Events and Festivals in Turkey

Don't you just love it when you suddenly fall into the middle of a festival or an event while you are visiting a foreign land? It is one of the quickest ways to learn about the local culture and also it is a great opportunity to observe local people. Turkey can be considered quite lucky when it comes to festivals, events and concerts. Especially Istanbul features different events, world class concerts, shows and exhibitions. Here is a long list of events to give you an idea about what is going on this summer in Turkey. You can also go to Istanbul Events and Festivals page to check the Istanbul Events seperately.

The International Istanbul Biennial which is organised by the Istanbul Foundation for Culture and Arts will be arranged again this fall. It is one of the most remarkable art events in the world. Adriano Pedrosa, the director of Programma Independente de Escola Sao Paulo'nun (PIESP), and Jens Hoffmann, the director of California College of Arts Wattis Institute for Contemporary Arts, will undertake the curatorship of the biennial. This year biennial named 'Isimsiz (12. Istanbul Bienali)' ('Untitled', 12th Istanbul Biennial) focus on the relationship between politics and art. Inspiration of this subject is innovative and brave, Cuban-American artist Felix Gonzalez-Torres. 5 group and 45 personal exhibitions will be on display during the biennial. You should not miss it!

A very old, established, famous event of the Aegean region. that takes place in Izmir Kultur Park Fairground that will host shows and displays of yachts, cars, furniture, books, small industries and agricultural products of Turkey and

Selected by the Folk World Company, folk dance groups, vocal groups and instrumental groups from eastern Europe come to Bodrum for the International Folk Dance Festival.

The breadth and depth of the Turkish ready-to-wear clothing industry is revealed at the biannual International Istanbul Fashion Fair, held at the CNR Expo.

An Istanbul event or an initiative, the city hosts both artists or visitors who want to show their paintings, graffiti or other talents on the streets.

To be held at the Tuyap Fair Center, this fair includes the latest design trends from Eastern and Western markets.

Located in Southeast of Turkey, Ataturk dam that is the fourth largest dam in the world hosts athletes from all around the world to compete in sailing, canoeing, swimming and various underwater sport competitions. Urfa and Adiyaman are the centers of accommodation.

The Gumusluk International Classical Music Festival features various concerts in the ancient church of Eklisia. Well known Turkish and international musicians and groups will perform the examples of classical treasures.

A creativity explosion ignited by latest trends, in Istanbul the businesses and individuals from all over the world get together in Istanbul Istanbul Design Week at the old Galata Bridge will feature shows, happenings, workshops, exhibitions and lectures.

A very well-known and important festival held annually at the Antalya Cultural Center since 1963, the Golden Orange Film & Art Festival is Turkey's oldest film festival. Turkish films, short films, documentaries and international films compete for the awards and prizes.

Richard III theatre play with world star Kevin Spacey and directed by Oscar winning director Sam Mendes. The plays start at 20.30 at Harbiye Muhsin Ertugrul Theater close to Taksim.

Filmekimi is a film festival by the Istanbul Foundation for Culture and Arts which was held at the Beyoglu Emek Movie Theater which is at moment unfortunately closed. Another theater Atlas will host the festival It gives visitors a second chance to see productions previously screened at big festivals round the globe

Held at Izmir's Kulturpark Fairground, products and services related to animal health, nutrition and accessories will be displayed. Time to think of our lovely friends. An opportunity to enjoy the innocence and friendship between the kids and animals.

An important international sports event that will takes place in Caddebostan coastal area of Istanbul. Rowing along a sea coast and out into the sea with no defined lanes, single, double and coxed four boats challenge each other over a tough distance of 6km.

The Bodrum Cup is an end of season annual yacht regatta organized by ERA Bodrum Yacht Club. While there is a competitive side to the regatta its principle aim is to promote interest in sailing.

Gulet is a small cruise boat, unique to Aegean Turkish coast. Bozburun is one of the centers of Gulet production. This festival aims to demonstrate the Gulet building art and present the Gulet to international markets;

Cumhuriyet Bayrami, or Republic Day, is Turkey's public holiday marking the proclamation of the republic in 1923.

From 2011 to 2013 it's Istanbul's turn to host the world-famous WTA Championships. Istanbul will host world famous players who compete for the big prize and the honor.

Worldwide known singer and song writer Elvis Costello will be in Istanbul within the scope of the Unilife tour! The concert will be at Turker Inanoglu Maslak Show Center on November 2nd,at 9.30pm. He is the owner of many beautiful songs such as 'She' and 'I Want You'.

Legendary Canadian singer Paul Anka will be giving a concert 14 November 2011, 21.00 Haliç Congress Center, Sutluce which is less than half an hour ride along the Golden Horn from Karakoy. His hits include "My Way", "Having My Baby", "Put Your Head On My Shoulder", "You're My Destiny" and "Diana".