This guide combines Istanbul’s major annual festivals with district-specific cultural events. Each entry includes name, location, topic, organizer, and website (if available). Major Annual Festivals in Istanbul 📅 January – March 2026 Artists’ Film International & BIENALSUR – Istanbul Modern When: 23 Dec 2025 – 16 Jan 2026 Where: Istanbul Modern (new building, Karaköy) About: International artists’ film/video programs from …
The bronze statue of Roman Emperor Marcus Aurelius, smuggled from the ancient city of Boubon, has been returned to Turkey after 65 years. Minister of Culture and Tourism Mehmet Nuri Ersoy described this significant return as a “historic success” in a statement shared on his social media account. In his post, Ersoy said: “It was a long struggle. We were …
One of the prominent figures in archaeological collaboration between Turkey and Japan, Japanese archaeologist Sachihiro Omura, passed away last month in Kırşehir. Living in Turkey since 1972 and serving as the excavation director at Kalehöyük since 1985, Omura passed away at Kaman State Hospital, where he had been admitted due to illness. According to some sources, Omura was born in …
When speaking of the most iconic symbols of Ottoman civilization, the mind instantly turns to imperial mosques, majestic plane trees, and historical fountains; especially those built under the patronage of the sultans. Over the centuries, additions like bridges, caravanserais, and baths enriched this legacy. Yet among them, one monument stands as a timeless masterpiece: the Selimiye Mosque in Edirne, built by Sinan …
Born in 1881 in Thessaloniki, Mustafa Kemal Atatürk continues to hold a special place in the hearts as the founder of modern Turkey. At a time when the Ottoman Empire, which had lasted for six centuries, was beginning to crumble due to various reasons such as politics, economy, and education, and when many parts of Anatolia were under occupation, Atatürk …
Topkapı Palace, once the administrative and residential heart of the Ottoman Empire for over 600 years, now stands as one of Istanbul’s most iconic museums. Built by Sultan Mehmet the Conqueror after the conquest of Constantinople, the palace was originally known as the “New Palace.” Unlike many other royal residences, it is recognized for its modest architecture and close connection to …
Iznik, a village of Bursa, stands as a testament to our historical legacy. From mythological times, it has been a focal point of attraction and remains one of the most distinguished cities today. Enriched with both nature and historically significant sites, Iznik reflects a thousand years of Anatolian history. Located northeast of Bursa and housing 50,000 inhabitants, this little town …
Located in the Western Black Sea region and a charming and beautiful district of Bartın province, Amasra has been attracting a significant number of domestic and foreign tourists recently. According to archaeological excavations, Amasra’s history dates back 3,000 years. Around the 13th century, the city was dominated by the Genoese and later taken over by Fatih Sultan Mehmet in 1460 …
Side, a neighborhood of Manavgat in the beautiful province of Antalya, is known for its historic ruins and monumental structures that have survived to this day. The word “Side” means pomegranate, and the area hosts a history that dates back to the 7th century BC. The region, believed to have first been settled during the Hittite period, saw ancient cities …
Ürgüp, located 20 kilometers from the city center of Nevşehir, is one of the most touristic districts in the region. Situated in Cappadocia, it has a rich history dating back to ancient times. The history of Ürgüp reaches back to the Byzantine period and has seen influences from various civilizations. The region, which became part of Turkish territory during the …