Istanbul is this year’s European Capital of Culture, and IDW will be hosting many exhibitions from all around the world, with the theme ‘city and design’.

During the urban development of Istanbul, IDW is constituted on the role of design notion where the East and the West meets. IDW will be hosting designers and design exhibitions from around the world in Old Galata Bridge. Whole design world will be focused to Istanbul. With the participation of 25 countries, design based events in IDW will be followed by Europe and whole world.

Istanbul will reflect its design culture to the whole world through world media and international designers. Today, what differentiate each product and service are; the urban development and the design notion, that provides interaction amongst cultures.

IDW 2010 is an event with the goal of bringing a new breath to design vision by relating Istanbul-the new design center-to Europe and other world cities. Istanbul’s energy of the youth, dynamic urban identity, culture that encourages creativity and variety regarding daily life will be the keywords to reflect Turkish design vision. This event will become Europe’s one of the most important urban projects.

Worldwide famous, creative designers will share their experiences in these seminars, panels and conferences which are open to everyone.

More infomation at www.istanbuldesignweek.com

Those who love jazz will enjoy a concert that promises cool breezes from the Bosphorus and a memorable start to a splendid festival.

Lisa Ekdahl’s music was the hottest thing in Istanbul, playing her first concert in Turkey for the 17th International Istanbul Jazz Festival on Tuesday, the Swedish singer lit up the stage at the Marmara Hotel Esma Sultan.

One of the most famous pianists and composers of cotemporary jazz music, Chick Corea and his Freedom Band, will be on stage on July 7 for the first open-air concert at the Cemil Topuzlu Open Air Theatre.

The 16-time Grammy award-winning artist will be accompanied by Kenny Garrett, considered one of jazz’s most competent saxophonists. Legendary crooner Tony Bennet will also perform at the Open Air Theatre on July 15, with a support performance by the Kerem Görsev Trio.

Grace Jones is another of the international superstars performing at the Open Air Theatre. Renowned for her striking voice, arresting shows, Jones is a modern legend with a career spanning musical styles from disco to rock and will play in Istanbul for the first time ever. Uncompromising in her image and her dashing attitude, Jones will perform July 16.

One of the most powerful voices of contemporary music, known for his renditions of popular hits, Seal will also play the Open Air Theatre July 19. Seal proved to be one of the most powerful voices in modern R&B with his latest album “Soul.”

During the festival there will be also street concerts all over Istanbul with the support of the U.S. Consulate. This year the Panorama Jazz Band from New Orleans will be among the acts singing in the streets of the city.

Tickets for the festival are available at Biletix.

Organizers are also releasing a special Istanbul Jazz Festival CD featuring works by artists performing at the festival.

More info at www.iksv.org

As the festival will bring different cultures together, it will play an important role in expressing the cultural beauty of tango and the country of Argentina and aims to support the dance art and its practitioners all around the world.

Last year representatives from 46 different countries attended the festival and a similar number are expected this year, including world-famous tango trainers, dancers and orchestras.

Turkish Orchestra La Ideal works to specialize on being a festival orchestra. All members of the orchestra are master teachers of their areas. They all have deep knowledge and performence experience of classical and world music.

Top international DJs will perform such as: Manuk Colakyan ( USA – Turkey ), Christos Pateropoulos ( Greece ), Abdulfattah Yaghmour ( Jordan ), Utku Küley ( Turkey )

The festival is hosted at some historic venues such as the Binbirdirek Cistern which was constructed in the fourth century as the second biggest water reservoir in Istanbul after Bazalika Cistern (Yerebatan Palace).

Complete list of venues are:
Adile Sultan Palace (Summer house built by Sultan Abdulaziz in 1856) – Indoor
Historical Mimar Sinan Fine Arts University – Outdoor
Historical Dalyan Club (Old manestry back to 1800s) – Outdoor
1001 Direk Sarnici/Cistern (In 330 A.C. Built by Roman Senate Philoxenus)-Indoor

More info at www.istanbultangofestival.com

7th International İstanbul Tango Festival Official Trailer – 3 from Aydogan Arkis on Vimeo.

The cosmopolitan city of Istanbul is named 2010 European Capital of Culture and named as the best place to be in 2010.

A tally of major concerts are coming to Istanbul in 2010. If early trends are any indication, 2010 may be the best year for major concerts and events in Istanbul yet.

So if you’re going to Istanbul in 2010, these are the dates to put in your agenda now.

Top Istanbul Events in 2010

• Istanbul International Film Festival
  This year, through April 18, The eagerly awaited 29th International Istanbul Film Festival will host more than 200 films in 23 categories.
• David Helfgott April 6 – 8
  One of the most important pianists of the world adopted the life of Oscar-winning movie Shine, David Helfgott is coming to Istanbul to play the piano concerto on 6 and 8 April.
• David Guetta April 10
  The world-wide respected DJ David Guetta will play for all dance music lovers in Istanbul on April 10 Saturday night organized by UNILIFE.
• Grandmaster Flash April 10
  One of the pioneers of hip-hop DJing, cutting, and mixing. Grandmaster Flash was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2007, becoming the first hip hop/rap artist to be so honored. A legend will perform on April 10 at GHETTO.
• WWE – Smackdown! April 18
  Sunday April 18, 2010 World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) with the most famous wrestlers from the team in Turkey!
• Istanbul hip hop festival April 25
  The first Istanbul hip hop festival will be held this year in Istanbul with the 2010 Hip Hop Festival for Turkey’s Hip Hop culture on Sunday April 25.
• SEPULTURA April 27
  Brazilian heavy metal band SEPULTURA will be in Istanbul on April 27th, 2010 for only one concert as part of their 25th World Tour.
• Istanbul International Puppet Festival May 4 – 16
  The annual International Istanbul Puppet Festival hosts many famous national and international puppeteers from as far as Taiwan and Brazil and will run from May 4 to 16.
• Istanbul International Theater Festival May 10
  The 17th International Istanbul Theater Festival is set to begin on May 10. Organized by the Istanbul Foundation for Culture and Arts, or İKSV, the festival will continue through June 10.
• Dany Brilliant May 10
  France’s most famous pop singer Dany Brillant, will give a concert in Istanbul on May 10.
• Harry Connick Jr. May 18
  Famous singer, pianist, song-writer, and actor Harry Connick Jr., will meet his fans in İstanbul for the first time on Tuesday night May 18 at 20.30 at İstanbul Congress Centre in Harbiye.
• Nouvelle Vague May 18
  Enjoy Punk and New Wave songs in an entirely new form, Nouvelle Vague, Bossa Nova, jazz and ’60s pop of the audience is invited to an amazing and surprising journey through time at Babylon on May 18.
• Akon May 21
  Akon has had 6 Grammy Awards nominations and has produced many hits for artists such as Lady Gaga, Colby O’Donis and Leona Lewis. AKON will meet with his Turkish fans on 21 May.
• Chill-Out Festival 23 May
  Chill-Out Festival will be held at Kemer Golf & Country Club with a wide musical spectrum such as, jazz trip-hop, Latin. 12 hours of continuous music with Caravan Palace Orchestra, Bonobo, Tunng, Alex Cuba Band, Club des Belugas, & Mishkin Palov and Lucky Elephant will present at the scene.
• 2010 Formula 1 Turkey Grand Prix May 28-29-30
  Istanbul is undoubtedly one of the most unique cities on the Formula One calendar this year on 30 May 2010
• Bob Dylan May 31
  Bob Dylan is the greatest composers of modern times and is coming to Istanbul again after 21 years, to give a special concert on May 31, 2010.
• Eric Clapton June 13
  Eric Clapton and Steve Winwood will perform on June 13 at Santral Istanbul, a venue on the Golden Horn campus of Bilgi University.
• Jean Michel Jarre
  Multifaceted artist Jean Michel Jarre is coming to Istanbul with his 2010 Tour on June 15 at Turkcell Kuruçeşme Arena.
• Sonisphere Istanbul June 25-27
  Sonisphere Istanbul features the greatest rock bands in the world will be held June 25-27 at the İnönü Stadium in Dolmabahçe.
• Metallica June 25
  Metallica will perform in Istanbul at Sonisphere Istanbul June 25-27
• Rammstein June 26
  Rammstein will perform in Istanbul at Sonisphere Istanbul June 25-27
• Megadeth June 26
  Megadeth will perform in Istanbul at Sonisphere Istanbul June 25-27
• Rihanna June 3
  Rihanna is coming to Istanbul for the first time, to perform with her Last Girl on Earth Tour on June 3.
• Lady GaGa June 15
  Lady GaGa is coming to Istanbul this year to perform on June 15th at Kurucesme Arena in Istanbul.
• Unirock July 2
  Hosted bands like TESTAMENT, OPETH, ARCH ENEMY, KREATOR, DARK TRANQUILLITY, PARADISE LOST and AMON AMARTH, Unirock Open Air Festival once again welcomes trash and metal bands in Istanbul on July 2.
• Massive Attack July 13
  Legendary creator of trip-hop group Massive Attack is coming back with a great performance on July 13 2010.
• Armin van Buuren July 16
  Armin van Buuren No. 1 DJ in the world will perform in Istanbul on July 16.
• Faithless July 17
  Faithless Istanbul concert will be held on July 17 experience a great live performance. Faithless known for their hits “Why Go,” “Insomnia,” “God Is A DJ” and “We Come 1″, spend four years long on a new album “The Dance” and will meet with their Turkish fans in Istanbul on July 17.
• Eros Ramazzotti July 17
  Ramazotti released his new album Alien Radi pressure” In 2009 and will perform in Istanbul on July 7 as part of his tour.
• Efes Pilsen One Love Festival 9 July 19 – 20
  De La Soul, The Whitest Boy Alive and Wild Beasts will perform at Efes Pilsen One Love Festival on.
• The Cranberries July 22
  The Cranberries became one of the more successful groups to emerge from the pre-Britpop U.K. indie scene of the early ’90s. Led by vocalist Dolores O’Riordan they will give a concert on July 22 in Istanbul.
• U2 360 Tour Istanbul September 6
  U2 360 Tour Istanbul will be held this summer at the Ataturk Olympic Stadium on Sept. 6.
• Ozzy Osbourne September 30
  Rock legend Ozzy Osbourne will come to Istanbul this year, among the names. World’s most radical heavy metal and rock group. Ozzy Osbourne will perform in Istanbul on September 30 at BKM Kurucesme Arena.
• Chris Botti 08 October 2010
  Chris Botti in Istanbul.
• Body Worlds 12 October 2010
  Body Worlds Istanbul.
• Discover Manga! 12 October 2010
  Discover Manga! Istanbul.
• Efes Pilsen Blues Festival 16 October 2010
  Efes Pilsen Blues Festival Istanbul.
• UB40 22 October 2010
  UB40 in Istanbul.
• Herbie Hancock 26 October 2010
  Herbie Hancock in Istanbul.
• Kenny Baron 30 October 2010
  Kenny Baron in Istanbul.
• Belinda Carlisle 06 November 2010
  Belinda Carlisle in Istanbul.
• Terence Blanchard 9 and10 November 2010
  Terence Blanchard in Istanbul.
• WWE – Smackdown! 14 November 2010
  WWE – Smackdown! Istanbul.
• ABBA the Show 13 December 2010
  ABBA the Show in Istanbul.
• Vanessa Paradis 07 February 2011
  Vanessa Paradis in Istanbul.

Leave a comment below if you know any other top events in Istanbul for 2010.

There will be a special Formula 1 Istanbul Grand Prix opening party at Reina wednesday night. Speed of enthusiasm, experience and teamwork, Formula 1 Istanbul Grand Prix excitement begins. McLaren Mercedes F1 driver Jenson Button will be a special guest at the party, on May 26 Wednesday night .Ajda Pekkan dynamics will add excitement to the night, and perform live on stage at 22:30.

The most successful driver in motor racing history Michael Schumacher, returns to race with Mercedes in Formula One after three seasons in retirement. Ferrari’s 2000-2004 champion Schumacher won seven world championships in a career spanning 16 years and 249 races.

The teams and drivers are:
Hamilton and Button – McLauren
Schumacher and Rosberg – Mercedes GP
Massa and Alonso – Ferrari
Vettel and Webber – Red-Bull

Tickets available at http://www.biletix.com/

Photo by by ph-stop

Multifaceted artist, not only recording artist, creator and performer of unique outdoor concerts, Jean Michel Jarre is also composer and lyricist of mile-stone hits in his native France and composer of international movie soundtracks.

One word welcomed him on the road: Pioneer. Today, Jean Michel Jarre is synonymous with Myth. Oxygene, Equinoxe, Magnetic Fields, but also Deserted Palace or Zoolook imposed a visionary genre of music of which we can find influences of amongst many artists, from Air to Daft Punk, Moby or The Chemical Brothers.

His concerts are also part of the Jarre myth. Those who have had the opportunity to witness these exceptional events that have marked his career, from China to Houston, London Docklands to the Great Pyramids of Egypt… will forever remember these extraordinary events.

To partake in this incredible experience, Jarre has decided to revisit his « all-in-one-show » concept, by integrating the very latest technology in sound, light and special effects for an outstanding result.

A unique opportunity to live, or relive, an extraordinary moment.

Multifaceted artist, not only recording artist, creator and performer of unique outdoor concerts, Jean Michel Jarre is also composer and lyricist of mile-stone hits in his native France and composer of international movie soundtracks.

Pioneer of one of the fastest growing trends in the industry today: electronic music, composer Jean Michel Jarre elevated the genre to new peaks of popularity as early as the late 70’s and 80’s with 60 million albums sold world-wide, to date. Emerging as an innovative international superstar, he creates a new format of out-door concert performance that has contributed to break the ground for a new generation of out-door rock concerts.

With the fusion of analogue synthesisers, cutting-edge digital technology, spectacular lasers design and lighting choreography, Jarre has conceived a show that encapsulates his signature expression and talent for creating milestone events.

Event details:
Jean Michel Jarre
date : 15.06.2010 21:00:00
venue : Turkcell Kuruçeşme Arena

ticket prices
Ayakta (Avantajlı Dönem): 80,00 TL
Vip A: 200,00 TL
Vip B: 150,00 TL

Tickets available at http://www.biletix.com/

This year, through April 18, The eagerly awaited 29th festival will host more than 200 films in 23 categories, screening new features from 2009 and 2010 along with unforgettable classics and works by master filmmakers. The festival will bring a truly carnival atmosphere to the city for two weeks with new categories, famous guests, workshops and panel discussions with masters of film, film seminars and parties.

With “Bridges Europe-Turkey”, European Film Promotion (EFP) will be launching a new programme at the 29th edition of the Istanbul International Film Festival (April 3-18, 2010). The festival, in close cooperation with EFP, will highlight and present 10 current European and 12 Turkish productions of up-and-coming directors.

Apart from the aim of raising public awareness for the selected films in this year’s European Capital of Culture, the idea is to facilitate and improve the films´ distribution beyond their borders. Key European distributors will be invited to Istanbul to see the newest in Turkish fare; at the same time, the Turkish industry will have the chance to watch new and exciting European cinema with festival audiences. In addition, special industry screenings will take place in the presence of the invited professionals. “Bridges Europe – Turkey” is financially supported by the MEDIA International programme of the European Union, the participating EFP members and the Istanbul European Capital of Culture programme.

10 European films have been selected for “Bridges Europe – Turkey”, among others, the acclaimed Nothing Personal by Urszula Antoniak, starring this year’s SHOOTING STAR from The Netherlands, Lotte Verbeek. Nothing Personal is a coproduction between Macdara Kelleher of Fastnet Films (Ireland) and Reinier Selen of Rinkel Film & TV Productions (The Netherlands) realized after they participated in EFP´s programme PRODUCERS ON THE MOVE 2008 in Cannes.

Also selected for “Bridges Europe – Turkey”, has been the European coproduction (Bosnia – Herzegovina, Croatia, Austria, Germany) On the Path (Na Putu) by Jasmila Zbanic, which has been screened in this year´s Berlinale Cpmpetition. The film sees Zrinka Cvitesic, Croatian SHOOTING STAR 2010, as main cast.

The 12 selected Turkish films include Bornova Bornova, winner of the Best Screenplay Award at the SIYAD (Turkish Cinema Critics Association) Awards in 2010. Winning several awards with Made in Europe in 2008, director İnan Temelkuran’s second feature film Bornova Bornova is set in the director’s hometown İzmir, and is about unemployment and its effects. The latest film Taylan Brothers have directed, Vavien, is a noir comedy that delicately tells the story of a small town family.

In 2010, the Istanbul International Film Festival screens 170 international films, with 111 originating from Europe. The festival seeks primarily to encourage the development of cinema in Turkey and to promote films of quality in the Turkish market. Selected international films compete for the Golden Tulip Award.

The International Istanbul Film Festival was first held in 1982 and has grown to become one of the biggest film festivals in the country, attracting thousands of visitors each year.

For detailed information on the 29th International Istanbul Film Festival visit: www.iksv.org/film

Istanbul is going to be ‘officially’ 2010 European Capital of Culture with the opening ceremony on January 16th.

The opening ceremony will be held at Haliç Congress Center and subsequent shows and concerts in Taksim, Kadıköy, Pendik, Sultanahmet, Bağcılar and Beylikdüzü squares will be broadcasted live on http://www.istanbul2010.org

I am curious if you will be watching?

Istanbul 2010 European Capital of Culture Opening Events Program

Events at Haliç Congress Center
Time: 17:30
Place: Haliç Congress Center
Program Flow

17:30 Opening Cocktail

18:30 Opening Remarks

19:00 Special 16 January Opening Show directed by Yekta Kara
 “Istanbul Magic”

Invitation of the protocol and other guests to the pier

Pushing the button by Participant protocol members to launch the firework show

20:30 Closing
 
Events in Taksim Square
Time: 19:00
Place: Taksim Square
Announcer: Ziya Kürküt
Program Flow 

19:30 Screening of the Balloon Theatre realized in Kadıköy and DJ performance

20:10 Live Screening of the firework show realized over the Golden Horn

20:30 The Fire Theatre

21:15 Tarkan Concert

22:20 Closing
 
Events in Kadıköy Square
Time: 19:00
Place: Kadıköy Seaside, İspark Parking Lot
Announcer: Volkan Severcan
Program Flow
19:00 Balloon Theatre
20:10 Live Screening of the firework show realized over the Golden Horn
20:20 Mor ve Ötesi Concert
21:20 Closing
 
Events in Pendik Square
Time: 19:00
Place: Pendik Seaside, İspark Parking lot
Announcer: Gülhan Şen
Program Flow
19:00 Screening of the Balloon Theatre realized in Kadıköy
20:10 Live Screening of the firework show realized over the Golden Horn
20:20 Kıraç Concert
21:20 Firework show and closing
 
Events in Sultanahmet Square
Time: 19:00
Place: Front of Hagia Sophia
Announcer: Hande Kazanova
Program Flow

19:00 Mehter Concert
19.45 DJ Performance

20:10 Live Screening of the firework show realized over the Golden Horn

20:20 Mercan Dede Concert

21:20 Firework show and closing
 
Events in Bağcılar Square
Time: 19:00
Place: Bağcılar Square
Announcer: Jess Molho
Program Flow
19:00 Screening of the Balloon Theatre realized in Kadıköy
20:10 Live Screening of the firework show realized over the Golden Horn
20.20 Zara Concer
21:20 Firework show and closing
 
Beylikdüzü Square Events
Time: 19:00
Place: Beylikdüzü Municipality Social Events Arena
Announcer: Asuman Dabak
Program Flow
19:00 Screening of the Balloon Theatre realized in Kadıköy
19:30 Şaman Dance Group’s Show
19.55 DJ Performance
20:10 Live Screening of the firework show realized over the Golden Horn
20.20 Nil Karaibrahimgil Concert
21:20 Firework show and closing

The second Istanbul Fashion Week (IFW) which unites fashion in Turkey under a single roof by bringing the leading fashion designers of our country and ready-wear brands together, will be taking place on 3-6 February 2010.

The first of the fashion days was realized on August 2009 and was called Istanbul Fashion Days, where 25.000 visitors visited the event in three days, thanks to an immense interest by the local and foreign sector followers.

The event will be held a second time in parallel to the World Fashion Weeks calendar and understanding and will be held in SantralIstanbul on 3-6 February under the name “Istanbul Fashion Week”, like its counterparts in the fashion capitals of the world.

İHKİB President of the Board Hikmet Tanrıverdi made the opening speech, stating that they have started a new era in Turkey on behalf of the sector and that they are very happy that ISTANBUL FASHION WEEK (IFW) accelerated the sector, and emphasizing that the impact IFW 2010 will have on the international platform will be much bigger since Istanbul is the 2010 European Capital of Culture.

IFW has been realized due to a necessity for the unity of the Turkish fashion sector and has reinforced designer and industry cooperation. Designers, brands, the whole fashion sector are inviting to collaborate.

Recently Istanbul was set to host the first Fashionable Istanbul extravanganza which was a huge success.

ISTANBUL FASHION WEEK (IFW), which has been designed to provide a flow of information to the world on fashion design and to get the attention of the world’s leading fashion press and buyers, will once more unite all the textile and fashion industry.

ISTANBUL FASHION WEEK is an enormous fashion event which consists of fairs hosting fashion shows, designers and brands which will rock the city with fashion for a week.

More info at www.istanbulfashiondays.com

Turkish pop star Tarkan will perform at Taksim Square in the center of town starting at 8:30 p.m., following a fireworks show. In the historic district of Sultanahmet, the city’s Ottoman Military Band will play at 7 p.m., followed with a performance by Mercan Dede, one of Turkey’s most renowned fusion artists.

The artistic program for the whole year includes university theater festivals, visiting artist workshops and new museum initiatives such as plans for a museum of island history on Buyuk ada, the largest of the Princes’ Islands, just offshore Istanbul in the Marmara Sea.

A tally of major concerts are coming to Istanbul in 2010. If early trends are any indication, 2010 may be the best year for concerts in Istanbul yet.

Eric Clapton and Steve Winwood will perform on June 13 at Santral Istanbul, a venue on the Golden Horn campus of Bilgi University.

U2 360 Tour Istanbul will be held this summer at the Ataturk Olympic Stadium on Sept. 6.

Lady GaGa is coming to Istanbul this year to perform on June 15th at Kurucesme Arena in Istanbul.

Getting around has also become easier. Last year the city abolished a 50% surcharge on taking taxis at night. Yet visitors should be mindful of standard charges, such as 15 lira between Sultanahmet and Taksim Square, or 35 lira for an airport run from the center of the city.

For more details, visit http://www.en.istanbul2010.org