Ankara /Information Office / 20 April 2015/ HE Qatar's Ambassador to Turkey Salem bin Mubarak Al Shafi inaugurated today Qatar street in the "Sariyer" area on the European side of Istanbul, overlooking the Bosphorus. The inauguration ceremony was attended by a number of Turkish government and Istanbul municipality officials as well as diplomats and heads of Arab consular missions in Istanbul. Speaking during the ceremony, Deputy Mayor of Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality Ahmed Salamat thanked HE Qatar's Ambassador to Turkey for his efforts in cementing bilateral relations between the two countries, commending his proposal of renaming a prestigious street in Istanbul after "Qatar". He also appreciated HE the Ambassador's endeavors and consultations with the officials concerned which culminated in the selection of this ancient street to be renamed "Qatar". The Deputy Mayor of Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality said renaming prominent street in Istanbul after Qatar is a testament to the deep historical and cultural ties between the two countries, noting that this event comes in light of improving bilateral relations and within the activities and events of the Qatar Turkey Year of Culture. In his remarks, HE Qatar's Ambassador to Turkey extended his tanks to the government and people of Turkey, and to Mayor of Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality Kadir Topbas for his efforts to strengthening the fraternal relations between the two countries. HE the Ambassador expressed his delight at this initiative as well as other previously announced initiatives, adding that they will contribute to advancing Qatari-Turkish relations. He described Qatari-Turkish ties as a role model, pointing out that the joint efforts of the two wise leaderships will allow the two countries to further boost their relations. The 3.5km street was formerly called "Istinye Bayiri," and is situated in the "Sariyer" area on the European side of Istanbul, overlooking the Bosphorus. The area is described by Turkish press as "one of the most beautiful neighborhoods of Istanbul." Last year, a street named after Qatar, adjacent to the Presidential Republican Palace in Chanakaya, one of the most prestigious suburbs in Ankara, was launched to mark Qatar’s National Day.