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The number of cinema-goers in Türkiye rose by 4.9% in 2024, reaching 32.54 million, according to the latest data from the Turkish Statistical Institute (TurkStat). Released under the “Cinema and Performing Arts Statistics 2024” bulletin, the report reflects a nationwide resurgence in cinema, theater, and live performances.
Based on administrative records from the Ministry of Culture and Tourism’s Directorate General of Cinema, 736 films premiered across the country in 2024, comprising 295 domestic and 441 foreign productions.
There were 2,776 active cinema halls with a total of 317,274 seats. The most striking increase came from domestic productions: audience numbers for Turkish films soared by 34.7% to 18.47 million, while viewership for foreign films dropped by 18.6%, standing at 14.07 million.
The General Directorate of State Theaters revealed that in the 2023-2024 season, 224 plays were staged, including 105 original works and 119 translations. The number of performances aimed at adults reached 4,999, while children’s plays totaled 907.
State theaters alone attracted 1.79 million spectators during the season. The broader theater landscape also grew, with the total number of theater venues increasing by 26.9% to 1,025. These venues hosted 9,744 performances—an 18.5% rise from the previous season.
Notably, translated play audiences rose by 25% to 2.16 million, while original Turkish productions saw a 29.5% increase, drawing 5.9 million viewers. Adult-focused performances climbed by 44.7% to 22,929, while children’s performances rose by 8% to 12,474. However, attendance for children’s plays dipped slightly by 0.9%, whereas adult play viewership jumped by 46.2%.
Opera and ballet performances were held across six cities in Türkiye, managed by the Directorate General of Opera and Ballet. Audience numbers grew by 59.6% compared to the previous season, and the number of performances rose by 34%.
Similarly, the Directorate General of Fine Arts reported robust audience engagement across its six orchestras, 11 choruses, and 11 ensembles. Total attendance reached 489,975, marking an 84.2% increase. Orchestras saw a 47.9% boost in spectatorship, choruses surged by 82.5%, and ensemble attendance skyrocketed by 150.5%, reaching 191,571.
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