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Now in its fifth year, the Istanbul Festival, organized by Focus Istanbul Etkinlik Yonetimi, will open on August 1 at Festival Park Yenikapi, featuring experience zones and concerts. The festival, which brings together experience zones, gastronomy, music and entertainment, will continue until August 16.
Ozlem Adiguzel, CEO of Focus Istanbul Etkinlik Yonetimi, stated that the event is not limited to concerts alone, noting that international and local artists will perform on the main stage, while the youth stage will provide space for emerging talent.
She said 384 athletes will take part in a 3x3 basketball tournament organized in cooperation with FIBA, and that 90 brands will be present in the experience zones.
Adiguzel said the festival introduced significant innovations in its stage design, stating: "Every year we compete with our own stage. This year we built Türkiye's largest stage, measuring 70 by 28 meters. The stage design was inspired by Mimar Sinan," a renowned Ottoman architect. "Our audience will experience something wonderful, both visually and in terms of technology."
The CEO said that based on feedback from visitors, the festival diversified its viewing areas, creating separate categories including stands, VIP areas, front-of-stage areas and general audience areas.
Emphasizing the importance placed on accessibility, Adiguzel said the Istanbul Festival has been designed from its first year with an accessible and inclusive approach, adding that music is everyone's right.
Adiguzel said the festival stands out on an international scale due to its visitor numbers, stage technology and the awards it has received, stating: "Since it is a festival loved and embraced by millions of people, why shouldn't it be one of the best festivals in the world?"
Adiguzel highlighted the importance of cooperation with various institutions across the city, noting that synchronized work between public and administrative bodies carries great value in allowing a festival to become part of a city's identity.
She said the festival received support in extending public transportation services and with infrastructure, adding that the event is regarded as an organization encompassing the entire city.
The CEO noted that the presence of 90 brands at the festival site creates economic activity, adding that an accessible ticket policy has allowed the festival to reach wide audiences while maintaining sustainability within its own ecosystem.
The festival's opening concert on August 1 will bring British rapper Central Cee and Motive together with fans.
As part of the program, Gokhan Turkmen and Ajda Pekkan will perform on August 2, Serdar Ortac on August 4, Derya Bedavaci and Ozcan Deniz on August 5, maNga and Sagopa Kajmer on August 6, and Dolu Kadehi Ters Tut and Mor ve Otesi on August 7.
Electronic music artist Tiesto will perform on August 8, Semicenk and Yildiz Tilbe on August 9, and Edis and Gulsen on August 11.
Hande Yener will perform with her project "Hande Bizi Sezen'e Goturr" ("Hande, Take Us to Sezen"), while Levent Yuksel will perform his own repertoire on August 12. Dedublueman and Duman will perform their well-known songs on August 13.
As part of the international program, Kwon Eunbi and Ateez will perform on August 14, and Sunmi and Monsta X on August 15. The festival will conclude on August 16 with performances by Hadise and electronic music artist Argy. Tickets can be purchased through istanbulfestivali.com and biletspace.com.
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