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İstanbul welcomes 2026 with a calendar shaped by culture and art. Events that are designed for diverse age groups and a wide range of interests will bring lively energy to different corners of the city throughout the first month of the new year. From theatre performances to concerts, from opera to workshops that are specially created for children, a rich and colorful program is waiting for art enthusiasts with experiences that promise excitement and inspiration.

Here are some of the cultural and artistic events that are featured on İstanbul’s January 2026 agenda…

MiniaKulüp Activities at Miniatürk: Creative Drama and Fairy Tale Workshops for Children

Miniatürk, which brings together miniature replicas of the country’s iconic architectural landmarks in Beyoğlu, is preparing for its young visitors in January.

• On Sunday, January 4, at 15.00, a Creative Drama Workshop will be held for children that are aged between 7 to 12.
• On Sunday, January 11, at 15.00, a Fairy Tale Workshop will take place for preschool-aged children.

These MiniaKulüp activities offer a wonderful opportunity to nurture children’s imagination while creating a safe and encouraging space for self-expression. During the very first weeks of the year, parents can enjoy quality and meaningful time with their children, while young participants gain new creative experiences. These enjoyable workshops are free of charge, and early registration is recommended.

Jazz Night: A Special Evening with Christmas Melodies

Have you ever experienced a jazz concert where nostalgic charm meets modern musical interpretations? If you are looking for a distinctive and memorable experience with a specially curated repertoire in the early days of the year, an unforgettable evening is waiting for you. On Friday, January 2, at 20.00, Christmas songs will be brought back to life through the interpretations of renowned jazz musicians on the AKM Stage.

Shaped by a rich harmony of instruments and vocal harmony from saxophone to vocals, to piano to trumpet, these evenings are organized under the concept of “Anıl Şallıel ve Arkadaşları.” Moreover, the AKM Stage will continue to resonate with the warm and inviting melodies of jazz until the end of May. If you have an appreciation for jazz and enjoy listening to unique live interpretations, this concert is certainly one to mark on your calendar.

The Literary Route of January: A Conversation on Orhan Veli and Garip Akımı

İş Bankası Resim Heykel Müzesi (İş Bank Painting and Sculpture Museum), through its program titled “Edebiyat Rotası” (“Literary Route”), offers a refreshing and thought-provoking perspective on literature. Each month, engaging conversations are organized around selected literary works and influential writers, accompanied by special guest speakers.

On Wednesday, January 7, at 14.30, the gathering at the BlackBox (RHM) Stage in Beyoğlu will focus on Orhan Veli and Garip Akımı. Moderated by Seray Şahinler, the event will feature Sunay Akın as a special guest, bringing together literature enthusiasts for an enriching discussion. If you do not wish to miss this meaningful conversation, reserving your place in advance is recommended.

An Evening with Young Musicians at İş Sanat: Parlayan Yıldızlar (Rising Stars)

Parlayan Yıldızlar (Rising Stars) concerts of İş Sanat, which brings young talents at the very beginning of their musical journeys together with the stage, continues throughout January. If you would like to witness the promising paths of emerging musicians, these concerts at the İş Sanat İş Kuleleri Hall deserve a place on your schedule.

• Monday, January 12, at 20.30: Doğa Karahan on cello, Ege Gündüz on trombone.
• Monday, January 19, at 20.30: Ozan Ali Bilgili on clarinet, Derin Zehra Erdem on piano.

Aydınlıkevler: A Grandmother and Grandchild’s Struggle for Life in the Metropolis

Starring Demet Akbağ and Salih Bademci, Aydınlıkevler is a theatre production that tells the story of a low-income family’s struggle to survive in a big city. If you wish to watch a deeply human story drawn from everyday life and brought to the stage through powerful performances, you may note the following dates:

• Friday, January 16, at 20.30
• Saturday, January 31, at 20.30

Written by Yılmaz Erdoğan and described as a “modest-income yet emotionally rich story,” this play can be seen at the Maximum Uniq Hall.

Megastar Tarkan to Deliver a Musical Feast in İstanbul For 4 Nights!

The unforgettable icon of Turkish pop music, Megastar Tarkan, is preparing to reunite with his fans. Kicking off his first concerts of 2026 in İstanbul, the artist will offer an extraordinary musical celebration at Volkswagen Arena.

Concerts scheduled for January 16, 17, 20, 23, 24, and 27 hold a prominent place in the musical agenda of the city. These dates, where Tarkan’s legendary stage energy and powerful performance will once again take center stage, are already among the most talked-about moments of January.

The Northern Star of Turkish Music: A Tribute Concert in Memory of Volkan Konak

A special tribute concert will be held in memory of Volkan Konak, one of the most respected masters of Turkish music, where his beloved works will be performed once again. Soloists Ezgi Eyüboğlu and Mehmet Kılınç will breathe new life into Konak’s compositions, which are deeply influenced by the melancholic and emotional melodies of the Black Sea region.

This commemorative concert, performed by the İstanbul Modern Folk Müzik Topluluğu (İstanbul Modern Folk Music Ensemble), will take place on Tuesday, January 27, at 20.00. The artistic direction is led by Bora Kayalar, and the meaningful evening will be hosted at the Türk Telekom Opera Salonu (Türk Telekom Opera Hall), promising to be a heartfelt gathering for those who wish to remember Volkan Konak’s music.

Music-Filled Evenings at Elite World İstanbul Taksim

With its central location and timeless atmosphere, Elite World İstanbul Taksim stands out as a destination for comfortable accommodation. The hotel also hosts cultural gatherings and is one of the stops that carries the rhythm of music. On Saturday, January 17, you can enjoy a delightful evening in Taksim with a live performance by Sevim Esen, one of the prominent figures of the jazz scene.

For upcoming gatherings and the most up-to-date programs, you can follow Elite World Hotels & Resorts’ official website.