The Atatürk Cultural Center (AKM), a cornerstone of Istanbul’s vibrant arts scene, is once again preparing to open its doors for a new season, promising a rich tapestry of artistic expressions across various disciplines. From opera and ballet to theater, visual arts, and music, AKM continues to solidify its position as one of the most dynamic and inclusive cultural venues in the city.
AKM: A Multi-Layered Cultural Complex
Following extensive renovation work led by the Ministry of Culture and Tourism, AKM reopened on October 29, 2021. It has since evolved beyond a mere performance venue into a multi-layered cultural complex that pulsates with the artistic rhythm of Istanbul. The upcoming season is poised to welcome art enthusiasts with a broad spectrum of events, including interdisciplinary performances, international productions, programs tailored for children and youth, and captivating exhibitions.
Remzi Buharalı, Art Director of AKM, provided insights into the center’s approach and objectives for the new season in an interview with Anadolu Agency (AA).
World Premiere of “Edusa” Opera by IDOB
Buharalı confirmed that many productions staged last season by the Istanbul State Opera and Ballet (IDOB) and the Istanbul State Theater (IDT) will return to AKM this year. Additionally, concerts by ensembles affiliated with the Ministry of Culture and Tourism’s Directorate General of Fine Arts will continue to grace the AKM stages.
The Istanbul State Symphony Orchestra (IDSO) will continue its popular Friday concerts, featuring distinguished conductors and soloists from Turkey and around the world. The Saturday Coffee Concerts have also garnered significant interest from the public.
A highlight of IDOB’s new season will be the world premiere of the Turkish opera “Edusa.” Buharalı noted, “This work will be performed for the first time. It is very interesting, especially with its music and subject matter. The libretto is by İskender Pala, and the direction is by Caner Akın, who directed the ‘Gilgamesh’ opera last season.”
IDOB will also present the classic “Nutcracker” ballet during the New Year period, a production that has consistently drawn large audiences. “Our audience has shown immense demand for ‘The Nutcracker,’ which will once again be featured at AKM as a New Year’s production. Another new IDOB production, the opera ‘Lucia di Lammermoor,’ will meet art lovers in the early months of the new year. Thus, AKM will offer both continuing works from the past season and new productions to art enthusiasts.”
“Don Quixote” and “Pride and Prejudice (sort of)” on Stage
AKM will also host guest theater productions. Buharalı announced that “Don Quixote,” directed by Işıl Kasapoğlu and starring Selçuk Yöntem and Zuhal Olcay, along with “Pride and Prejudice (sort of),” a co-production by BKM and DOT, will be staged this season.
The Presidential Turkish Music Chorus, celebrating its 50th anniversary this year, will present a diverse musical repertoire spanning from historical periods to contemporary works, Buharalı added.
Buharalı emphasized that AKM’s stages, with their advanced technological capabilities, have attracted international attention. “Many international groups apply to us to perform on this stage. Especially during the Culture Route Festival, the international groups and artists who performed here often discuss AKM when they perform around the world. Because AKM, with its renovated facade, stage, and technological facilities, is in a very good position. We see that the stage area has expanded from 200 square meters to 400 square meters, with 4 elevators, a revolving stage, and side wings bringing the total stage area to 2,000 square meters. The orchestra pit can accommodate up to 85 musicians.”
Nurturing Future Artists and Accessibility Initiatives
On April 1, 2026, renowned tenor Yusif Eyvazov is scheduled to perform at AKM. Buharalı also highlighted the success of AKM’s acoustic capabilities in both theater and opera performances.
Underscoring the significant responsibility involved in AKM’s annual program planning, Buharalı stated, “We are certainly not solely focused on programs for adults. Within the AKM Children’s Art Center, we organize various workshops to nurture future artists and enhance children’s self-confidence. These workshops are sometimes attended individually and sometimes with parents. In addition, we feature children’s plays and youth concerts. While creating AKM’s program concept within this diversity, we also pay attention to the differentiation of artistic disciplines.”
AKM is also committed to accessibility initiatives for individuals with disabilities, including accessible theater, concerts, and exhibitions. Buharalı mentioned that works by disabled artists, particularly in the field of plastic arts, are periodically showcased at AKM. “In the future, when we talk about accessible theater and concerts, the plan is to implement this approach, which currently serves a certain number of adults, to full hall capacity. We want to create a program where people can witness not only the performance but also how art is created and realized, from an educational perspective.”
Record-Breaking Exhibitions and Visitor Numbers
Buharalı noted that AKM’s exhibition halls have hosted world-renowned artists and record-breaking exhibitions. “Last year, we hosted the Pablo Picasso exhibition here. This year, we are featuring Salvador Dalí’s works. Starting during the Culture Route Festival and running for a three-month period until the end of the year, these exhibitions attract intense interest from both Istanbul residents and visitors to the city. The AKM Multi-Purpose Hall also hosted Henri Matisse’s exhibition this year. Furthermore, our own ‘Five Wonders of the Şakir Paşa Family’ exhibition was very popular at AKM.”
Since its opening, AKM has experienced a significant influx of visitors. Buharalı stated, “Especially during the Culture Route Festival, we witness a very high turnout at AKM. Approximately 7,000 people enter and exit AKM daily. These figures vary seasonally. As of today, we have reached nearly 3 million visitors this year.”
Sources:
Anadolu Agency (AA), Remzi Buharalı (AKM Art Director)
