Summer is here with an incredibly rich list of events taking place in the whole of the country. Many of these are (partly) aimed at tourists, but most of the festivals mainly entertain locals.
Istanbul offers new temporary exhibitions in the major museums and works of many contemporary artists are displayed in smaller galleries.
A unique collection of artefacts dating back to the 3rd Millenium BC is exhibited at the Sabancı University Sakıp Sabancı Museum (until 28 August). Paralleling finds from Anatolia and the Cyclades Islands contributes to the developing Greek-Turkish dialogue.
Works of Greek painters are showcased at the Topkapi Palace Museum until 30 June.
Contemporary miniatures reflecting on Istanbul by Taner Alakuş and his students are on display at the art gallery of the Çırağan Palace Kempinski (Istanbul, city of sultans; until 30 June, Çırağan Cadd. 32, Beşiktaş).
Travel through cultures via photographs. Visit the Arkeo Pera exhibition hall to see pictures of women, children, mountains, birds of various cultures from Mesopotamia to Mezo-America (from 7 June to 7 September).
Pera Museum is celebrating Fathers Day on 19 June with free entrance for fathers. The İhsan Cemal Karaburçak and the Fundamentally Human exhibitions are still on.
Of course, the music festival season continues with an overwhelmingly wide selection. The 39th Istanbul Music festival (4-29 June) offers concerts by international and Turkish artists at unique venues, such as the Hagia Eirene church. Looking for jazz? You will be pampered by the Akbank Sanat Jazz festival, the Jazz Days between 15-29 June starring Turkish and international musicians.
Something of a curiosity is the Cherry festival in Polonezköy (between 4-12 June). This Polish village in Istanbul has been organising Cherry festivals for more than hundred years as a thank you to their hosts. So if you feel like experiencing a real mix of culture (Polish meals, drinks and dance in Turkish environment), head for the village that these days mostly serves as a holiday village.
When wandering ancient Greek and Roman amphitheatres, have you wished you could turn time back and see a performance there? Well, this is your chance now. The prestigious Aspendos Opera and Ballet Festival is being organised in the more than 2000-years-old historical theatre for the 18th time this year.
Tekirdağ will host its traditional Cherry festival between 16-19 June with dance shows, concerts and games.
The small bordertown of Doğubayazıt is celebrating traditional culture with dance and music between 21-23 June. A unique chance to see traditional performances and to experience what really rocks in that corner of the world.
If you happen to be near the Kaçkar mountains, watch out for local festivals. These are usually organised on the high pastures (yaylalar), and you can experience local flavours in music, dance and food. The 17th Ayder festival is held on 18-19 June. The Ikizdere Caucasian Black Grouse festival is held on the 3rd week of June.
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