Izmir, Turkey’s third-largest city and a prominent commercial and cultural centre, is located close to the Aegean Sea. The city is well known for its extensive array of tourist attractions, distinctive cuisine, and numerous art events and festivals. It also has a rich historical heritage. At the festivals held throughout the year in the city centre and in the surrounding area, Izmir welcomes tens of thousands of festival enthusiasts on the festivals in Izmir.
The International Ephesus Opera and Ballet Festival is held annually at Selçuk, a well-known historic city, as well as other iconic Izmir venues, such as the Izmir Kültürpark Open Air Theatre. The exhibitions give art lovers the chance to see outstanding performers from Turkey and throughout the world.
The Ephesus Theatre Festival, which takes place in the enthralling setting of Ephesus’ ancient theatre, the largest theatre in all of antiquity, is another festival that brings a range of theatre companies to the Aegean shore.
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The Izmir Foundation for Culture, Arts, and Education (KSEV), which was founded in 1985, has brought renowned festivals in Izmir. The Izmir European Jazz Festival and the International Izmir Festival are both annual events sponsored by the foundation. Another occasion held by KSEV every two years is the Dr. Nejat F. Eczacbaş National Composition Contest. Since the contest’s inception in 1998, around 200 symphonies by indigenous composers who further Turkey’s polyphonic music tradition have been written.
Another event organised by KSEV is the Izmir European Jazz Festival, a part of the European Festivals Association. At the event, audiences can hear a variety of well-known local and international jazz musicians. Furthermore, it gives aspiring jazz musicians in Turkey the opportunity to partake in master classes and workshops offered by renowned artists.
The Izmir International Puppet Days, one of the most well-known puppet festivals in the world, gathers several puppet theatre companies from various countries to the city’s various cultural venues. Additionally, there are exhibitions, workshops, and discussions on the festival calendar.