Opera ‘Mehmed II’ to enchant audience at Istanbul’s AKM until year-end

The Istanbul State Opera and Ballet (IDOB) is bringing Gioachino Rossini’s renowned opera “Mehmed II” (original name “Maometto II”) to the stage at Ataturk Cultural Center (AKM) until the end of the year.

This opera, celebrated as one of Rossini’s boldest and most innovative works, boasts rich orchestration and will engage audiences on Nov. 28, Nov. 30, Dec. 21 and Dec. 25.

Legendary tale of love and conquest

First performed on Dec. 3, 1820, at Teatro di San Carlo in Naples, this two-act opera portrays the story of Sultan Mehmed II, the Ottoman Empire’s seventh sultan and the conqueror of Istanbul.

Set during the siege of Negroponte (modern-day Evia), an island under the control of the Venetian Republic, the opera unfolds the tale of Sultan Mehmed’s passion for Anna, whom he falls in love with amid the turmoil of war.

Political intrigue and heroic battles

Rossini’s masterpiece interweaves elements of political intrigue, conspiracy and tragedy, crafting a dramatic backdrop of melodrama. Against the political tensions of Venice, it explores a love story and the heroic rivalry between two adversaries, bringing to life the Ottoman-Venetian conflict and the intense drama of the time.

Rossini’s “Mehmed II” continues to stand as a testament to the composer’s groundbreaking vision and his ability to blend complex emotions with powerful musical compositions. Audiences are invited to witness this unique cultural experience at Istanbul’s AKM.