CULTURE AND ART
 

Bursa is a city which has trained artists in many branches of arts from music to theatre, and from drawing to modern literature. Many celebrities such as Ahmet Vefik Paşa, who established the second theatre of Turkey; Cemal Nadir Güler, who is one of the first cartoonists; artist Şefik Bursalı, artist Balaban, masters of Turkish art music Zeki Müren and Müzeyyen Senar; pop music composer and singer İlhan İrem, writers of modern literature Pınar Kür and Nezihe Meriç are from Bursa.

The first theatre of Bursa was established by Ahmet Vefik Paşa in 1879 as the first modern theatre of that period after İstanbul. Theatre houses such as Millet, Şark, Şafak, and Saray opened their doors to the public with the support of the government and importance given to theatres in the Republic era. However, later these buildings either burned down or collapsed. The present  theatre called Ahmet Vefik Paşa is the biggest theatre of the city. It has one big theatre hall, two chamber theatres, and a provisional stage. AVP State Theatre performs its plays between October 1 and May 31. The theatre building of Tayyare was opened for movie and theatre shows in 1932. It was restored in 1995, with no change in its architecture. Tayyare Culture Centre has become a place that lovers of arts and artists highly appreciate. It has one show hall and two exhibition halls.

Bursa conservatory, affiliated to Bursa Municipality, gives instruction under the direction of the conductor Erdinç Çelikkol.

Besides, there are other culture centers as well, such as the theatre group of Osmangazi Municipality, Ekim Theatre, Bakış show group, Karagöz Public Theatre, and Evrensel Culture Centre. These groups rather employ amateur artists.

Art and culture activities in Bursa increase in June and July, when International Bursa Culture and Art Festival is held. This festival is organized by Bursa Culture Art and Tourism Foundation affiliated to Bursa Municipality. Every year a great number of local and foreign artists, theatre groups, and orchestras equally attend this festival.