Turkey Live Events
Oil wrestling, Istanbul concerts, and the world's oldest sporting event
Turkey's live events calendar ranges from the world's oldest sporting event (Kırkpınar Oil Wrestling) to world-class concerts at Istanbul's extraordinary venues and the Istanbul Film Festival.
Top Turkey Live Events Events
The must-attend turkey live events events for every fan
Kırkpınar Oil Wrestling Festival
The world's oldest sporting event — oil wrestling in Edirne since 1362
The Kırkpınar Oil Wrestling Festival in Edirne is the world's oldest continuously held sporting event — oil wrestling (yağlı güreş) has been held here since 1362, making it older than the modern Olympics by over 500 years.
Event Highlights
- World's oldest continuously held sporting event — since 1362
- Wrestlers coated in olive oil
- Chief Pehlivan — one of the most prestigious titles in Turkish sport
- UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage
- Edirne — a beautiful Ottoman city
What to Do There
- Watch the oil wrestling
- Explore Edirne's Ottoman monuments
- Visit the Selimiye Mosque
- Attend the opening ceremony
- Try Edirne's famous liver dish
Event Info
Next Event
Late June/early July annually
Location
Edirne, Turkey
Duration
3 days
Ticket Price
From 50 TRY
Travel Tips
- ·Edirne is 2.5 hours from Istanbul by bus
- ·Book accommodation well in advance
- ·Combine with a visit to the Selimiye Mosque (UNESCO World Heritage Site)
Istanbul International Film Festival
Turkey's most prestigious film festival — world cinema in one of the world's greatest cities
The Istanbul International Film Festival is Turkey's most prestigious film festival — a 2-week celebration of world cinema held in Istanbul every April, with screenings in the city's historic cinemas and cultural venues.
Event Highlights
- Turkey's most prestigious film festival
- World cinema from over 50 countries
- Screenings in Istanbul's historic cinemas
- Turkish cinema showcase
- April — Istanbul's most beautiful month
What to Do There
- Watch world cinema screenings
- Attend the Turkish cinema showcase
- Visit the historic cinema venues
- Attend Q&A sessions with filmmakers
- Explore Istanbul in April
Event Info
Next Event
April annually
Location
Various venues, Istanbul
Duration
2 weeks
Ticket Price
From 50 TRY per screening
Travel Tips
- ·April is one of the best months to visit Istanbul — mild weather and the tulip festival
- ·Book tickets for popular screenings in advance
- ·Combine with the Istanbul Tulip Festival (also in April)
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