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İstanbul, the center of art, culture and entertainment, hosts many enjoyable events throughout the year. It resembles a museum with traces of different cultures in almost each and every corner. It continues to inspire art enthusiasts with various culture and art events that are organized throughout the year.

As the summer season slowly begins to show that it is arriving, the culture and art calendar of İstanbul is also getting more active. You can say a nice "Welcome!" to summer with many events that are ranging from concerts to theaters, festivals to stand-up shows. If you are ready, let's discover together the enjoyable events that will nourish your soul and allow you to have whole new experiences.

Journey to the Mysterious Stories of İstanbul: Legends of İstanbul 

How about watching the legends that tell the story of important people who shaped history and the magical places of İstanbul on stage? If your answer is "Yes.", Legends of İstanbul invites you to travel through time. In this event that is enriched with digital effects, 7 different stories about the ancient structures, legendary heroes and important victories of İstanbul are brought to life on stage. The event includes fascinating shows such as Medusa’nın Laneti (The Curse of Medusa), which tells the vengeful story of the snake-haired monster in Greek mythology, Yılanlardan Kaçış (Escape from the Serpents), where you will witness the legendary story of the Maiden's Tower and Gökyüzüne Yolculuk (Journey to the Sky), which tells the story of the flight of Hezarfen Ahmet Çelebi from Galata to Üsküdar.

You can have the opportunity to discover both the past and the present with scenes that are enriched with special lighting and digital animations. You can watch this show, which will be staged every day at 16.00 throughout June, at the historical Abud Efendi Mansion, a few steps away from the Basilica Cistern.

Superstar Wind in Harbiye!

Harbiye hosts many enjoyable events every year, especially in the summer months. In June, pop music master Ajda Pekkan will be on stage. How about having fun at this concert where you can feel the excitement of summer in your bones? If you say, "This is a concert not to be missed!", then an unforgettable night is waiting for you with the powerful voice of Ajda Pekkan that will refresh your ears, her magnificent stage performance and her endless energy. Reserve your place right away for the concert that will be held on Thursday, June 12 at 21.00 at the İstanbul Metropolitan Municipality Harbiye Cemil Topuzlu Open Air Theatre.

Follow the Rhythm of the Youth: Nefes Gençlik Festival 

Now, here is an event suggestion where you will feel the festival spirit to the fullest! Nefes Gençlik Festival, which reflects the spirit of the youth, is preparing to be at the stage for unforgettable moments this summer. Get ready to let yourself go with the flow of music at the festival where artists such as Motive, Mavi Gri and M Lisa will take the stage! Street food buffets, breakfast restaurants, an adventure park, horse riding and workshop areas are also waiting for you in the concert area.

Nefes Gençlik Festival will take place on Sunday, June 22 at Nefes Sahne, which is located in the enchanting atmosphere of Nefes Forest. The event starts at 15.30 but if you prefer to take your place earlier, the doors will open at 12.00.

The Unforgettable Work of Sabahattin Ali is Now on Stage: Madonna in a Fur Coat

The unforgettable work of Sabahattin Ali, one of the master writers of Turkish literature, Madonna in a Fur Coat, is brought to the stage with all its dramatic depth. Adapted by the İstanbul Theatre Group, the play will meet the audience with its 5th season this summer. In the play that takes you on an emotional journey with almost every detail, you will witness every aspect of love and drama. You can watch this fascinating work that will last approximately 1 hour and 40 minutes on Wednesday, June 11 at 20.30 at the Süleyman Seba Culture and Art Center.

A Journey of Nostalgia Full of Laughter: Bir 80’ler Hikâyesi (An 80s Story)

If you would like to take a short laughter break in the tiring tempo of daily life, the stand-up show called Bir 80’ler Hikâyesi (An 80s Story) is just for you! Müfit Can Saçıntı, known for his films such as Yaşamak Güzel Şey (Life is Beautiful) and Mandıra Filozofu (Dairy Philosopher), will bring nostalgic breeze on stage this time. A sincere and entertaining atmosphere is waiting for the audience in the show, which is brought to the stage with its tragicomic narrative, where real-life events are at its center. In addition to her songs in the play, Derman Çinkılıç will give a 30-minute 80s concert before the play. Bir 80’ler Hikâyesi (An 80s Story) will be staged on Saturday, June 21st at 21.00 in Cennet Bahçesi Burgazada.

The Dance of Grace and Passion: Swan Lake Ballet

The immortal work of Tchaikovsky, Swan Lake Ballet is brought to the stage with a fascinating performance by the dancers of The Imperial Russian Ballet Company. This world-famous classic tells the eternal struggle between good and evil through the relationship between Odette and Odile. With its unique choreography, enchanting costumes and unforgettable music, Swan Lake Ballet is preparing to offer its audience a visual and auditory feast.

Do not miss this show that will take you to a completely different world for 2 hours and 20 minutes!  Swan Lake Ballet will be on stage at the İstanbul Metropolitan Municipality Harbiye Cemil Topuzlu Open Air Theatre on Thursday, June 19 and Friday, June 20 at 21.00.

An Unmatched Topkapı Palace Tour in the Moonlight

How about exploring Topkapı Palace in the enchanting atmosphere of moonlight this time? Inspired by the rules of silence that were applied in the courtyard of Topkapı Palace in the past, this special night tour offers visitors the opportunity to experience the historical structure from a completely different perspective.

The event, which promises an extraordinary experience, includes narration with an expert guide, a listening device, a night entrance ticket to Topkapı Palace and refreshments that are served at the meeting point. This event, which will take you on a journey through time accompanied by the magnificent scenery of the palace, will start in front of the Hagia Sophia Mosque at 19.00 on June 21 and 28.