"With all the experience we gained up until today, we are aiming to raise the reputation of the country abroad. Countries will be following Turkey as long as we take steps giving importance to our country and its future. We should be aware of our strength and Istanbul is really important for us. It is one of the most important cities in the world," said Erdoğan.

All welcome in Istanbul

He said steps toward making Istanbul a center for Europe continues at full pace. "There are many things in Istanbul that set a good example for the world. Istanbul is a heterogeneous city. Those who want to experience it are more than welcome here. The city expands in Asia and Europe. Not everyone is as lucky as the people who have the chance to live in Istanbul," he said.

Erdoğan also visited the Marmaray underwater railway project and said it will be operating in 2013.

After his speech, Erdoğan boarded the Fatih ferry with state ministers Murat Başesgioğlu and Hayati Yazõcõ, Minister of European Union Affairs Egemen Bağõş, Minister of Transportation Binali Yõldõrõm and Istanbul Metropolitan Mayor Kadir Topbaş.

Tea and simit, a traditional Turkish pastry, were offered to passengers. The ferry, which is worth 9.3 million Turkish Liras, ran between Beşiktaş and Kadõköy.

After citizens voted during the Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality's campaign "Istanbul, Choose your Ferry," the model ferry "Fatih" was chosen by 400,000 votes and started sea trials between Tuzla and Pendik. Fatih is the most similar model to the traditional ferries in use today.

The new ferry has a wide passenger hall, panoramic glass windows and an air conditioning system. The ferry offers easier travel for the disabled with ramps, lights and a special floor cover inside. It has capacity for 1,800 commuters and is environmentally friendly.