Must see places in Istanbul for cinema and movie lovers

Istanbul boasts a rich history, especially when it concerns films, dating back to the Ottoman Empire in the late 19th century when the first screenings took place. Throughout the years, numerous theatres have been built, offering film goers rich cinema experiences.

From theatres that showcase local Turkish talent to venues screening independent art films and celebrating film history, here are some places that should be of interest to cinema and movie lovers while in Istanbul.

Istanbul State Theatre (Istanbul Devlet Tiyatrosu)

Istanbul State Theatre, established in 1949 is one of the most prominent and historic theatrical institutions in Türkiye. Played a significant role in the development of Turkish theater, staging both classical and contemporary works and even promoting Turkish playwrights and actors.

Becoming a cornerstone of Istanbul and contributing to the city’s vibrant arts scene, the Istanbul State Theatre has multiple venues across Istanbul mostly notably the Atatürk
Cultural Center (AKM) in Taksim on the European side and Uskudar Tekel Sahnesi in
Uskudar on the Asian side. There is Kadıkoy Süreyya Opera House in Kadıkoy also located
on the Asian side and Fatih Reşat Nuri Sahnesi located in the Fatih district.

These theatres showcase a wide range of productions from Classical plays such as works of Shakespeare and Chekhov to Turkish plays from Turkish playwrights like Haldun Taner, Orhan Asena and Turgut Ozakman as well as showcasing Contemporay and international plays from around the global.

The theater season typically runs from September to June, with a packed schedule of
performances and tickets can be purchased online or at the box offices of the respective
venues.

Zorlu PSM (Zorlu Performing Arts Center)

Located Besiktas and part of a mixed – use development called Zorlu Center, Zorlu PSM is
one of Istanbul’s most modern and prestigious venues for performing arts, concerts, and
cultural events. Consisting of multiple spaces designed for different types of events including its mid-sized theater for theatrical performances, a large Performance Hall and an Amphitheater for open air performances during the summer.

Zorlu PSM hosts a variety of events from Concerts of both international and Turkish artists to theater plays and contemporary dance performances and even Opera performances by renowned orchestras, ensembles and soloists.

Zorlu PSM has also hosted world famous artists from likes of Elton John, Sting and Kylie
Minogue. Its is a key venue for the Istanbul Theatre Festival and Istanbul Jazz Festival,
organized by the Istanbul Foundation for Culture and Arts (İKSV). Tickets for any of the
events at Zorlu PSM can be purchased online through their official website.

Atlas 1948

Atlas 1948 is one of Istanbul’s iconic and historical cinema venues located in the vibrant
Beyoglu district. Situated on Istiklal Caddesi (Independence Avenue) Altas 1948 is known
for its Art Deco architecture and has been a cornerstone of Istanbul’s cultural scene ever since its opening in 1948. The name “Atlas” reflects the theaters historical connection cinema as it was one the first modern movie theaters in Istanbul.

Atlas 1948 has Cinema Halls with multiple screening rooms including a grand main hall. A performance hall for live performances such as comedy shows and theater plays. The theater also has a Cafe and Bar lounge for socializing before and after events.

The theater is known for having a wide selection of diverse and high-quality programming
such as Film screenings of a mix of mainstream and independent art-house films, hosting film festivals such as the Istanbul International Film Festival, Live Performances and Cultural Events related to cinema and the arts.

Pera Museum Cinema

A cultural gem located within the Pera Museum of the vibrant Beyoğlu district of Istanbul.
The Pera Museum Cinema is known for its intimate setting and thoughtfully curated film
programs. A hub for film enthusiasts and culture lovers. It opened in 2005 and has become an integral part of the museums cultural offerings.

Pera Museum Cinema offers Thematic Film Series that explore specific genres, directors or cultural movements. They host Film Festivals and Special Screenings where following a
program there is a discussion with the filmmakers and critics and film scholars and they
frequently screen Documentaries Films particulary those related to art, history or social
issues, inline with the museum’s exhibitions and mission.

The Pera Museum Cinema is more than just a cinema rahter it is a cultural space that bridges the worlds of visual arts and film. A unique destination for film enthusiasts and culture lovers.

Kadikoy Sinemasi

Kadikoy Sinemasi is situated in the heart of the Kadikoy district located on the Asian side of Istanbul. A beloved and historic cinema known for its commitment to showcasing
independent, art-house and classical films. A cultural hub for film enthusiasts.

Kadikoy Sinemasi has multiple Screening Halls and Cafe and Lounge Area for viewers to
discuss the films after they have seen them in a cozy environment.

Kadikoy Sinemasi offers a wide selection of diversely curated film programs from Independent and Art-House Films to Classical Films and even Director Retrospectives, a full look at a renowned filmmakers work. The theater frequently screens Documentaries and has Special Screenings with Q&A sessions and is a key venue for hosting Film Festivals such as the Istanbul International Film Festival.

Today, Istanbul continues to be a cinematic paradise for filmmakers and cinema lovers with so much rich history film and in the contribution to the evolution of filmmaking. A place film and cinema lovers can enjoy while filmmakers use it as means to explore themes of identity, tradition, modernity and reflecting the city’s dynamic and ever-evolving spirit