Culture & Travel
2 September 2024Autumn, the favorite season of culture and arts calendars, has finally begun officially today. As the last warm days of summer are celebrated with events across the country, September stands out as a month when art and culture reach their peak in Istanbul.
Both Istanbulites and visitors to the city will have the chance to experience unique concerts, captivating plays, and inspiring exhibitions that showcase the city’s cultural richness.
At Flyista, we’ve put together a fantastic selection of events that will make September a unique experience. We wish everyone a month full of culture and arts in advance.
September Concerts and Festivals in Istanbul
"Biz Şişli (We Are Şişli)" Events
Date: September 1, 2024 - June 1, 2025
Venue: Various Locations
"We Are Şişli," a series of events organized to celebrate the cultural and artistic richness of the Şişli district, is set to secure a significant place on Istanbul’s cultural calendar by hosting both local and nationally renowned names over a long period.
The events will kick off on September 1st with a World Peace Day concert and will continue with a variety of beautiful events.
Gipsy Kings by Andre Reyes
Date: September 21, 2024
Venue: Harbiye Cemil Topuzlu Open-Air Theatre
The legendary flamenco group Gipsy Kings, led by Andre Reyes, is preparing to take the stage with an unforgettable performance. The group’s energetic rhythms and unique music will offer music lovers a warm autumn evening in Istanbul.
Sertab Erener @Rixos Tersane Istanbul Rowing Festival
Date: September 21, 2024
Venue: Tersane Istanbul
One of the most powerful voices in Turkish music, Sertab Erener, will meet her fans at the Rowing Festival held at Tersane Istanbul, delivering one of her impressive stage performances.
Jeton Presents Carl Cox
Date: September 21, 2024
Venue: Maximum Uniq Open-Air
Electronic music enthusiasts will kick off the autumn season with a bang, thanks to world-renowned DJ Carl Cox. This event at Maximum Uniq Open-Air is a must-see for electronic music lovers.
Fatma Turgut – Marina Fest
Date: September 21-22, 2024
Venue: Ataköy Marina Open-Air Stage
This festival, featuring the powerful vocals of Fatma Turgut, will continue for two days as part of Marina Fest. Other artists like Mavi Gri and Skapova will also perform at the festival.
Chaplin
Date: September 21, 2024
Venue: Zorlu PSM – Turkcell Platinum Stage
Inspired by the life of Charlie Chaplin, this musical offers audiences the chance to explore Chaplin’s world through music and dance.
September Theatres in Istanbul
"A Midsummer Night's Dream" – Istanbul State Theatre
Date: Various Dates Throughout September
Venue: Küçükçekmece Cennet Culture and Arts Center
William Shakespeare’s classic "A Midsummer Night's Dream" is being staged again by the Istanbul State Theatre for those who haven’t had the chance to see it yet. The play, full of love, magic, and chaos, will meet theatre lovers throughout September.
"Dear Shameless Death – Dirmit"
Date: Throughout September 2024
Venue: Moda Stage
In this play adapted from Latife Tekin’s novel of the same name, you will have the chance to watch Dirmit’s life story through the unique interpretation of Nezaket Erden. If you haven’t yet witnessed this enchanting performance, make sure to gift yourself a "Dirmit" this September.
"The Little Prince" – Zorlu PSM
Date: Throughout September 2024
Venue: Zorlu PSM
Antoine de Saint-Exupéry’s globally famous work "The Little Prince" is being adapted into an impressive musical. It offers a magical experience for both children and adults.
"Hamlet" – DasDas
Date: September 2024
Venue: DasDas Stage
One of Shakespeare’s most famous tragedies, "Hamlet," is being performed by DasDas in an innovative interpretation. This classic play, enriched with modern touches, promises audiences an unforgettable evening of theatre.
"Romeo and Juliet" – Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality City Theatres
Date: September 2024
Venue: Harbiye Muhsin Ertuğrul Stage
Shakespeare’s tragic love story is being brought to life once again on one of Istanbul’s historic stages. This production, featuring both classical storytelling and modern touches, offers audiences a dramatic love story.
September Exhibitions in Istanbul
Sebastião Salgado "Genesis" Exhibition
Date: September 28 - December 31, 2024
Venue: Mimar Sinan Fine Arts University Tophane-i Amire Culture and Arts Center
This exhibition, featuring photographs of natural beauty and traditional ways of life from around the world, invites viewers to deeply reflect on environmental awareness.
Leonardo Da Vinci "Renaissance Genius" Exhibition
Date: Throughout September 2024
Venue: Lale Museum
This exhibition, showcasing the works of one of the greatest geniuses of the Renaissance, Leonardo Da Vinci, offers visitors the opportunity to closely view Da Vinci’s work as both an artist and a scientist.
Elgiz Museum – "Bir Düş’ün İzinde (On The Trail of a Dream)" Exhibition
Date: June 14 - November 2, 2024
Venue: Elgiz Museum
Focusing on the art of sculpture, this exhibition presents a rich selection of 147 works by 130 artists. These open-air exhibits offer viewers the opportunity to experience art from a different perspective.
Kenan Işık "Zamanın Ardından İstanbul – Roma (Beyond Time: Istanbul – Rome)" Exhibition
Date: May 21 - October 13, 2024
Venue: Kalyon Culture
Through the works of artist Kenan Işık, this exhibition allows viewers to explore the shared historical journey of Rome and Istanbul, revealing the historical ties between these two cities.
Arter – "Farz Et Ki Sen Yoksun (Suppose You Are Not)" Exhibition
Date: Until December 29, 2024
Venue: Arter, Dolapdere
This exhibition, featuring works by nearly 400 artists, explores the process of moving art pieces from a collector’s personal world to a museum setting.