Events in Istanbul
Istanbul hosts a wide variety of events, including plays, concerts, and theater productions. There are still plenty of activities you might like to attend even though nearly all of them are in Turkish. Catching some of the most well-known events in Istanbul is a terrific idea, especially if you want to experience the city like a local. Here are a few that might be of interest to you without thinking about the language barrier.
THE LEGENDARY DANCE SHOW: FIRE OF ANATOLIA
Fire of Anatolia is a famous dance group that has spread from Turkey to the world. Founded in 2001, the group stands out by blending traditional Anatolian folk dances, ballet, and modern dance. It aims to spread the love, peace, and cultural heritage of Anatolia to the world. The group is known for its high-energy performances and eye-catching costumes and uniquely reflects Turkish culture. Watching Fire of Anatolia Dance Show is recommended for anyone who wants to discover Turkey’s rich cultural heritage and experience global art and culture.
WHIRLING DERVISHES
The spiritual dance performed by Dervishes in Istanbul was the source of inspiration for Rumi. Whirling Dervishes perform the dhikr ritual accompanied by the ney. In the ritual, they open their arms and give what they receive from God to others.
The whirling dervish show offers a mystical experience and is one of the important attractions of Istanbul. This spiritual ritual, which is thought to be the dervishes’ way to get closer to God, provides peace and enchantment. The show offers unforgettable moments with the magical rhythm of the traditional Turkish instrument, the ney.
Whirling Dervishes are an indispensable experience for those visiting Istanbul. The spiritual ritual of the Mevlevi Order is mesmerizing accompanied by traditional music. Discover the depths of Turkish culture and open new horizons!
ISTANBUL MARATHON
The Istanbul Marathon is an event that started in 1979 with the encouragement of German tourists and has been attracting great attention ever since. It offers a great opportunity for anyone who wants to discover the historical and cultural richness of the city. You only need to be 18 years old to participate in the race. You can run in three different categories: Public Run, 15 km, and Marathon. This event, organized by the Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality, aims to provide an unforgettable experience for both athletes and spectators. Thousands of people from all over the world come together here every year. This marathon, full of awards and records, is known as Turkey’s most important international marathon race.
ISTANBUL FILM FESTIVAL
The Istanbul Film Festival is an event organized by the Istanbul Foundation for Culture and Arts. The festival takes place every year in April in various cinemas and offers two separate competitions, including both national and international films.
The festival, which started in 1982, was first organized in 1984 under the name of International Istanbul Film Days with 44 films from 17 countries. Since then, it has grown every year and become an international center of attraction.
In addition to international awards such as the Golden Tulip International Competition Award and the Special Jury Award, the festival also gives awards in categories such as the best film, director, actress, actor, screenwriter, director of photography and music of Turkish cinema.
The Istanbul Film Festival also provides an opportunity for the international promotion of new films and attracts the attention of the cinema world with an event called Meetings on the Bridge.
Various programs such as Turkish Classics Again, Young Masters, World Festivals, and documentary films are presented during the festival, and exhibitions and panels are organized. In addition, the festival continues its mission of restoring important works of Turkish cinema and bringing them back to the audience.
ISTANBUL BIENAL
The Istanbul Biennial is a contemporary art event organized every two years by the Istanbul Foundation for Culture and Arts. Initially starting as part of the International Istanbul Festival, the plastic art exhibitions became a separate event under the name of the Istanbul Biennial in 1987.
This biennial aims to establish communication between artists and art lovers from different cultures, as well as to re-evaluate Istanbul’s changing position in the world. It has an important place among international contemporary art biennials, especially since it started in the 1990s before city biennials became popular, and considering Istanbul’s location and cultural heritage, it has been considered to have a significant place among international contemporary art biennials.
Until the Istanbul Biennial, it was thought that the preference for historical venues contributed to the promotion of tourism, but also brought some limitations for artists, and for this reason, from 2005 onwards, the biennial began to be held in more dynamic and daily life venues of the city.
