Istanbul gears up for a week packed with cultural and art events

Istanbul is set to buzz with a vibrant cultural and artistic scene this week, offering a diverse program of events for art enthusiasts. From concerts by international stars to captivating exhibitions and lively festivals, the city promises a rich experience for all.

Music lovers can look forward to performances by Greek singer Konstantinos Argiros on July 9 and 10 at the Harbiye Cemil Topuzlu Open-Air Theatre. American punk rock band The Offspring will take the stage at Life Park on July 10, followed by Puerto Rican artist Ricky Martin at Küçükçiftlik Park on July 11.

The Harbiye Cemil Topuzlu Open-Air Theatre will also host two significant concerts organized by the Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality (İBB) Culture, Arts, and Social Affairs Department on July 7 and 8. The legendary Turkish band Kurtalan Ekspres will perform a special concert celebrating 50 years of Ahmet Güvenç, featuring beloved songs from Barış Manço, Cem Karaca, and Erkin Koray. On July 8, Bulutsuzluk Özlemi and the İBB Istanbul Youth Orchestra will present symphonic arrangements of the band's popular songs with guest musicians.

Art exhibitions offer further cultural immersion. Istanbul Modern continues to showcase "Semiha Berksoy: Diva of All Colors," an extensive exhibition of over 200 works spanning Berksoy's career in opera, theater, painting, cinema, and literature, running until September 6. Special guided tours are available, including one on July 8 focusing on Berksoy's life. The museum also features "Panorama: Dreams and Places" until October 18, "Floating Islands" until July 12, and "Renzo Piano: The Spirit of Place" until December 31.

Additionally, the "4th International Istanbul Choir Festival" will take place from July 9 to 12 in historical venues across the city, while the "33rd Istanbul Jazz Festival" continues with local and international artists until July 13. The Sakıp Sabancı Museum presents Yoko Ono's "Dream and Internal Structure" exhibition until December 27, offering workshops for children throughout July designed to encourage imagination and critical thinking.