Istanbul's creativity flourishes throughout the city this week
Istanbul, the vibrant city straddling Europe and Asia, is set to host a series of cultural events from August 1 to 10, 2025. The main attraction of this cultural extravaganza is the Istanbul Festival, extending from August 1 to 17, promising a diverse range of music performances that are expected to draw thousands of fans and international visitors.
Notable among the lineup is Jennifer Lopez, who is scheduled to perform during this festival, adding a high-profile touch to the event.
Beyond the Istanbul Festival, the city offers a rich cultural tapestry for art lovers. The Atatürk Cultural Center (AKM) will screen "Olü Mevsim" ("Dead Season"), directed by Doğuş Algün, from Aug. 4 to 7.
Throughout the week, art enthusiasts can immerse themselves in a variety of concerts, exhibitions, and theater performances. "Hikaye Istanbul'da Geçiyor" at Meşher offers diverse representations of Istanbul spanning from the 16th century to the present, until January 18, 2026.
The exhibition "Hezarfen'den Beri Aynı Ruhla" is running at the Galata Tower until October 1. On August 9, the Vestel Amphitheater will host a live performance by musician Ari Barokas.
"Anadolu'nun Bitki Mirası" is a botanical illustration exhibition at Salt Beyoğlu, showcasing the region's diverse flora, until August 10. Ayna, a well-known band, will perform on August 8.
The Vestel Amphitheater at Zorlu PSM will also present the film "Leo today." "Karanlık Dünya" is an evocative exhibition at Salt Galata, open through December 14.
Erol Evgin, a well-known Turkish pop singer, will perform at Maximum Uniq Open Air Theater on August 9. Istanbul Bilgi University's Santralistanbul Energy Museum offers "Istanbul'un Aydınlık 100'ü" exhibition through November 21.
Bora Hışır is scheduled to perform at IF Performance Hall Beşiktaş on Aug. 10. The Atatürk Cultural Center is displaying photos from the Turkey Mobile Photography Awards (TMPA) 2025, open until Aug. 15.
"Yaz Işiğı" ("Summer Light") by Kerem Kuşçu will be shown at the Atatürk Cultural Center (AKM) from Aug. 8 through 10. "Ufuk Çizgisinden Öteye" is a sweeping retrospective of the works of Omer Uluc at Istanbul Modern, available until December 12.
The play Sevgili Arsız Ölüm Dirmit ("Dear Shameless Death, Dirmit") is taking place at Maximum Uniq Open Air Theater tomorrow. "10 Miras" is being showcased at Galeri Eyüpsultan, featuring ceramic works by Ayşegül Konakçı and her students.
Lastly, "Basınç Altında Suyun Üstünde" is a group exhibition at Arter, presenting 33 works in painting, sculpture, and photography, open until January 11, 2026.
For film enthusiasts, screenings related to director Perez's short films, including "The Old Man and Hemingway," are noted for August 4, but the location isn't confirmed as Istanbul. Despite this, the week of August 1-10 promises a cultural feast in Istanbul, with the Istanbul Festival as its centrepiece.
- The Istanbul Festival, running from August 1 to 17, is the main cultural event in Istanbul, Turkey, from August 1 to 10, 2025, and it features a diverse range of music performances, including Jennifer Lopez.
- Art enthusiasts can visit the exhibition "Hezarfen'den Beri Aynı Ruhla" at the Galata Tower until October 1, and the botanical illustration exhibition "Anadolu'nun Bitki Mirası" at Salt Beyoğlu, showcasing the region's diverse flora, until August 10.
- On August 9, the Vestel Amphitheater will host a live performance by musician Ari Barokas, and Erol Evgin, a well-known Turkish pop singer, will perform at Maximum Uniq Open Air Theater on the same day.
- For film enthusiasts, screenings related to director Perez's short films, including "The Old Man and Hemingway," are noted for August 4, but the location isn't confirmed as Istanbul. However, the week of August 1-10 offers a wide variety of cultural events in Istanbul, including theater performances, concerts, exhibitions, and films, making it a cultural feast for visitors.
