Istanbul: The Capital of Music

Turkey’s largest city Istanbul is the heart of the country, with its rich culture, historical background and economy. Being populated with over 13 million people, this city is Europe’s second largest metropolis city. This vast land sees no boundaries when it comes to celebration and gala time.

Apart from the winter season, Istanbul is full to the brim with music and art festivals. A large number of events are managed luminously by the Istanbul Foundation for Culture and Arts. Cheap tickets to Istanbul’s events are mostly available from Biletix.

Flights to Istanbul turn their engines off at the Ataturk Airport. And once in the city, passengers usually look forward to the most prestigious event, spotting the city’s calendar- the International Istanbul Music Festival. Held in summer, this world-class musical fiesta will give you the exclusive opportunity to get a glimpse of the interiors of Haghia Irene church, the venue for the event. 30 artists showcase opera, classical music and dance numbers that captivate the audience.

Another lure in the summer, held at a bit of distance from the city, is the Grease Wrestling Tournament, where enthusiasts are smeared in olive oil during the fight.

The city blooms in spring, and most of the awe-striking events occur then. A major appeal is the Tulip Festival. The origin of tulips was from Turkey and the fresh seasonal bloom is most profound at the Emirgan Park. Don’t forget to take advantage; you have the whole month of April.

Every area has its history. To dig up Istanbul’s record and get a real-life experience of Mehmat the Conqueror’s conquest, attend the re-enactment and extraordinary festival held annually on 29th May.

For those fascinated by theater and drama, the International Theater Festival is a must-attend. There is an annual alternation between this event and the International Biennial in autumn. This festival is change brought into the city, a rare chance to international theater in Istanbul. The best of plays and performances are presented on stage.

Autumn becomes pleasant, during which the sassy music genre of jazz is well appreciated. The Akbank Jazz Festival focuses on the Turkey’s traditional and far-out musicals. It is a refreshing delight in its own!

The bookworms can enjoy the Tuyap Book Fair, when prominent writers make their presence felt and many premiers are given. One can enjoy this season even if they have last minute flight arrangements, for this time of the year is peacefully and thoroughly enjoyable.

Winter has one chief fiesta, the Efes Pilsen Blues Concert. Fans of the blues genre in music wait eagerly to hear the three local or foreign bands perform. The concert has maintained its charm since the 1990’s.

Bills are something that draws one back from amazing trips like these. But cheap flights to Istanbul such as American Airlines and Aeroflot Airways fare always accessible through tour-trip handlers and traveling agencies. The cheapest airline offers come during off-peak season, i.e. mostly in winters.