Istanbul, Turkey — City Information
City Facts
- Location
- Northwest Turkey.
- Time Zone
- GMT + 2 (GMT + 3 from last Sunday in March to last Sunday in October).
- Electricity
- 220 volts AC, 50Hz; round two-pin plugs are standard.
- Average January Temperatures
- 5°C (41°F).
- Average July Temperatures
- 28°C (82°F).
- Average Annual Rainfall
- 640mm (25.2 inches).
Cost of Living
| 1.00 GBP = 2.67 TRY |
| 1.00 USD = 1.66 TRY |
| 1.00 EUR = 2.35 TRY |
| Currency conversion rates as of 19 July 2011 |
Special Events
International Film Festival
April
Film retrospectives and new cinema releases from Turkey and around the world.
Mostly cinemas along Istikal Caddesi in Beyoğlu
Website: www.iksv.org/film
International Theater Festival
May-June
Performances of a wide variety of theatrical works from Turkey and Europe.
Various theaters and performance spaces in and around Istanbul
Website: www.iksv.org/tiyatro
International Istanbul Music Festival
June
Classical music featuring Turkish and international artists and orchestras.
Various Istanbul venues
Website: www.iksv.org/muzik
Efes Pilsner One Love Festival
June
A two-day, open-air rock and dance music festival that takes place around midsummer.
Parkorman
Website: www.pozitif-ist.com
International Jazz Festival
July
Jazz from Turkey and abroad.
Various Istanbul venues
Website: www.iksv.org/caz
Rock'n Coke
August
An open-air rock music festival sponsored by Coca-Cola and featuring international artists. An annual event since 2003, this did not take place in 2008 but another is planned for 2009.
Hezarfen Airfield, west of Istanbul
Website: www.rockncoke.com
Akbank Jazz Festival
October
A jazz festival with a number of big international names performing.
Cemal Reşit Rey Concert Hall, Babylon and the Akbank Cultural and Arts Center.
Website: www.akbanksanat.com
Cumhuriyet Bayram (Republic Day)
October
A national holiday celebrating Atatürk's proclamation of the Turkish Republic in 1923.
Throughout Istanbul
Istanbul Arts Fair (ARTIST)
November
A trade fair exhibiting and selling painting and sculpture from European artists.
Tüyap Fair and Congress Center
Website: www.tuyap.com.tr
Efes Pilsen Blues Festival
November/December
A touring program of blues events in 14 Turkish cities that include Istanbul.
Lütfi Kırdar Convention Center
Website: www.pozitif-ist.com
