istanbulA book on legends and talismans of Istanbul has been published as part of the ARCHIMEDES Project within the framework of the MED-PACT Programme. "ARCHIMEDES" stands for "Action to Regenerate Cities and Help Innovate Mediterranean Economic Development Enhancing Sustainability". The project is led by Venice and Istanbul as co-leaders, in cooperation with Bordeaux (France), Genova (Italy), Oran (Algeria), El-Mina (Lebanon) and Beirut (Lebanon). The aim of the project is to define institutional settings, instruments and tools based on the best practices of EU partner cities, in order to promote public- private partnerships, mobilize civil society, promote sustainable tourism, and valorisation of underutilized cultural heritage in the MEDA partner cities. The Çemberlitaş-Mahmutpaşa-Yeni Cami Axis in Eminönü has been chosen as the pilot region in Istanbul and a strategic study programme has been undertaken. The ARCHIMEDES Project International Conference also took place in June 2008 in Istanbul. Besides the publication of the book on legends and talismans of Istanbul, the project activities in relation to Istanbul will include a guidebook of Eminönü for tourists, a tourism itinerary with sign boards for information and directions, a feasibility study for the restoration of a han and a training course for the Eminönü Municipality staff.