What to see in Istanbul in January

Istanbul may have said farewell to being the European Capital of Culture and passed the title over to Turku and Tallin but it remains the vibrant city it has always been. Istanbul has been named as the most dynamically developing city and elected as the most popular future travel destination (see here). Once you’re done with the usual must-sees, there still is a lot more on offer. Istanbul keeps its buzz, and offers cultural events showcasing everything from traditional heritage to the latest innovations and moves in arts let it be visual or music.

So, a taster of what to see and listen to in January:

See Istanbul through the eyes of photojournalists. A selection of photographs from the archives of the Anadolu Agency (until 28 January) are exhibited at the French Culture Centre.

Probably there isn’t one tourist who hasn’t visited the Grand Bazaar, immersing into the hustle-bustle, buying souvenirs or just enjoying the grandeur of the building. Iş Bankasi Museum is displaying exhibits of the 550-year old history of this ancient establishment (until 27 February, 2011).

Perhaps one of the most popular exhibition will be the one hosted by the Pera Museum displaying works of Frida Kahlo and Diego Rivera, selected from the Gelman collection (until 20 March, 2011). Once there, do not skip visiting the rooms displaying 19th century masterpieces depicting life in the tsarist Russia, from the collection of the St Petersburg State Russian Museum. The museum's own collection is well worth taking the time for. It will give you an insight into the Ottoman life (Orientalist painting section) and Istanbul as Eastern and Western artists saw it. Ceramics, and important part of Turkey's cultural heritage, are also on display. Tiles and ceramics from Kütahya, the second most important centre after Iznik were highly regarded for both architectural decoration and everyday household use.

If you are hungry for Turkish contemporary art, head for the Istanbul Museum of Modern Art. "The enemy inside me" displays videos and installations of the internationally acclimed artist Kutluğ Ataman (until 6 March). Hurry up to catch the last days of Ani Çelik Arevyan's photo exhibition ("Nothing is as it seems", until 9 January) in which she has experimented with taking pictures of everyday objects set in different contexts. It will be followed by the very exciting works of Lao Yu, Chinese photographer, who digitally created traditional Chinese landscape paintings from photographic images of garbage. The exhibition opens on 19 March.

The Sakıp Sabancı Museum showcases a unique exhibition introducing you to the development of calligraphy, ilumination and illustration in Islamic art. The Treasures of the Aga Khan exhibition displays objects with written word let it be ceramics, wood, metal, cloth or manusripts and miniatures.

Lovers of music are pampered by the wide selection of concerts. If you are looking for Turkish bands, check Portecho, Athena, Volkan Konak, Ece Dorsay. For regular jazz events, check out the IKSV Salon. Istanbul is also hosting a number of highly acclaimed international artists. The Baroque Days in Istanbul organised by Akbank Sanat has a line-up of highly talented Turkish and international musicians. Lou Donaldson is returning to Istanbul and will be playing in Salon IKSV. Paco Pena is bringing flamenco fever to the Iş Sanat Cultural Centre.

If you come with children, don't miss the PACE Children's Toy Sculpture Workshop, where you can make and play with sculptures.