BY CANSU DİNÇER
It was the 24th day of June 2026. An array of music lovers from Istanbul were looking forward to the concerts of famous artists all around the world during the summer nights impatiently, but on the 24th June, Istanbul would witness two legendary music bands. One of them was a legendary German hard-rock/heavy metal band, The Scorpions, who were performing in Istanbul as part of their 60th anniversary “Coming Home” tour.
The other band is The Pet Shop Boys, who have been featured on the charts and in the top musical magazines and TV channels all over the world for more than 40 years- isn’t that amazing? They’re a fantastic British synthpop duo who are still touring the world with their “Dreamworld” concert tour, which has included a stop in Istanbul.
In addition to this, the amazing soloist Neil Tennant from Pet Shop Boys fascinated his Istanbulite and universal fans with a truly unique audio-visual show. His voice was really incredible, and I’m delighted to say that I couldn’t help admiring it. I should say that I was captivated by the beginning of the concert. The audiences are exalted, and the atmosphere was pretty cool. The opening song was Suburbia, and this concert was the first time I’d heard their first real live music performance during my lifetime. Every song was meaningful and heartfelt, and I’m sure that each song has a beautiful story and memory to tell, or gives us a message.
I was glad to meet with some lovely British fans before the concert had even begun. They were such friendly, generous and kind people. We were totally excited before it even started. We sang along with the Pet Shop Boys from 10 pm to midnight, sharing memories of the past and present, and it was such a lovely night to spend with the PetHeads.
How many songs did they sing, and which one was the most remarkable?
There were 27 songs in the playlist, as I’ve seen, and I was affected mostly by the songs of Suburbia, Where The Streets Have No Name, What Have I Done To Deserve This?, Domino Dancing, Always On My Mind, Dreamland, Heart, It’s A Sin, and West End Girls in their stage performance. We should thank the Pet Shop Boys for every single song, who have caried out so far. It was like they had carried us away to a dreamworld and given us all such a wonderful and unforgettable night.
Which bands or artists performed or are about to perform their shows and songs in Istanbul?
The first one was amazing: Kanye West at the beginning of summer, and he gave a concert called “Ye Live in Türkiye” in the Atatürk Olympic Stadium on the 30th May. I’m glad to tell you that Alice Cooper performed his songs on the 13th June in Lifepark. We were all looking forward to seeing the legendary and fantastic singer Bonnie Tyler, who was so famous in the 80s, and she would carry out her performance at Harbiye Cemil Topuzlu Açık Hava Tiyatrosu, but unfortunately she couldn’t be well enough to make it happen. On 24th June, Istanbul was pleased to host the two legendary bands, “The Scorpions” and “The Pet Shop Boys”, who are so famous for their 80’s hits. I’m so thrilled to let you know that Gorillaz has put on a show on the 14th and 16th of July at Bonuspark. And that’s not all- Ricky Martin has visited Istanbul to realise his unique shows and sing his songs with his lovers and fans on the 11th of July at Küçükçiftlikpark, where we all know we were eagerly singing his 90’s hits.
Why is Istanbul worth performing arts?
Due to its unique geographical location and the Bosphorus Strait, Istanbul is the only major worldwide metropolis straddling two continents (Asia and Europe). The Bosphorus Strait links the Black and Mediterranean Seas, and thus not only serves as a visual spectacle, but has also remained one of the most strategically important hubs for global trade and geopolitics for centuries.
Istanbul has played a key role throughout history, serving as the capital of three great empires (The Roman, Byzantine and Ottoman) that have significantly influenced the course of world history. It has remained an ongoing centre of political and cultural power for around 1600 years, leading to every corner of the city revealing a different layer of history.
A place where cultures and religions come together
Istanbul has always been a mosaic, which means it has been made up of different nations, cultures and religions, which are still vivid today. The city’s silhouette combines the minarets of the mosques, the domes of the churches and synagogues. These cultural aspects can be found not only in the cuisine, music and architecture, but also in daily life and everything around you.
Hagia Sofia
The glorious Hagia Sofia, also known as the Hagia Sofia Grand mosque, is an awe-inspiring mosque and a must-see cultural and historical landmark in Istanbul. First of all, this incredible structure was originally built as a church by the renowned architect Isidore of Miletus between 532 and 537.
The Temple of God’s Holy Wisdom was an extraordinary structure, the third church of the same name to occupy the site, following in the footsteps of a remarkable predecessor that had been destroyed in the Nika riots. For over five hundred years it remained the largest church in the world. As the episcopal see of the Ecumenical Patriarch of Constantinople, it was simply unbeatable until the magnificent abbey church of Cluny was completed in the 12th century.
The story of Hagia Sophia being a mosque
(1453-1935)
Constantinople was conquered by the Ottoman forces on the 29th May in 1453. Sultan Mehmed II entered the city and performed the Friday prayer and khutbah(sermon) in Hagia Sophia. The church’s priest and religious staff continued to perform Christian rites, prayers, and ceremonies until they were compelled to stop. When Mehmed and his entourage entered the church, he ordered that it be transformed into a mosque immediately.
Topkapi Palace
Topkapi Palace, also known as the Seraglio, is a really special place where you can find a wonderful collection of artefacts in the Fatih district of Istanbul, Turkey. From 1460 until the end of construction on the magnificent Dolmabahçe Palace in 1853, this beautiful location served as the administrative hub of the Ottoman Empire. During this time, it was also the primary home of the Ottoman sultans- how amazing is that?
The Sultan Mehmed the Conqueror was so inspired by the beauty of Hagia Sophia that he ordered the construction of a new mosque in 1459, just six years after the conquest of Constantinople. Topkapi used to be known as the “New Palace” to tell it apart from the Old Palace in Beyazıt Square. Back in the 19th century, they decided to name it Topkapi, which essentially means “Cannon Gate”. Over time, the complex has grown and expanded, with a couple of big renovations after the earthquake in 1509 and fire in 1665. The palace complex is like a big, living, breathing place with four main courtyards and many smaller buildings. The ladies of the Sultan’s family lived in the Harem, and the Grand Vizier plus other top officials would get together in the Imperial Council building to chat about how to run the country.
What’s Istanbul like away from the sites?
You’ll be pleased to know there are dining and drinking areas where you can satisfy both your appetite and your intellect. They include popular multi-purpose halls and museums where you can enjoy cultural and art exhibitions.
Yapi-Kredi Bomontiada
Yapi-Kredi Bomontiada was magnificently crafted from the historical Bomonti Beer Factory, breathing new life into this cherished landmark. It’s one of the most vibrant social and artistic hubs in Istanbul, a place where people from all walks of life come together to create something beautiful and connect with each other. It’s got the most beautiful industrial architecture, and there’s so much to see and do. You could easily spend a whole day exploring its huge campus.
Istanbul Modern Art Museum
Right on the banks of the Bosphorus, this beautiful museum was masterfully rebuilt by the world-famous architect Renzo Piano, and his unique touch is evident in every detail. Istanbul Modern Art Museum has been here in this building for as long as anyone can remember, always happy to welcome visitors and show them the modern art of today’s most exciting artists from Turkey and beyond.
SALT Galata
In the heart of the charming, historical bank streets in Karaköy, you’ll find this delightful building. Come and visit it, and be captivated by its beautiful, impressive and neoclassical construction.
Are there any places where you can go and be fascinated by the natural beauty?
There are so many beautiful places to visit, like forests, parks, groves, and beaches, where you can spend time together with your family and friends and do sports and activities.
Emirgan Korusu
In the beautiful district of Sarıyer, right next to the enchanting Bosphorus, you’ll find yourself surrounded by the fresh, crisp scent of lush greenery. It’s the perfect place to enjoy some much-needed downtime, either by indulging in a delicious meal in one of the historical mansions or simply taking a moment to appreciate the tranquil beauty around you. It’s an especially fun time during the Tulip Festival when it puts on a really colourful show. The three mansions that belong to Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality are the beating heart and soul of the city’s vibrant food and beverage culture.
Yoğurtçu Parkı
Yoğurtçu Parkı is one of the most drastic and symbolic green areas in Kadıköy, and it is a place that everyone in the area loves to relax in. Right next to Kurbağalıdere and situated between Moda and Kalamış districts, this gorgeous green haven is a place where the locals of Kadıköy like to come together.
Caddebostan Plajı
The beach of Caddebostan(Caddebostan Plajı) is nestled along the coastline of Kadıköy on the Asian side of Istanbul. It’s a fabulous spot for Istanbulites to swim or enjoy some leisure time at the recreation centre on the beach. Caddebostan Coast is a special place for everyone who loves to swim or sunbathe in the summer.
Aydos Ormanı
Aydos Ormanı, or Aydos Forest as it’s also known, is located on the Asian side and surrounds the lovely districts of Kartal, Pendik, and Sultanbeyli. It includes the highest hill in the city, which is called Aydos Tepesi. It’s so much more than just a forest- it’s a giant natural living area. Do you want to escape from the bustle of the city? Our cosy getaway is the perfect place to unwind in the embrace of the natural world.
Wouldn’t it be lovely to organise more events for a city as beautiful as this, and for all those who live here? We’re looking forward to the possibility of more world-famous artists visiting Istanbul in the future. For the Pet Shop Boys, who are visiting Istanbul for the second time, and so many others, the hearts of Istanbulites will continue to beat for them in the future too.
Photo by Şilan Erkan via Wikimedia Commons, licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Photo by Julien Goettelmann via Wikimedia Commons, licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Photo by Burak Kaplan via Wikimedia Commons, licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Photo by Nurullah Degri via Wikimedia Commons, licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Photo by Meriç Tuna via Wikimedia Commons, licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Photo by Julien Goettelmann via Wikimedia Commons, licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0.
About the Author:
Cansu has Greek roots but works as a teacher at American Culture Language School in Istanbul. She has spent time learning German and English and worked as a German tutor, teaching online in the USA. She also enjoys spending her time volunteering at NASA as well as writing articles for magazines.
You can find her LinkedIn here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cansu-d-54bb21228/
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