Arena Market: Türkiye
Straddling Europe and Asia, Türkiye has long been a tourist hotspot and a somewhat unique destination for live music. But with ongoing political tension, a devasting earthquake in ’23, and an inflation crisis in ’22 – at one point, it reached an astonishing 85.5% – it’s been a tough few years for the sector and the venues that host international events and artists.
The largest indoor arena in Istanbul, Fenerbahçe Ülker Sports and Event Hall (13,500), is heavily invested in sport but occasionally hosts gigs. It’s more likely though that music stars will head to the Volkswagen Arena, on the European side of the Bosphorus Strait.
Equipped with an “amplified” live performance infrastructure, the customisable arena can host various events, with capacities ranging from 100 to 6,500.
It’s hosted the likes of Dream Theater, Bob Dylan, and Steve Vai; with Fuerza Bruta Wayra and Plácido Domingo due later this year. “The number of events we’ve hosted throughout the years is increasing, and the content is diversifying,” says venue director Talia Esra Tezel. “We predict that occupancy will be even higher for the following 12 months.”
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