international archery federation president; Yalcin Aksoy, bid director
Past Bids: 2000, 2004, 2008, 2012
Population: 12 million
Written by Ed Hula
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