In Paris they are rolling out the red carpet for Turkey in a big way - a 312 metre tall way - illuminating the Eiffel Tower in the colours of the Turkish flag. The most symbolic monument in Paris was bathed in red and white to mark the start of Turkish Season. Tourists will be able to enjoy the sight of the iconic tower in the red from the 6th to the 11th of October, red carpet treatment for the wrought iron tower which is celebrating its 120th birthday this year. Turkish Season in France actually runs until March 2010, but the opening week will see France is to welcome Turkish President Abdullah Gull. Turkish spectators who had come to watch the lighting said it was important for relations between France and Turkey. Gorgon Taner said that it emphasised Turkey's presence in Europe. The lighting is the red and white of the Turkish flag, but did not have an illuminated half-moon, as had been claimed by the right wing National Front, who protested against the illumination as a waste of public money and a disgrace of a national monument, as did Armenian pressure groups.
.jpg)
