Istanbul has long been no stranger to tourism, but this year it has been nominated European Capital of Culture. More than 2000 years old, Istanbul as a place with a wealth of history and culture. Diverse and incredible, there is plenty to explore here and enough to keep even the most demanding sightseers content for many weeks. It also has a thriving modern cultural scene in addition to its many ancient attractions. For those interested in the contemporary art and design, Istanbul also has plenty of interest to offer. This year has seen rise to many modern galleries and an increasingly active nightlife scene. There are fashionable shops and clubs and Istanbul has become an extremely modern and sophisticated city in addition to its ancient historical heritage.
The first major contemporary art exhibition in Turkey opened in 2004. Located in Istanbul, the name of it is the Istanbul Modern. Since its opening, it is been on the front line of the city’s contemporary arts scene. It occupies an old warehouse right on the shores of the Bosporus. With an extensive and permanent collection of modern art and design, there is plenty to interest visitors into the contemporary arts scene. The gallery also hosts temporary exhibitions regularly which focus on different themes every time. Another must-visit museum is the new Pera Museum which has a permanent collection of ceramics and tiles and hosts various modern and temporary exhibitions throughout the year. There are many smaller and lesser known galleries too, places which also focus on the steadily rising contemporary arts movement in Turkey. Many of the museums are allocated in a particularly chic district of Nisantasi.
Istanbul today has no shortage of performing arts centers as well. Attracting artists and enthusiasts from all around the world is the international performing arts center, the Garajinstanbul. This place is dedicated to displaying the new music and dance scene. Many of its shows involve actors from all over Europe and the rest of the world. For those interested in something different, this place has plenty to offer. The arts center can be found in the increasingly prominent bohemian quarter of the city.
The alternative music scene is also growing in Istanbul. For those who like to go to live gigs, Istanbul certainly won’t be disappointing. There are music lounges all over the city, especially around the bohemian quarter which play various live concerts focusing on world music and other contemporary styles. For those with more conservative tastes, there are places which play jazz, rock and classical music concerts. One place where you can find this sort of thing is Salon, a place which also has theatrical shows every Monday night.
Istanbul has no shortage of places to shop as well. This year has seen rise to many new fashionable outlets and the Turkish designer scene is becoming famous around the world.
