Sign up for IQ Index
The latest industry news to your inbox.
Click the interactive map below to explore 69 market reports
An online directory of 590+ arenas is here
Straddling Europe and Asia, Türkiye has long been a tourist hotspot and a somewhat unique destination for live music. But with ongoing political tension, a devasting earthquake in ’23, and an inflation crisis in ’22 – at one point, it reached an astonishing 85.5% – it’s been a tough few years for the sector and the venues that host international events and artists.
The largest indoor arena in Istanbul, Fenerbahçe Ülker Sports and Event Hall (13,500), is heavily invested in sport but occasionally hosts gigs. It’s more likely though that music stars will head to the Volkswagen Arena, on the European side of the Bosphorus Strait. Equipped with an “amplified” live performance infrastructure, the customisable arena can host various events, with capacities ranging from 100 to 6,500.
It’s hosted the likes of Dream Theater, Bob Dylan, and Steve Vai; with Fuerza Bruta Wayra and Plácido Domingo due later this year. “The number of events we’ve hosted throughout the years is increasing, and the content is diversifying,” says venue director Talia Esra Tezel. “We predict that occupancy will be even higher for the following 12 months.”
Located in Zincirlikuyu, in the heart of Istanbul, Zorlu Performing Arts Center is one of Europe’s largest and most well-equipped performing arts centres, with more than 55,000 sq m of space. It includes multiple stages and spaces, ranging from 120- to 6,000-cap, that can host all kinds of events.
“The number of events we’ve hosted throughout the years is increasing, and the content is diversifying”
“We hold over 1,000 events annually – around 35% of our programme is dedicated to foreign events – and in 2023 alone, we welcomed almost 600,000 guests,” says Filiz Ova, the centre’s general manager. “About 10-15% of cultural and artistic events in Türkiye take place at Zorlu PAC, and our team consists of over 100 experienced experts in their respective fields.”
It has hosted the prestigious Sónar Istanbul electronic music festival for nine years and has Black Pumas, Blonde Redhead, and Fontaines D.C. on this summer’s lineup.
As elsewhere, economic uncertainties and intense competition are among the biggest challenges. “We try to overcome these difficulties by filling the calendar as early as possible and controlling costs,” says Tezel. And Ova highlights a somewhat unique challenge, specific to Türkiye. “According to the Turkish Statistical Institute, one out of every ten people here does not attend cultural and artistic events,” she says. “There are several reasons behind this, such as financial, communication, and transportation barriers.”
Yet, the market continues to recover despite a tumultuous few years. Ova notes a growing interest in international events, particularly in Istanbul, and that the country’s cultural diversity is expanding, as various genres, such as jazz, electronic music, and metal, grow in popularity. “This trend creates a dynamic cultural atmosphere where young artists have the opportunity to showcase their talents,” she says.
“Considering the live entertainment market has not yet reached its saturation point, we believe that growth will continue, and both the number and diversity of events will increase,” adds Tezel. “And the most important power behind the live event industry is young people. This is why the sector is vibrant and has a positive outlook for the future.”