Turkey's financial capital is up against rivals Madrid and Tokyo with the decision due to be announced at the International Olympic Committee Session in Buenos Aires on September 7, 2013.

This is the city's fifth Olympic bid.

They were not even shortlisted for their last campaign for the 2012 Games, which were awarded to London in 2005.

"But our dedication to our Olympic dream never diminished," writes Topbaş, who visited London during the Olympics, in a blog published on insidethegames.

"So while London was preparing to stage the Greatest Show on Earth, Istanbul was evolving into a city worthy of the mantle of host.

"The last seven years have seen a new Turkey emerge, and we have developed a new bid to match.

"Istanbul is bridging lessons of the past with new capabilities of the present.

"Now we are ready to deliver."

Istanbul Mayor Kadir Topbaş (pictured far left) was at the opening of a new metro line on the Asian side of the city last month

Topbaş claims that Istanbul has spent an average of $1.2 billion (£750 million/€950 million) a year every year since 2005 on improvements to transport infrastructure and that by 2020 the average journey time for athletes travelling to Olympic venues will be just 20 minutes.

"Our city is ready to host the first Games in Olympic history to span two continents at once – to reach across the Bosphorus and bridge east and west, new and old, rich history and united future," he wrote.

"The last seven years have been an exciting time for Turkey and for Istanbul, the City of Seven Hills.

"But the next 365 days will be more exciting still: a defining moment in the rejuvenation of an ancient city."

To read the full blog click here.

Contact the writer of this story at [email protected].


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