"This land has always been important for its geography -- here at the meeting place of Europe, Asia, and the Middle East. Now Turkey has assumed even greater historical importance, because of your character as a nation. Turkey is a strong, secular democracy, a majority Muslim society, and a close ally of free nations. Your country, with 150 years of democratic and social reform, stands as a model to others, and as Europe's bridge to the wider world." From remarks by President George W. Bush at Galatasaray University to the Istanbul NATO summit, June 29, 2004.

This view of Ortaköy Mosque and the Bosphorus Bridge, joining the European and Asian continents, was the backdrop for the address to the summit.