Turkey's Bodrum Ballet Festival commences with captivating rendition of 'Swan Lake'
The 22nd International Bodrum Ballet Festival: A Celebration of Dance and Culture
The 22nd International Bodrum Ballet Festival has officially opened its doors in Turkey, showcasing a blend of elegant movement and captivating visual design. This prestigious event, organised by the State Opera and Ballet Directorate (DOB) under the Ministry of Culture and Tourism, has become one of Turkey's most established cultural events.
The opening night was a grand affair, featuring a performance by the Izmir State Opera and Ballet. The festival is proudly supported by Türkiye Is Bank, highlighting its significance in attracting international and local visitors alike.
The festival paid tribute to two notable figures in the world of Turkish ballet. Oguz Ozlem, one of the first-generation artists of Turkish ballet and the originator of the Bodrum Ballet Festival concept, was honoured posthumously. Almula Ozlem, a performer from the Ankara State Opera and Ballet who passed away last year, was also remembered. Oguz Ozlem received a warm standing ovation and was presented with a commemorative plaque by Suat Sozen, Deputy General Manager of Türkiye IsBank.
The performance of "Swan Lake" at the festival is receiving praise from Russian ballet stars. This reimagined version of the classic ballet by Armagan Davran and Volkan Ersoy features sets designed by Cagda Citkaya, costumes by Nursun Unlu, and lighting by Oguz Murat Yilmaz.
Sagturk expressed gratitude to everyone involved in preparing the festival and noted that ticket sales were nearing capacity for the festival. The festival will continue with repeat performances of "Swan Lake" and will run until Aug. 25. The festival, which drew over 13,000 visitors last year, is expected to match or surpass that success.
In other news, expat tenants and landlords in Turkey should be aware of the rental increase guidelines for July 2025. Rent increases for ongoing leases are limited by the average Consumer Price Index (CPI) over the previous 12 months. Landlords cannot exceed this inflation-based limit when increasing rent at lease renewal unless otherwise specified in the rental contract.
These points provide a comprehensive overview for expat tenants and landlords to navigate rental increases in Turkey in July 2025, balancing legal limits with market realities and tenant protections.
The 21st International Bodrum Ballet Festival also featured a captivating performance of "Carmen." Tan Sagturk, the DOB General Director and Artistic Director, expressed excitement about the expanded program of the festival, promising a continued celebration of dance and culture in Bodrum.
- The 22nd International Bodrum Ballet Festival, currently underway in Turkey, has gained support from Türkiye Is Bank, making it even more significant as it attracts both international and local visitors.
- The performance of "Swan Lake" at the festival has received widespread acclaim, particularly from Russian ballet stars, who are thrilled with the reimagined production by Armagan Davran and Volkan Ersoy.
- The festival has paid tribute to two influential figures in Turkish ballet, Oguz Ozlem and Almula Ozlem, with Oguz Ozlem being honoured posthumously and Almula Ozlem being remembered.
- In an unrelated development, expat tenants and landlords in Turkey should be aware of the rental increase guidelines for July 2025. Landlords must adhere to the average Consumer Price Index (CPI) over the previous 12 months when increasing rent at lease renewal.
