Istanbul is one of the most famous cities in the world in terms of its historical, cultural, and social advantages. You can witness its historical importance on nearly every street of the city. Besides, it is a vibrant city with social and cultural opportunities. There is at least one big cultural or social event in the city almost daily. This makes Istanbul more attractive to clubbers or event-addicted travelers than its history-lover visitors.
Of course, Istanbul hosts large-scale music activities. There are concerts almost every day in Istanbul. Local bands play music in many parts of the city. Very talented local DJs play in many clubs. In addition, world-famous names often come to Istanbul to perform. Due to Istanbul being so intertwined with music, of course, the city has many festivals. Musicians, artists, and young people come together to have fun during the festival and spend time listening to the music.
Istanbul is a city famous for its festivals. Many festivals take place in the city every year. You can choose the most suitable festival in each music genre and have fun for days. You will feel the joy and enthusiasm of the festival area and start counting the days for the next one. So what are the most popular festivals in Istanbul?
Here are the five most popular festivals in Istanbul!
Milyon Fest İstanbul
The Milyon Festival has been taking place in many regions of Turkey for years. Milyon is a one-organization company. They organize festivals in the many areas of Turkey at all times of the year. The Istanbul MilyonFestival, on the other hand, generally takes place in the summer months. Istanbul Milyon Festival takes place on Kilyos Beach. We can say that it tries to appeal to every musical taste. The most popular names of that year come to the festival. However, classical artists that have been listened to for years also take their place at the festival. You can participate in the festival with a camp. So there are two different types of tickets: with and without camping. They are preparing a tent area in Kilyos. You can stay in this area with your tent during the festival. It will take place between 28 and 31 July this year. In other words, you can have unlimited fun for four days in that area.
Gezgin Fest
Gezgin Fest, like the Milyon Festival, is one of the festivals held in many parts of Turkey. It cannot be said that it differs significantly from the Milyon Festival. However, it can still be seen as one of the most important festivals in Istanbul. It will take place in June this year and last for three days. There is also camp participation in this festival. But there is something that will make the Gezgin Festival special this year. Another festival called the Gezgin Salon Festival will take place. World-famous artists like Tamino, Cigarettes After Sex, and Moderat will come to this festival. At the end of June, Istanbul will have fun for a long time, thanks to the Gezgin Fest. It is possible to say that this is one of the opportunities that cannot be missed this year.
Istanbul Film Festival
When we say festival, we should not only think of music. One of the most essential festivals contributing to Istanbul’s being a city of culture is the Istanbul Film Festival. It has been held regularly since 1982. It is organized by the Istanbul Culture and Art Foundation. Every year at the Istanbul Film Festival, movie buffs come together. The festival lasts for two weeks. At the festival, Turkish films and many films from around the world are watched. In other words, cinema lovers watch great movies together for two weeks. In addition, it is possible to have a pleasant time in the festival area. It offers many activities to do. It’s also a perfect area to socialize. You can also have the chance to spend time together with many famous movie artists. In short, the Istanbul Film Festival offers two weeks of a great time for movie buffs.
Istanbul Music Festival
Istanbul Music Festival is at an essential point for music and Istanbul. It has a much older history than the Milyon and Gezgin Festivals. In fact, the famous Turkish pianist Fazıl Say sees the Istanbul Music Festival as an element that makes Istanbul become Istanbul. This festival will take place between 6 and 24 June this year. Music lovers will have a chance to listen to famous artists on the city’s many stages and cultural centers. Since it is an international festival, many foreign artists will meet with the people of Istanbul. One thing that makes the festival special is that the performances occur in historical places in Istanbul. In other words, the festival participants will both listen to the artist’s performance, and the atmosphere of the areas they are in will affect them.
Istanbul Jazz Festival
The Istanbul Jazz Festival is one of the most important values for Istanbul. It has been held regularly since 1994. It is also organized by the Istanbul Culture and Art Foundation. In fact, jazz was played at the Istanbul Music Festival. But later, due to the city’s interest in jazz, it was decided to organize a separate festival under the Istanbul Jazz Festival. The festival takes place every July. Another factor that makes the festival important is hosting world-famous names in past festivals. It is worth remembering that these names are highly famous in the field of jazz. World-famous names such as Eric Clapton, Sting, and Marcus Miller attended the Istanbul Jazz Festival. It is possible to say that this festival is also known in the international arena. Just like the Istanbul Music Festival, the concerts held in historical environments is another beauty of this festival.