The Social Programme has long been an integral part of this conference series. The goal is to maximise networking and community building both during and after the conference, while ensuring that partners accompanying delegates enjoy their stay in Istanbul and feel part of the eChallenges community.

The Organising Committee are pleased to announce that a Gala Dinner, sponsored by TUBITAK (Scientific and Technological Research Council of Turkey) and TuR&Bo ppp will be held on Thursday evening.

It is necessary for all delegates and Accompanying persons to confirm participation at both social events as part of online registration.

There are a variety of tours available during and after eChallenges e-2009 for delegates and accompanying persons to experience Istanbul. Tickets can be purchased in advance via online registration up to 12 October and will be included in the delegates pack provided at on site registration.

Visit Sultan Ahmet Center (where Byzantine and Ottoman Empires were ruled in the heart of the Old City), Hagia Sophia (constructed as a basilica in the 6th century by Emperor Justinian), Blue Mosque (opposite Hagia Sophia, famous with its blue Iznik tiles and unique with 6 minarets, built in the name of Sultan Ahmet), Hippodrome and Grand Bazaar. Bus leaves Taksim Square at 08:00 on Tuesday morning and half-day morning tour finishes at Sultan Ahmet Center near Hagia Sophia. This allows you the opportunity to spend more time in the Grand Bazaar if desirable or walk around the Old City. Tour includes transport and English speaking guide.

Visit the magnificent Dolmabache Palace, recent residence for Ottoman Sultans with 365 rooms and 22 saloons. Famous for its great collection of European antiquity, furniture and 4.5 tons chandelier. A specific English speaking guide at the Palace takes the group through the palace providing a history and context for each area that is viewed. The guided tour within the Palace lasts for approximately one hour and participants are not allowed to view areas unsupervised. Following the visit to the Palace, the bus will drive over the Bosphorus Bridge to allow you to see how Istanbul rests on European and Asian continents and will then drive to Camlica Hill for a panoramic view of Istanbul and the Bosphorus. Tour available on Tuesday afternoon and Friday afternoon. It includes transport and English speaking guide and entrance to Dolmabache Palace.

This half day afternoon tour commences with a visit to the Topkapi Palace, residence of the Ottoman Sultans exhibiting imperial treasury, sacred Islamic relics, kitchen, Chinese porcelain, weapons, calligraphy section etc. (Harem is not included in the program as this requires an extra entrance fee)

The visit Rüstem Pasa Mosque, designed by the court architect Sinan for the Grand Vizier of Süleyman The Magnificent. A typical sample of Islamic architecture amidst the rows of shops near the Spice Bazaar, well known with its exquisite and colourful tiles set in floral and geometric designs.

Tour available on Wednesday afternoon and includes transport and English speaking guide and entrance to Topkapi Palace (excluding the Harem).

This tour is available as half-day tour on Thursday afternoon or Sunday morning.

Following the pick up at Taksim Square, you will see the Golden Horn, City walls and Spice Bazaar from the bus. The Bosphorus Cruise will allow you to see the architecture along the waterway on the European and Asia sides of the City including villas from the Ottomon era. You can also view the Rumeli Fortress from the water which is a historical armament built by the Conqueror to control and protect Bosphorus.

Tour includes transport and English speaking guide.

This full tour on Saturday incorporates the sites available within Istanbul Classics and the Ottoman Relics. The tour commences from Taksim Square at 08:00.

In the morning you will visit Sultan Ahmet Center (where Byzantine and Ottoman Empires were ruled in the heart of the Old City), Hagia Sophia (constructed as a basilica in the 6th century by Emperor Justinian), Blue Mosque (opposite Hagia Sophia, famous with its blue Iznik tiles and unique with 6 minarets, built in the name of Sultan Ahmet), Hippodrome and Grand Bazaar

Following a light lunch, you will then visit Topkapi Palace, residence of the Ottoman Sultans exhibiting imperial treasury, sacred Islamic relics, kitchen, Chinese porcelain, weapons, calligraphy section etc. (Harem is not included in the program as this requires an extra entrance fee)

The visit Rüstem Pasa Mosque, designed by the court architect Sinan for the Grand Vizier of Süleyman The Magnificent. A typical sample of Islamic architecture amidst the rows of shops near the Spice Bazaar, well known with its exquisite and colourful tiles set in floral and geometric designs

Tour includes transport, English speaking guide, entrance to sites being visited where relevant and light lunch (drinks are not included in lunch).