Opera and Ballet in Turkey – History, Festivals & Performances

The Enchanting World of Opera and Ballet in Turkey

06.02.2025 11:34
About Turkey

The Enchanting Journey of Opera and Ballet in Turkey

Turkey, with its thousands of years of historical heritage and its position at the crossroads of East and West, has developed a unique identity in every field of art. Opera and ballet have taken their place in this land through a long journey, from the grandeur of palaces to the stages of modern theaters. The arias rising from the cobbled streets of Istanbul, the spectacular performances in Ankara’s art centers, the melodies echoing along the Aegean coastline in Izmir, and the stories brought to life among the ancient stones of Aspendos… Opera and ballet in Turkey are not just forms of art but also a journey through time.

Today, art lovers across Turkey embark on an unforgettable artistic journey, experiencing the resonating arias at the Aspendos Ancient Theater, the graceful ballerinas in Kadıköy, the mesmerizing operas staged in İzmir, and the performances extending from Samsun to Mersin.

From the Ottoman Empire to the Republic: Transformation and Evolution in the Arts

First Encounters with Opera and Ballet in the Ottoman Palaces

Turkey’s introduction to opera and ballet began through the Ottoman Empire’s cultural connections with Europe. In the 19th century, Ottoman sultans started to show interest in Western music and performing arts, welcoming European artists into their palaces.

In 1840, Lucia di Lammermoor was staged at Naum Theatre in Beyoğlu, marking one of the first opera performances on Ottoman soil. During this period, Istanbul’s art scene began to rival major European cities, as opera and ballet troupes from Europe performed regularly in the Ottoman capital. Giuseppe Donizetti, who served as a music instructor in the Ottoman court, played a key role in spreading Western musical traditions.

The Republican Era: A Cultural Revolution in the Arts

With the proclamation of the Republic, art became one of the cornerstones of cultural modernization. Mustafa Kemal Atatürk aimed to integrate Turkey into the global artistic scene by encouraging the development of Western music and performing arts.

In 1934, Ahmet Adnan Saygun composed Özsoy, Turkey’s first national opera, which was performed during the visit of the Shah of Iran. This marked a significant step toward establishing Turkey’s own operatic tradition.

The establishment of the Ankara State Opera and Ballet in 1948 marked Turkey’s official entry into the world of professional opera and ballet. Renowned European stage directors and artists, including Carl Ebert, were invited to Turkey, contributing to the development of world-class productions.

The Growing Opera and Ballet Scene in Turkey

What began in Ankara soon expanded to other cities, reaching an ever-wider audience. Today, Turkey’s most significant opera and ballet venues include:

1. Ankara State Opera and Ballet (1948)

Established as Turkey’s first official opera house, this institution hosts internationally renowned productions every year. Notable performances include:

Madama Butterfly – Giacomo Puccini
La Traviata – Giuseppe Verdi
Midas’ın Kulakları – Ferit Tüzün

2. Istanbul State Opera and Ballet (1970)

Kadıköy Süreyya Opera House and Atatürk Cultural Center have made Istanbul one of Turkey’s premier opera hubs. Key performances include:

The Marriage of Figaro – Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart
Carmen – Georges Bizet
Ali Baba and the Forty Thieves – Selman Ada

3. Izmir State Opera and Ballet (1982)

Izmir, the artistic capital of the Aegean, hosts the Izmir International Opera and Ballet Festival, featuring:

Don Giovanni – Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart
Scheherazade – Nikolai Rimsky-Korsakov

4. Mersin State Opera and Ballet (1992)

Mersin has become a vibrant center for opera and ballet on the Mediterranean coast, with productions including:

The Barber of Seville – Gioachino Rossini
Turandot – Giacomo Puccini

5. Antalya State Opera and Ballet & Aspendos Opera and Ballet Festival (1999)

The Aspendos Ancient Theater, one of Turkey’s most remarkable opera venues, has hosted stunning performances such as:

Aida – Giuseppe Verdi
Tosca – Giacomo Puccini
La Traviata – Giuseppe Verdi

Aspendos International Opera and Ballet Festival

One of Turkey’s most prestigious cultural events, the Aspendos International Opera and Ballet Festival, has been held since 1994 at the historic Aspendos Ancient Theater in Antalya. Built in the 2nd century, this exceptionally well-preserved theater welcomes some of the world’s most acclaimed opera and ballet companies.

Notable Productions Staged at the Aspendos Festival:

Opera Performances:

Aida – Giuseppe Verdi
Carmen – Georges Bizet
La Traviata – Giuseppe Verdi
Tosca – Giacomo Puccini
Madama Butterfly – Giacomo Puccini
The Marriage of Figaro – Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart
Don Giovanni – Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart
Fidelio – Ludwig van Beethoven

Ballet Performances:

Swan Lake – Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky
The Nutcracker – Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky
Scheherazade – Nikolai Rimsky-Korsakov
Spartacus – Aram Khachaturian
Don Quixote – Ludwig Minkus
Romeo and Juliet – Sergei Prokofiev

Every year, thousands of spectators witness breathtaking performances at this festival, which continues to elevate Turkey’s cultural reputation on the international stage.

Bodrum International Ballet Festival

Bodrum, renowned for its breathtaking landscapes and deep historical roots, is also a rising center for performing arts. Since 2002, the Bodrum International Ballet Festival has been held annually, establishing itself as one of Turkey’s premier ballet events.

Set against the stunning backdrop of Bodrum Castle and the Ancient Theater, the festival welcomes world-famous ballet companies and performers, offering audiences an unparalleled experience.

Notable Productions Staged at the Bodrum Ballet Festival:

Swan Lake – Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky
Don Quixote – Ludwig Minkus
Carmen – Georges Bizet & Rodion Shchedrin
The Nutcracker – Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky
Zorba – Mikis Theodorakis
Romeo and Juliet – Sergei Prokofiev
Scheherazade – Nikolai Rimsky-Korsakov
Bolero – Maurice Ravel

With its magical atmosphere and captivating performances, the Bodrum Ballet Festival has become one of Turkey’s most distinguished performing arts events.

Opera and Ballet Pages on the Vigo Tours Website

The Future of Opera and Ballet in Turkey

Turkey is one of the rare countries where history and art intertwine, creating a captivating cultural experience. With international festivals, support for young artists, and collaborations with world-renowned opera houses, Turkey is steadily emerging as a global center for opera and ballet.

Visitors can enjoy a unique artistic journey, from Istanbul’s modern stages to the historic ambiance of Aspendos and the enchanting ballet performances by the seaside in Bodrum. With its magnificent venues and mesmerizing performances, opera and ballet in Turkey offer an unforgettable cultural experience for art lovers.

For those seeking to immerse themselves in music and dance fused with history, Turkey remains an extraordinary destination where the rhythm of the past and the future blend seamlessly.