Istanbul’s cultural scene changed with the establishment of Istanbul Foundation for Culture and Arts by a prominent businessperson Nejat Eczacıbaşı in 1973.
If we are living in a city with a rich cultural life today, we owe it to this invaluable project. Today, Istanbul hosts a range of festivals from jazz to visual arts, from cinema to theatre all organised and sponsored by the İstanbul Foundation for Culture and Arts. The Foundation is located in one of the most beautiful buildings in Pera overlooking the magical Golden Horn.
The Foundation is also the sponsor for the Turkish Pavilion at the Venice Biennale.
If you are visiting İstanbul especially in summer, check out the concerts in its Music and Jazz Festivals which host a range of prominent musicians from across the globe. Most concerts take place in historical locations such as the French Palace, Esma Sultan Palace and the Covered Bazaar which will enable you to enjoy a concert in one of the most magical spots in the city.
This year IKSV hosted its 52nd music festival and 31st Jazz Festival.
The Foundation also offers a range of learning and residency programs and incentives and awards to young and talented artists.
If you are a culture fan, consider purchasing its Tulip Membership Card which offers a range of advantages to its card holders such as early reservation, price discounts and invitation to openings.
If you are in Istanbul for summer, do yourself a favour. Buy a ticket for the music and jazz festival at a historical spot in the city and pay a visit to the rooftop restaurant in Deniz Palace to see one of the most beautiful views of the Golden Horn. Don’t forget to get a ticket for the ‘jazz boat’ in which you will get a chance to take a beautiful ride across the Bosphorus with the sound of Jazz.
Visit IKSV at https://www.iksv.org/
