Bursa
Take a seat in this 200-year-old tekke (dervish lodge) to watch the şeyh (master dervish) lead his students through a sema (whirling dervish ceremony) for…
Must-see entertainment in Türkiye
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Beyoğlu
The 15th-century semahane (whirling-dervish hall) at this tekke (dervish lodge) is the venue for a one-hour whirling dervish sema (ceremony) held on…
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Black Sea Coast
The very atmospheric traditional coffeehouse in the rear section of the Pervane Medresesi is a fine place for soft drinks and nargile at any time of year…
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Nişantaşi, Bomonti & Harbiye
İstanbul's pre-eminent live-music venue has been packing the crowds in since 1999 and shows no sign of losing its mojo, especially now that it has moved…
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Mevlâna Museum Whirling Dervish Performance
Konya
In the summer months, the whirling dervishes perform the sema in the intimate setting of the Mevlâna Museum's outdoor theatre every Thursday night. Enter…
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Kuşadası
On a narrow street in the Kaleiçi, this perennial favourite in an atmospheric old stone house and courtyard is where you can listen to the nightly…
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Alanya
This rollicking, friendly Turkish bar features live 'protest and folk music' and is a top spot for an acoustic-fuelled night of rakı (aniseed brandy) and…
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Alanya
Music and decent beer are the draws at this slick, multistorey venue by the harbour. The main action is on the 6th floor with soft chill-out music early…
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Cappadocia
The Saruhan's nightly 45-minute whirling dervish ceremony is the best one in Cappadocia. You must book ahead – most hotels and travel agencies in…
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Sultanahmet
Occupying a beautifully converted 550-year-old hamam, this cultural centre stages a one-hour whirling dervish performance at 7pm daily (Tuesday, Thursday…
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Beyoğlu
This intimate performance space in the İstanbul Foundation for Culture & Arts (İKSV) building hosts live contemporary music (classical, jazz, rock,…
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Eskişehir
This venue on Vural Sokak, aka Barlar Sokak (Bar Street), hosts local acts from across the musical spectrum, including rock, metal, jazz, hip-hop and…
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Beyoğlu
Named after a Miles Davis track, this intimate venue near the Galata Tower is run by jazz guitarist Önder Focan and his wife Zuhal. Performers include…
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Eskişehir Municipal Symphony Orchestra
Eskişehir
Eskişehir's symphony orchestra is one of Turkey's best, and offers weekly concerts for an enthusiastic local audience. It also provides backup for operas…
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Black Sea Coast
Tucked between the open-sided Kupa Pub and the vine draped waterfront Yildiz Cafe, Han looks like little more than a barn but on summer weekends is one of…
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Bodrum Town
This rock bar and club is grungy by Bodrum's standards, although there are still plenty of beautiful people on the outside decking. Two-for-one drink…
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Ankara
One of the best places in town to see local bands. 6.45 has a regular mix of musicians along with tribute bands playing classic rock, and dance parties…
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Beyoğlu
An exciting privately funded cultural centre on İstiklal, Borusan is housed in a handsome building and hosts classical, jazz, world and new music concerts…
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Çanakkale
Local students crowd in for gigs that usually kick off around 8pm on Friday and Saturday nights. Nearby laneways are also packed with other pubs, cafes…
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Ankara
This venue plays host to all the large productions staged by the Ankara State Opera and Ballet. The season generally runs from September to June and it's…
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Ankara
Every Friday and Saturday night, the bar of this meyhane (tavern) restaurant hosts local musicians; rock, acoustic, electronica and more traditional music…
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Kuşadası
In the heart of Kaleiçi, marked by low beams, stone walls and hung instruments, this tavern-like bar is popular with Turks and visitors alike; serves food…
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Bodrum Town
This tiny white-and-blue venue stages live music (Turkish rock, folk and jazz) most nights. It's busiest after 1am. It's waterside, right by the harbour.
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Beyoğlu
Art-house operation screening classic, alternative and experimental films in the Beyoğlu Cinema.
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Istanbul
The number-one web-based resource when sourcing tickets for concerts and events across the city.
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Konya
Year-round, the whirling dervishes perform the sema weekly at this venue.
Beyoğlu
Hasnun Galip Sokak in Galatasaray is home to a number of türkü evlerı, Kurdish-owned bars where musicians perform live, emotion-charged halk meziği (folk…
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Beyoğlu
Poets, improv actors, musicians and storytellers all feature at this multilingual open-mike night that draws a lively young crowd of expats and Turks each…
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Antalya
This venue with live pop and rock music (every night at 8.30pm and 11.30pm in summer) in the centre of Kaleiçi attracts a cool Antalya crowd. There's a…
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Old Gas Factory Cultural Centre
İzmir
These two mid-19th-century Ottoman Gas Company warehouses have been converted into a cultural centre where occasional art exhibitions and workshops are…
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Nişantaşi, Bomonti & Harbiye
The main auditorium in this conference and exhibition centre hosts the Borusan İstanbul Philharmonic Orchestra and other big orchestral acts, including…
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Kadıköy
Built in 1927 and used for many years as a cinema, this bijou building was restored and opened as an opera house in 2007. It is the base of the İstanbul…
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Marmaris
This two-floor place on the far side of Bar St is one of Marmaris' few rock bars, with '90s American and British music especially well-represented. Live…
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Antalya
West of the city centre, this theatre has an interesting program of cultural events, from opera and ballet to folk dancing and performances by the…
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İzmir
This small venue in the headquarters of the İzmir Foundation for Culture, Arts and Education hosts live performances during the İzmir European Jazz…
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İzmir
This handsome 1912 Ottoman Revival building is the home base of the İzmir Devlet Opera Ve Balesi (İzmir State Opera & Ballet Company).
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Çanakkale
Live rock bands take the stage occasionally at this old-timer near the clock tower. Check the listings outside to see who's playing.
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Ahmed Adnan Saygun Sanat Merkezi
İzmir
Operated by the municipality, this arts centre is the main venue for the International İzmir Festival.
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Antalya State Opera & Ballet Ticket Booth
Antalya
Sells tickets for performances from Carmen to Çanakkale (a Turkish production about the Gallipoli campaign).
