This week in Istanbul: Opera, ballet, theatre and more

This week, Istanbul becomes the heart of culture and art with a diverse range of events—from classical ballet to rock concerts, from immersive theater to thought-provoking exhibitions. Locals and tourists alike can experience an unforgettable artistic journey across the city.

Operas, ballets and theatre at AKM

Ataturk Cultural Center (AKM) is set to host world-class performances. The iconic “Romeo and Juliet” Ballet will take the stage on April 29, followed by “Carmen” on April 30, “La Traviata” Opera on May 3, and the play “Richard” on May 4.

AKM will also screen the films “Konsey” and “Boyle Kucuk Seyler” between April 28 and May 4.

State and city theatres bring drama to life

Istanbul State Theatres will offer a packed program:

• “Rumuz Goncagul” at Mecidiyekoy Buyuk Sahne
• “Babamin Kelimeleriyle” at Mecidiyekoy Studyo Sahne
• “Isiltili Haserat” at Uskudar Studyo Sahne
• “Hepyek” at Garibaldi Salon 2 (May 1–4)
• “Vanya Dayi” at Uskudar Tekel Sahnesi (May 2–4)

Meanwhile, Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality (IMM) City Theatres will host Bursa City Theatre’s “Kisa Suren Saltanat” at Harbiye Muhsin Ertugrul Stage from May 2 to 4.

Spotlight on contemporary plays

Zorlu PSM features a standout lineup including:

• “En Sevdiginden Basla” and “Insanlar Mekanlar Nesneler” (April 29)
• “Amadeus” (May 2)
• “Saksakcilar” (May 3)
• “Afife” (May 3-4)
• “Balina” and “Eylul” (May 4)

Maximum Uniq Hall will present “Bir Mor ve Otesi Muzikali: Araf” on April 29 and “Konusmamiz Lazim” on May 4.

Istanbul’s music scene in full swing

Istanbul’s music venues will vibrate with a variety of genres:

• Swedish rock band Pain Of Salvation will perform on April 30 at the IF Performance Hall.
• CRR Symphony Orchestra will grace the Cemal Resit Rey Concert Hall on May 3.
• AKM will host a series of concerts, including Tarz-i Cedid, TRT Jazz Orchestra, Hazerfen Ensemble, Sinafi Trio, Napolitango, and more from April 30 to May 4.
• Levent Yuksel, Blok3, Nilufer, and Gokhan Turkmen will take the stage at Bostanci Show Center from April 30 to May 4.
• Resul Dindar, Muazzez Ersoy, Kubat, and Rana Turkyilmaz will also perform across the city.
• International pop band OneRepublic (April 30) and Turkish rock legends Duman (May 3) will perform at Maximum Uniq Open Air.

Exhibitions bridging cultures, histories, and resistance

Art spaces across Istanbul invite visitors to see the world through different lenses:

• “The Real Owner of the Land – Palestine’s Honorable Resistance”, curated by Bedia Kirisci and Sabir Mehdiev, is now open at Uskudar Hudayi Cultural Center. All proceeds will be donated to Gaza via Yeryuzu Doktorlari.
• “Sasirt Beni Istanbul” by Seval Ozcan is displayed at Baruthane with support from IMM Culture and IMM Heritage.
• The touching exhibit “Sakli Kalanlar”, showcasing 40 rediscovered books from Kahramanmaras, is on view at AKM.
• Shona Art from Africa can be seen at Zimst Art Gallery.
• Tove Jansson’s original works—highlighting modern Finnish children’s literature—are showcased at Aynali Gecit in Beyoglu.

Iconic visual art and photography

• “Pera Palas’ta Dusler” gathers multidisciplinary works at the iconic Pera Palas Hotel.
• “Journey Through Italy”, honoring Luigi Ghirri’s 1984 project, is featured at the Museum of Turkish and Islamic Arts.
• “Beyond the Horizon”, a comprehensive retrospective of Omer Uluc, is hosted by Istanbul Modern.
• “Tradition is the Future”, a tulip-themed solo exhibition by Prof. Dr. Munevver Ucer, is on show at MAJI Art Gallery until April 30.
• “Sultanlarin Mushaflari”, featuring Qurans from Ottoman sultans’ collections, is open at Rami Library until the end of May.
• “The World of Warhol”, a tribute to the Pop Art icon, can be seen at AKM’s Music Platform until 4 May.

Memory, migration, and modern tales

• Ahmet Gunestekin’s “Kayip Alfabe”, focusing on memory and migration, is on display at ArtIstanbul Feshane until July 20.
• Renowned photographer Izzet Keribar presents “The Journey of Colors” at Istanbul Modern until May 25.
• “The Story Takes Place in Istanbul”, an exhibit exploring literary portrayals of the city, is open at Meshher until July 13.
• “Dear Pinocchio” at Rami Library and “Tulipomania 2” at Istanbul Tulip Museum continue through May 30.
• “HAY-AT”, a new series by artist Seyet Davoud never before exhibited, is hosted by Zeytinburnu Cultural and Art Center.