While Istanbul is a glorious city to visit any time of year, this summer's calendar is full of wonderful events. Here's a look at seven major happenings in the city during the summer of 2015, with something to please everyone.
Sports
For tennis fans, the Istanbul Cup is a warm-up competition for the US Open. Held between 24 July and 4 August, the Istanbul Cup attracts some of the world's top 20 players and an international group of spectators to catch the action on the fast courts.
If it's a truly unique sporting event you're looking to watch, check out the Bosphorus Cross Continental on 1 July. This international competition for athletes of all ages features swimming, rowing and sailing from Asia to Europe across the Bosphorus. After the races, there are water skiing and jetskiing displays for the crowds.
Music
Istanbul attracts some top musicians on the international scene, such as Itzhak Perlman and Hugh Jackman in May, the Buena Vista Social Club in June, Joan Baez in July and Enrique Iglesias in August.
The biggest musical event of the summer, however, is the 22nd Istanbul Jazz Festival, held throughout the city during the month of July. This international event offers 35 concerts and 250 musicians at venues around the city. Whether it's traditional, contemporary or cross-over jazz you prefer, you'll be able to find the perfect performance during this festival.
Exhibits
If you're a museum lover, Istanbul is the city of your dreams with so many to choose from. The Pera Museum is running an exhibition of Cecil Beaton portraits from 13 May through 26 July. See how this renowned artist changed portrait and fashion photography with his elegant takes on many celebrities, like Audrey Hepburn.
For something truly Turkish, how about A Drop of Pleasure: 500 Years of Turkish Coffee? This exhibition at the world famous Topkapi Palace began in February and continues through 15 June. Learn about how this drink went from a national beverage to an international sensation over the centuries.
Religion and Cultural Awareness
To really immerse yourself in the culture of Istanbul, there's nothing like staying there during the holy month of Ramadan. This major holiday in the Muslim faith is celebrated by fasting from sunup to sundown, then a joyous feast at night. Restaurants throng with families breaking their fasts, and the Blue Mosque and Hippodrome areas become major festival spots. Ramadan in 2015 begins on the evening of 17 June and ends on 17 July, followed by the three-day Sugar Feast.
It may surprise you to learn that Istanbul is not only a city of great tradition, but one of great modernity too. If you support diversity and alternative lifestyles, you may want to turn out for the annual Istanbul LBGTI Pride Week and March. This display of solidarity takes place between 22 and 28 June and features events and parades around the city.
Whatever event suits your fancy, Hotel Büyük Keban can make your attendance easier and more enjoyable. Let our concierge help you with tickets, directions and transportation, so all you have to do is have fun.
Contact us today to book your stay, and we guarantee you the best rates you'll ever get. Not only that, we can start have the concierge start working on your special requests now, so when you arrive your itinerary is set and your tickets will be waiting for you!
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