When was the last time your event venue was a centuries-old underground cistern, or your welcome dinner featured whirling dervishes against the backdrop of the Bosphorus? If you haven’t hosted an event in Turkey the answer is probably, never!
Sitting at the crossroads of East and West, Turkey might just be the event destination you haven’t considered – offering something increasingly rare in event planning – the chance to create genuinely unique experiences in spaces that tell stories spanning centuries.
From Istanbul’s bustling streets to Cappadocia’s otherworldly landscapes, we’ve been exploring what makes Turkey a game-changing destination for events. Think rooftop adventures above ancient bazaars, atmospheric venues that have witnessed centuries of history, and experiences your guests won’t find anywhere else in the world.
Fresh from our recent site visit, we’re sharing the venues, experiences, and practical insights that could make Turkey the perfect choice for your next event.
Let’s explore what makes this destination truly special…
Venues that tell stories
If you’re looking for venues that go beyond the ordinary, Turkey delivers in spectacular fashion. Let’s explore three that captured our imagination during our recent visit…
The Basilica Cistern, Istanbul: Let’s start underground – quite literally. The Basilica Cistern is one of Istanbul’s largest ancient cisterns, and you’ll immediately understand why this venue is special – it really is one of those spaces that will stop you in your tracks. Ancient columns rise from still waters, creating an atmosphere that’s impossible to replicate. What makes this venue particularly exciting for events is its versatility – the walkways that thread through the space have previously hosted fashion shows, while the surrounding walls and existing lighting create endless creative possibilities. It’s a space where history provides the backdrop, but modern events can truly shine.
Saruhan Caravanserai, Cappadocia: Trading modern Istanbul for ancient Cappadocia brings us to the Saruhan Caravanserai. This open-air venue offers a different kind of historical charm. The main courtyard provides a flexible event space, while additional areas, including an ancient church, offer various rooms for breakout spaces or smaller gatherings. As a former stop on the Silk Road, this venue brings its own stories to your event, creating an authentic connection to Turkey’s rich history.
Esma Sultan: For those seeking a more modern touch, the Esma Sultan overlooking the Bosphorus offers a perfect blend of old and new. What sets this venue apart is the arrival experience – guests can access the venue by boat, creating an unforgettable entrance with Istanbul’s stunning skyline as their backdrop – an entrance that’s sure to set the tone for an exceptional event.
Beyond the venues: creating breathtaking moments
But Turkey offers more than just stunning venues. It’s the experiences you can create here that really make events special. During our recent visit, we discovered that some of the most impactful experiences weren’t necessarily the ones we expected.
Take the Grand Bazaar, for instance. Not only is it one of the world’s oldest markets, but you can take your guests on a rooftop walk above it. It’s these unexpected perspectives that create real ‘wow’ moments for event attendees. Not to mention the variety of standout experiences available on offer – from water marbling and whirling dervish welcomes to belly dancing lessons and hot air balloon rides – the opportunities to enrich your event programme are endless.
Food became a highlight of our trip too. Forget standard catering options – here you can take your guests on culinary journeys through Istanbul’s streets, tasting traditional baklava and kebabs from family-run establishments that have perfected their recipes over generations. More than just sustenance – these food tours serve (excuse the pun!) as a fantastic way to create natural networking opportunities as guests share sumptuous platters and stories.
Making it work: The practical side of events in Turkey
Location & Accessibility: Istanbul definitely lives up to its reputation as ‘the gateway to the world’ with excellent international connections, particularly with eastern destinations. For those venturing to Cappadocia, it’s just an hour’s flight from Istanbul with two airports to choose from – Kayseri Erkilet Airport (ASR) and Nevsehir Kapadokya Airport (NAV). While most European travellers won’t need visas, it’s worth noting that the airport experience has its quirks – you’ll encounter two rounds of security, one before and one after passport control. Different, but all part of the experience!
Getting Around: Istanbul’s infamous traffic deserves a mention – the city can get seriously gridlocked! The city teems with life, which makes for an exciting atmosphere but requires careful planning when moving groups from place to place. Consider this when planning timings and routes between venues. Top tip: Walking often proves faster and more reliable for getting around the city centre. That said, the city offers plenty of transportation options, from metros, boats, buses, and taxis making it possible to create interesting transport experiences for your guests when needed.
Cost Considerations: An unexpected pleasant surprise is that Turkey currently offers good value for money compared to other major event destinations. From fine dining venues to luxury accommodations, we found pricing generally reasonable, making it possible to create impressive experiences without breaking the budget.
Cultural considerations: What event planners need to know
The religious aspects of daily life add another fascinating layer to events in Turkey. You’ll hear the call to prayer five times a day echoing across the city, and certain venues, like the stunning Hagia Sophia, require appropriate dress (e.g. visitors will need to cover their hair). Far from seeing these things as limitations or restrictions, we found these cultural touches add depth and authenticity to the event experience.
We won’t pretend that organising events in Turkey doesn’t come with its challenges, but that’s true of any destination that offers something genuinely different. The key is working with people who understand both the opportunities and the potential pitfalls. While some elements might require more careful planning – like navigation through busy city areas or timing around prayer calls – these same factors often become the elements that make your event uniquely memorable.
Why Turkey should be on event planners’ radars
Turkey sits at a fascinating crossroads between tradition and modernity, East and West. While venues like the Basilica Cistern and experiences like rooftop walks above the Grand Bazaar might initially draw you in, it’s the combination of rich culture, warm hospitality, and practical feasibility that makes Turkey a truly compelling choice for events.
It’s a place that really does offer the rare opportunity to create events that feel both exotic and accessible. The key is understanding how to navigate its unique characteristics – from cultural considerations to practical logistics – to deliver experiences that have a lasting impact.
Ready to explore how Turkey could work for your next event? Let’s start a conversation about bringing your vision to life in this fascinating destination.
Let’s create your next unforgettable event
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