What’s on in June: Türkiye’s culture and arts guide

Two fantastic festivals

The Istanbul Music Festival, one of the oldest festivals in the city, continues

The Istanbul Music Festival, which began on May 21 and will run until June 12, is the first of our June events. With concerts being held in prominent venues such as the Grand Bazaar, the French Palace (Palais de France) and the Church of St. Antuan, the festival takes listeners on a magical musical journey, with this year’s theme being “The Roots”. For more information, visit the İKSV website. 

Hoşgün Ressamı by Mark Hale

The latest exhibition by Mark Hale, the talented young artist,  is characterized by space-oriented depictions of summer. In this heartwarming exhibition, Hale’s serene works present viewers with a series of peaceful moments. Hoşgün Ressamı (The Pleasant Painter) runs at Ambidexter Gallery until June 14. 

Countdown to Upcycle Istanbul Arts and Design Festival 

The Upcycle Istanbul Art and Design Festival, a transformational and environmentally friendly festival with a significant social impact, is gearing up for its third edition. This year’s World Environment Day events will take place at the Müze Gazhane, beginning on June 5 and running until June 9. The festival invites visitors to be inspired by art and to participate in the upcycling movement, which delves into the environmental impact of consumption habits. 

Kerala Dust in Zorlu PSM

Kerala Dust, a London-based band that artfully blends electronic and traditional musical genres, performs on the Zorlu PSM stage on June 1 as part of the 100% Music’s PSM Loves Summer. 

Culture Route Festivals, by Latif Demirci

Yarım asır (Fifty years) written and drawn by Latif Demirci

Latif Demirci’s iconic characters, including Muhlis Bey, Sıdıka, Arap Kadri, Press Bey, and Tarzan, are on display at İş Sanat Kibele Art Gallery until June 30. In addition to the published works, the exhibition features Demirci’s watercolors and unpublished drawing notebooks. The gallery is open every day of the week.

Documentary Film Series continues at Beykoz Kundura

The 2024 selection of Documentary Film Generation, the Kundura Cinema film program that brings together creative documentaries from around the world, welcomes documentary enthusiasts on June 2. On Sunday, June 2, at 14.00, you can register on the Beykoz Kundura website to watch the documentary My Father, The Spy which will be screened free of charge. 

Türkiye Culture Route Festivals in Bursa, Samsun and Trabzon in June!

Bursa Culture Route Festival

Türkiye’s Culture Route Festivals, featuring concerts, exhibitions, theater and much more, will be taking place across the country during the first month of summer. As part of the Bursa Culture Route Festival, running from June 1 to June 9,  popular young performers – including Mert Demir, Simge, Semicenk and Madrigal – will take the stage.

Samsun Culture Route Festival

Renowned names in popular music such as Buray, Ferhat Göçer and Bengü will be on stage at the Turkish Culture Route Festival in Samsun between June 8-16. The Samsun Culture Route Festival is among the unmissable June events for anyone visiting or living in the Black Sea region.

Trabzon Culture Route Festival

Trabzon, one of the largest cities on Türkiye’s Black Sea coast, hosts its Culture Route Festival between June 22-30. The festival spotlights artists such as Alişan, Haluk Levent and Ebru Yaşar.  

Mardin Biennial runs until June 10

The 6th Mardin Biennial, curated by Ali Akay, is one of June’s must-see events, with the works of 41 artists and collectives displayed in various venues across the city under the theme Daha Uzaklara (Farther Away). As a first step toward visiting Mardin and the Biennial, please visit the Mardin flight ticket page.