Istanbul landmarks lit up in green to raise awareness about cerebral palsy

Istanbul shone green on Sunday to mark World Cerebral Palsy Day and raise awareness about the neurological disorder.

Istanbul landmarks lit up in green to raise awareness about cerebral palsy

Two of the Turkish metropolis' cross-continental bridges -- the Fatih Sultan Mehmet and Yavuz Sultan Selim -- were lit up in green, the disorder's internationally designated color, along with the historic Galata Tower, and several shopping malls and prominent buildings.

Istanbul landmarks lit up in green to raise awareness about cerebral palsy

According to the Spastic Children's Foundation of Turkey - Cerebral Palsy, famed landmarks in a host of countries worldwide, including the U.S., U.K., Canada, India, Australia, and Turkey, were lit up in green on Sunday for people with cerebral palsy.

Volunteers, influencers and celebrities from around the world also shared photos taken with the green-hued buildings, posting them on social media with the hashtag #GoGreen4CP.

Istanbul landmarks lit up in green to raise awareness about cerebral palsy

Nigar Evgin, head of the Spastic Children's Foundation of Turkey - Cerebral Palsy, said green was chosen as it represents key elements of life, including growth, relief, tranquility and respiration.

There are around 17 million people with cerebral palsy worldwide, according to the Australian-based Cerebral Palsy Alliance.

Istanbul landmarks lit up in green to raise awareness about cerebral palsy

Istanbul landmarks lit up in green to raise awareness about cerebral palsy

Cerebral palsy, a neurological disorder that appears in early childhood, is caused by injury or malformation to the brain prior to its development before, during or after birth.