What's on: July. Music and exhibitions

The avalanche of summer programmes is unstoppable.

SantralIstanbul has extended the "20 Turkish artists of the 20^th century" exhibition until the end of July. It is also offering reduced entrance fees this month: normal tickets cost 5 TL, whereas entrance for elderly people over 65 is free.

For sculptures, go to Arte Istanbul, where Engin Inan’s bronze sculptures and reliefs are exhibited until 29 July.

Trabzon-born Atilla Alp Bölükbaşı’s amazing nature photographs “Water nymphs” are on display at Beyoğlu Belediyesi Sanat Galeri until 23 July.

Once in Beyoğlu, do not miss the exhibition space of Arter with two temporary exhibitions (until 21 August). Deniz Gül’s “5 Person Buffet” and Patricia Piccinini’s sculptures will take you on a journey to a different land.

If you visit the Princes’ Islands, do not miss the exhibition about the architecture of the islands. Located in the Çınar street building, it will be opened on 2 July and will run until 2012. Entrance is free.

The 2nd International İstanbul Opera Festival offers various performances at great locations between 1-21 July. Apart from some well known operas you will have the chance to see Sultan Murat IV as well. All performances will be at great locations, such as the Topkapi Palace, Rumeli Castle, Hagia Irene Church.

The 18^th International Istanbul Jazz Festival will fill the streets and various unique venues with music. A wide selection of local and international artists will perform their best between 1-19 July. A special mini-festival will be organised within the festival. The second Tünel Feast will offer late night entertainment on 2 July.

Preparing for One Love

The One Love Festival is back on the premises of Bilgi University on 2-3 July. Apart from the international line-up, including Manic Street Preachers and Happy Mondays, a good selection of Turkish bands will perform as well.

You will get a chance to recover from partying hard until Rock’n Coke begins on 16 July. Again, prominent international bands, such as Limp Bizkit, Travis, Skunk Anansie, and Turkish bands, like Athena will entertain the crowds.

Van is celebrating nature and culture between 21-25 July with lots of music and dance.

Ever wanted to trek in the Kackar mountains but you are still hesitating? In the second week of July, the Rize Mountaineering and Tourism festival is on in Rize. If you are in the Kackars already, do not miss the Kuspa and Palovit yayla (pasture) festivals in the 4^th week of July. The same week, Kemer village is hosting a festival in the same area. July 10 will be festival day in Çayeli, with local and international musicians performing.