Which of the festivals in Istanbul is (are) your favorite(s)? Which ones would you suggest to the visitors?
Question by Kaya: Which of the festivals in Istanbul is (are) your favorite(s)? Which ones would you suggest to the visitors?
FESTIVALS AND MAJOR EXHIBITIONS
All through the year Istanbul hosts a number of arts and culture festivals some of which have a long history and are already on the calendar of prominent cultural activities in Istanbul. They are nicely scattered all across the year thus giving the inhabitants of Istanbul and visitors alike the chance to be part of them.
INDEPENDENT FILM FESTIVAL (February)
This festival was added to the list of Istanbul’s film festivals in 2002 and presents cinema-lovers with films largely ignored by large film companies and independently produced unconventional films. It also hosts panels, workshops and lounge activities.
INTERNATIONAL ISTANBUL FILM FESTIVAL (April)
Organized by the Istanbul Foundation for Culture and the Arts since 1982, this festival aims to encourage the commercial distribution of quality films and assist in promoting Turkish films
on the international stage. The festival contains over 180 films including new works that have been featured at festivals during the past year as well as unforgettable classic films and works by
a series of young and old masters of the cinematic art.
INT. ISTANBUL ARCHITECTURE BIENNIAL (April)
Initially organized as an architecture festival, the Biennial aims to bring together international architecture the professionals and students biannually in Istanbul.
CRR INTERNATIONAL DANCE FESTIVAL (April)
This is a festival organized by and held in the Cemal Reşit Rey Concert Hall with world famous ballet and dance groups. The festival coincides with World Dance Day on 29 April.
INTERNATIONAL ISTANBUL THEATRE FESTIVAL (May)
The festival represents a branch of the performing arts. It ranges from classical interpretations to experimental studies, theatrical dance, theatre performances, street plays and dramatic operas.
Over the last 15 years, it hosted 260 performances and 2,700 artists from 19 countries and has reached a total audience of 270,000.
PHONEM BY MILLER ELECTRONIC MUSIC PLATEAU (May)
This mini-festival features the cult and upcoming names of modern electronic music and aims to be a smaller but comparable counterpart to Sonar in Spain or Club Transmediale in Berlin.
ÜLKER MOZART DAYS (May)
This is a one-week classical music event which focuses on the music of Mozart. The line-up encompasses both national and international artists with occasional crossover acts (such as jazz and traditional Turkish music).
INTERNATIONAL PUPPET FESTIVAL (May)
This festival has hosted numerous puppet groups from various countries around the world including the US, France, Portugal, Spain, Holland, Greece and Austria. It has a diverse programme that includes an array of conferences, exhibitions, workshops and film screenings.
TÜNEL ART FESTIVAL (May)
This festival provides an artistic meeting place by promoting the dynamics of Tünel, one of the hottest spots in Istanbul. Its primary purpose is to support the development of interdisciplinary art and to encourage the interaction and cooperation of Turkish and foreign artists.
INTERNATIONAL ISTANBUL MUSIC FESTIVAL (June)
In 2005 it celebrated its 34th anniversary; making it Istanbul’s oldest running festival. It brings together everyone who enjoys musical quality and variety, offering a wide range of events, such as international orchestral concerts, opera performances,chamber orchestra concerts, recitals, chamber music concerts and explanatory music sessions. The festival focuses on a specific theme every year.
EFES PILSEN ONE LOVE FESTIVAL (June)
For the last four years, this festival has brought the cult and alternative stars of the global pop music scene (such as Peter Gabriel,Manu Chao and the Chemical Brothers) to Istanbul along with other less well-known but important local and international acts.
ROCKISTANBUL (June)
The Rockistanbul festival brings the famous names of rock and heavy metal music scene to a young audience on a beach on the outskirts of Istanbul. Music lovers have the chance to listen to more than 45 live performances over three days, in addition to a variety of activities and outdoor events.
INTERNATIONAL ISTANBUL JAZZ FESTIVAL (July)
In addition to jazz music, this festival includes concerts from other musical genres such as pop, rock, blues and world music, while still maintaining the distinction of being Europe’s best organized jazz festival. Artists who have performed at the International Istanbul Jazz Festival include Keith Jarrett, Charlie Haden, Herbie Hancock, Eric Clapton, Sting, Elvis Costello, Tori Amos and Ibrahim Ferrer.
ISTANBUL INTERNATIONAL BIENNIAL (August)
Founded in 1997 by the Istanbul Foundation for Culture and the Arts, this modern art event has always been based on a central theme. Close to 500 members of the press and over 2,000 critics, museum and art curators and gallery managers participate in the event. A total of 90 artists from 42 countries took part in the 8th Biannual.
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Best answer:
Answer by Irmak
CRR INTERNATIONAL DANCE FESTIVAL, INTERNATIONAL ISTANBUL THEATRE FESTIVAL, TÜNEL ART FESTIVAL, ROCKISTANBUL and EFES PILSEN ONE LOVE FESTIVAL (I loved the name)
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