Istanbul Foundation for Culture & Arts
The Istanbul Foundation for Culture and Arts was founded in 1973 under the leadership
of Dr. Nejat F. Eczacibasi, who had conceived the idea of a festival of the arts,
similar to those held annually at certain times of the year in a number of European
cities, to be held in Istanbul. Thus, the 1st Istanbul Festival was held from 15 June
to 15 July 1973, on the 50th anniversary of the foundation of the Republic of Turkey.
The Foundation which celebrated 25th year of its establishment in 1997, organises the
International Istanbul Film Festival in April, the International Istanbul Theatre Festival
in May, the International Istanbul Music Festival in June-July, the International Istanbul
Jazz Festival in July and the International Istanbul Biennial in the autumn every two years.
In 1992, the Foundation was awarded the "Trophée Internationale des Arts et de la Culture"
by Institut International de Promotion et de Prestige of UNESCO.
Istanbul Foundation for Culture & Arts website
