As September graces Istanbul with its light, breezy evenings, the city blossoms into a season brimming with artistic vibrancy. From theater performances to exhibitions, concerts to musicals, an array of cultural experiences awaits art enthusiasts throughout the month.
Istanbul September Event Calendar
Theater Highlights
“Chaplin”, Zorlu PSM Turkcell Platinum Stage
For the first time in Turkey, the extraordinary life of Charlie Chaplin, one of the most iconic figures of the silent film era, comes to life on stage. This two-act musical delves into the poignant tale of Chaplin, a man whose playful steps, innocent smiles, and deep-seated melancholy have left an indelible mark on the world of cinema. Directed by Saim Güveloğlu, the production features a stellar cast including Özgür Daniel Foster, Aybüke Pusat, Şebnem Dönmez, Emre Taşkıran, Murat Danacı, Defne Koldaş, Semih Ali Aksoy, and Çınar Yener. Mark your calendars for September 20-21, and don’t miss this enchanting performance.
“Fanatic”, Trump Stage
In this family comedy, the couple Tanju and Eda face a daunting task after recording a message from Tanju’s father on the day he passed away. They are determined to explain to their son, Atlas, the truth about his grandfather’s passing, rather than resorting to comforting lies. But this proves more challenging than anticipated. When Tanju attempts to share the news, he’s stunned by an unexpected revelation: his father had secretly converted Atlas into a die-hard Galatasaray fan before he died! Now, Tanju believes he must rescue his son from this “affliction,” as he’s convinced there’s only one place Galatasaray fans end up in the afterlife. This witty play navigates the humorous and heartfelt conflicts of parents striving to do their best for their child. Don’t miss its premiere on September 20 at Trump Stage, and if you can’t catch it then, it will also be performed at Fişekhane Main Stage on September 27.
Exhibitions
“The Diaries of Frida Kahlo”, Grand Pera
Part of the prestigious “Culture Road” project, which spans several provinces in Turkey, this highly anticipated exhibition will captivate art lovers starting September 28. “The Diaries of Frida Kahlo” offers a profound glimpse into the inner world and artistic evolution of the globally revered artist. Kahlo, who endured immense physical pain following a devastating traffic accident in her youth, channeled her suffering into her art, particularly her iconic self-portraits. Her work is rich with symbols of Mexican culture, personal identity, and the female experience. Additionally, her passionate and tumultuous marriage to fellow artist Diego Rivera served as a source of inspiration for her creations. This compelling exhibition, which is free to the public, will be on display at Grand Pera from September 28 to October 26, offering a rare opportunity to explore the intimate thoughts and artistic journey of this legendary figure.
“Designer’s Note”, Salt Beyoğlu
“Designer’s Note” is an exhibition that delves into the dynamic and impactful evolution of graphic design during the last quarter of the 20th century, with a particular focus on the role of the book. This exhibition explores the period when cultural publishing flourished, and graphic designers emerged as key figures in the creative process. It offers an in-depth look at the transformation of book cover design from the 1970s through the 1990s, highlighting the intricate decision-making processes behind a book’s creation. Visitors will gain insight into the relationships among various players in the publishing world—from publishers to printers—and their roles within the broader cultural landscape. Additionally, the exhibition presents archival documents that provide a comprehensive view of the era that paved the way for the design culture of the 2000s, when printed books began to be redefined in the digital age. You can stay updated on the exhibition’s public programs, curated by Eda Sezgin, by visiting saltonline.org and following Salt’s social media channels. The exhibition runs from September 11, 2024, to February 2, 2025.
“Yasemin Özcan: Wet Ground”, Arter
Set in Arter’s ground floor gallery, “Wet Ground” by Yasemin Özcan showcases a compelling collection of her earlier works alongside new pieces crafted specifically for this exhibition. Spanning various mediums—including photography, video, sound, ceramics, performance, and text—the exhibition examines themes such as intergenerational transmission, migration, and identity construction through the lens of the relationship between humans and land, blending autobiography with fiction. Running from September 19, 2024, to April 6, 2025, this exhibition is accompanied by a thoughtfully curated book featuring writings from prominent figures like Evrim Kaya, Işın Önol, and Kaya Genç, offering deeper insights into the thematic exploration presented in Özcan’s work.
Concerts
Sertab Erener
Sertab Erener, one of the most iconic figures in Turkish music, will grace the stage at Maximum Uniq Open Air on September 3 as part of the BKM Summer Events. Erener will showcase her latest album, Her Dem Acoustic, alongside a rich selection of her most beloved hits spanning her illustrious career. This concert offers a unique opportunity for fans to sing along to Erener’s timeless tracks in a live setting. Don’t miss the chance to experience her powerful voice and captivating performance!
Ludovico Einaudi, Harbiye Cemil Topuzlu Open Air Theater
Ludovico Einaudi, a towering figure in contemporary classical music, is set to enchant audiences at the Harbiye Cemil Topuzlu Open Air Theater on September 11 and 12. Einaudi’s musical journey, which began under the influence of his mother, an amateur pianist, flourished with formal training at the Conservatory of Turin and the Conservatory of Milan. He further honed his craft under the tutelage of esteemed mentors like Azio Corghi, Luciano Berio, and Karlheinz Stockhausen. Einaudi’s career has spanned diverse domains, including ballet, film, and theater, showcasing his versatility and creative brilliance. His pioneering albums, such as Le Onde and I Giorni, have captivated audiences by blending classical elegance with contemporary innovation. Don’t miss the chance to witness Einaudi’s mesmerizing compositions performed live with unparalleled passion and artistry.
“Apocalyptica,” Zorlu PSM
Apocalyptica, the band renowned for crafting a unique sound that defies traditional rock conventions, is returning to Istanbul with their PLAYS METALLICA VOL. 2 TOUR! Since their groundbreaking debut album, Plays Metallica by Four Cellos in 1996, Apocalyptica has continuously evolved their style, blending innovation with a touch of classical elegance. Get ready for an electrifying performance as they take the Zorlu PSM stage by storm on September 18-19!
“Mariinsky Orchestra,” AKM
The Mariinsky Orchestra, one of the oldest and most esteemed cultural institutions in the world, boasts a remarkable 240-year history. Founded in St. Petersburg, Russia, during the reign of Catherine II, the orchestra was originally known as the Russian Imperial Opera and Orchestra before adopting its current name following the October Revolution. Under the baton of the legendary conductor Valery Gergiev, the Mariinsky Orchestra will grace the stage at AKM on Sunday, September 29, as part of this year’s Istanbul Culture Road Festival. This is an evening not to be missed, so be sure to mark your calendars for this extraordinary concert.
