![illuminated new year light decorations are seen in Istanbul, Turkey on 22 December 2017 [Arif Hüdaverdi Yaman/Anadolu Agency]](https://i0.wp.com/www.middleeastmonitor.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/2017_12-22-Preparations-for-New-Years-Celebrations20171222_2_27665928_29107171.jpg?w=797&h=531&ssl=1 "Preparations for New Year's Celebrations in Istanbul")
illuminated new year light decorations are seen in Istanbul, Turkey on 22 December 2017 [Arif Hüdaverdi Yaman/Anadolu Agency]
![illuminated new year light decorations are seen in Istanbul, Turkey on 22 December 2017 [Arif Hüdaverdi Yaman/Anadolu Agency]](https://i0.wp.com/www.middleeastmonitor.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/2017_12-22-Preparations-for-New-Years-Celebrations20171222_2_27665928_29107172.jpg?w=395&h=264&ssl=1 "Preparations for New Year's Celebrations in Istanbul")
illuminated new year light decorations are seen in Istanbul, Turkey on 22 December 2017 [Arif Hüdaverdi Yaman/Anadolu Agency]
![illuminated new year light decorations are seen in Istanbul, Turkey on 22 December 2017 [Arif Hüdaverdi Yaman/Anadolu Agency]](https://i0.wp.com/www.middleeastmonitor.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/2017_12-22-Preparations-for-New-Years-Celebrations20171222_2_27665928_29107166.jpg?w=395&h=263&ssl=1 "Preparations for New Year's Celebrations in Istanbul")
illuminated new year light decorations are seen in Istanbul, Turkey on 22 December 2017 [Arif Hüdaverdi Yaman/Anadolu Agency]
![illuminated new year light decorations are seen in Istanbul, Turkey on 22 December 2017 [Arif Hüdaverdi Yaman/Anadolu Agency]](https://i0.wp.com/www.middleeastmonitor.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/2017_12-22-Preparations-for-New-Years-Celebrations20171222_2_27665928_29107169.jpg?w=1196&h=797&ssl=1 "Preparations for New Year's Celebrations in Istanbul")
illuminated new year light decorations are seen in Istanbul, Turkey on 22 December 2017 [Arif Hüdaverdi Yaman/Anadolu Agency]