Istanbul kicks off major cultural festival, eyes tourism boost

ISTANBUL, Sept. 27 (Xinhua) -- Istanbul's Culture Route Festival opened on Friday, offering more than 500 events across the city over nine days.

Culture and Tourism Minister Mehmet Nuri Ersoy launched the festival at the Ataturk Cultural Center in Beyoglu district with a "Carmina Burana" performance by the Istanbul State Opera and Ballet.

The festival will use over 110 venues, including stages at landmark