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 Turkey
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
Sultanahmet
Occupying a beautifully converted 550-year-old hamam, this cultural centre stages a one-hour whirling dervish performance at 7pm daily (Tuesday, Thursday…
Beyoğlu
This intimate performance space in the İstanbul Foundation for Culture & Arts (İKSV) building hosts live contemporary music (classical, jazz, rock,…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
Ankara
Every Friday and Saturday night, the bar of this meyhane (tavern) restaurant hosts local musicians; rock, acoustic, electronica and more traditional music…
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…
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.
Beyoğlu
Art-house operation screening classic, alternative and experimental films in the Beyoğlu Cinema.
Istanbul
The number-one web-based resource when sourcing tickets for concerts and events across the city.
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…
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…
The Bosphorus Suburbs
This is the home of one of the top football clubs in Turkey's Super League (Süper Lig), Beşiktaş (the Black Eagles). Matches usually take place at the…
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…
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…
Nişantaşi, Bomonti & Harbiye
The main auditorium in this conference and exhibition centre hosts the Borusan İstanbul Philharmonic Orchestra and other big orchestral acts, including…
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…
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…
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…
İzmir
This small venue in the headquarters of the İzmir Foundation for Culture, Arts and Education hosts live performances during the İzmir European Jazz…
İzmir
This handsome 1912 Ottoman Revival building is the home base of the İzmir Devlet Opera Ve Balesi (İzmir State Opera & Ballet Company).
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.
Ahmed Adnan Saygun Sanat Merkezi
İzmir
Operated by the municipality, this arts centre is the main venue for the International İzmir Festival.
Yakutiye Park Alıșveriș Merkezi
Erzurum
Facing Yakutiye Medrese with a glass-topped tower of its own, the Yakutiye Park Mall has seen better days. Most of its shops are closed giving the place…
