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Istanbul’s Winged Guests: Migratory Birds
21 May 2026
Istanbul Lütfi Kırdar International Convention and Exhibition Center Publishes Its Sustainability Report
3 June 2026

21 May 2026

With its unique geography connecting Asia and Europe, Istanbul is not only a crossroads of cultures but also of a rich marine ecosystem. One of the most endearing and vital indicators of this unique ecosystem is the dolphins dancing in the cool waters of the Bosphorus.

Utilizing the biological corridor between the Black Sea and the Sea of Marmara, dolphins are an inseparable part of Istanbul’s natural heritage. Challenging the fierce currents of the Bosphorus, these creatures constantly remind us of how intertwined the city is with nature.

Which Species Do We See in the Bosphorus?

Three main species of marine mammals are observed in Istanbul’s waters:

  • Bottlenose Dolphin (Afalina): The most frequently encountered species in the Bosphorus, known for their playful nature and tendency to approach the shores.
    The dolphins we often see racing alongside ferries are typically Bottlenose Dolphins.
  • Short-beaked Common Dolphin (Tırtak): They mostly roam in open waters and travel in pods. Distinguished by the yellowish hourglass pattern on their sides, their passage through the Bosphorus often turns into a visual feast.
  • Harbour Porpoise (Mutur): Shorter in length and known for their shy disposition, Harbour Porpoises are generally spotted at the Black Sea entrance and in shallower waters.

Why Are They Important?

Dolphins are among the “apex predators” of the marine ecosystem. The regular presence of dolphins in an area is the clearest natural proof that the marine water quality and fish population are above a certain level (i.e., healthy). In short, dolphins are the living indicators of the Bosphorus’s well-being.

Our Responsibility for a Sustainable Future Factors such as marine traffic, pollution, and climate change are narrowing the habitats of these unique creatures. As a venue in the heart of Istanbul hosting thousands of guests each year, we are highly aware that every sustainability step we take not only reduces our carbon footprint but also protects the habitats of the true owners of this city, like the dolphins of the Bosphorus.

When designing sustainable events in harmony with nature, we draw our inspiration directly from this miraculous geography we inhabit.

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Asım Kocabıyık Anadolu Oditoryumu

Located at the center of the main building, the Asım Kocabıyık Anadolu Auditorium features 12 separate entrance doors across three different floors. The hall has a seating capacity of 1,900 people, including two balconies and lower and upper parterres.

It is designed with a structure tailored to specific needs, featuring backstage areas, dressing rooms, and emergency exits.

Asım Kocabıyık Anadolu Auditorium is a premier choice for all kinds of stage performances in Turkey, equipped with advanced technological features such as simultaneous translation booths for 32 languages, an orchestra pit, black curtains, and Dolby Digital Surround systems, as well as sophisticated lighting. Furthermore, it holds a special place among international congress centers due to its advanced stage and hall acoustics techniques.

The stage and auditorium system, which can host events ranging from concerts to film premieres and musicals to recitals—even bringing together world leaders—is used for a wide and diverse range of activities.

While it is an ideal venue for large-scale training sessions, meetings, and workshops, it can also be transitioned into a classroom layout with specially designed tables upon request.

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Marmara

Located on the 2nd floor of the main building, Marmara Salonu offers a panoramic view of the Bosphorus and the Congress Valley. With its full technical equipment (lighting, sound systems, simultaneous translation devices), it is preferred as a standalone conference area, for themed meetings, weddings, and gala dinners.

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Dolmabahçe A, B, C

Dolmabahçe Salonu can be used as a single whole hall or divided into three sections (A, B, C) using soundproof walls (up to 39 decibels) based on requirements. The hall, which receives natural daylight and overlooks the Bosphorus, is preferred as part of a larger event held in the building or for medium-sized meetings, dinners, and receptions.

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Topkapı A, B

Topkapı Salonu is constructed in a way that it can easily be divided into two separate halls, Topkapı A and Topkapı B, using partition walls (up to 39 decibels soundproof) if needed. Consequently, the venue can be used for two different events simultaneously. Besides being an ideal space for many types of events, Topkapı Salonu is also fully equipped technically (lighting, sound systems, simultaneous translation equipment, etc.).

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Levent Salonları 1, 2, 3, 4

Situated on the top floor of the building, Levent Salonları are ideal spaces designed for small meeting groups, such as company board meetings and training sessions, featuring minimalist design and natural daylight

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Barbaros 1, 2, 3

These are halls with minimalist decor that provide ideal usage areas for small working groups, talks, and training meetings. The seating arrangement of these halls is in a block table format.

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Fatih 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6

There are 6 Fatih rooms, which are used as VIP rooms (connectable to each other) that receive natural daylight, are connected to the Asım Kocabıyık Anadolu Oditoryumu, and include bathroom and shower facilities.

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Rumeli Upper Level

Rumeli Upper Level is a unique event venue for large-scale meetings, summits, weddings, galas, fairs, and exhibitions, providing a high-ceilinged interior, a column-free structure, easy access, and natural lighting. The hall has all the technical equipment required for various events. Rumeli Upper Level can be divided into four column-free sections (A, B, C, D) in a ballroom layout and can host massive banquets with its total area of 4,000 m².

It is an independent event space with an ideal backstage area, dressing rooms, translation rooms, and small meeting rooms.

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Rumeli Lower Floor

Rumeli Lower Floor can be used together with the upper floor or as a standalone area for meetings, banquets, exhibitions, or fairs.

It is a unique space where you can create your own halls with movable partitions, featuring separate entrances for guests and organizers, and where the columns within the hall act as natural separators.

Rumeli Lower Floor offers advantages such as having its own separate entrance for guests and organizers, the ability to be divided into up to 11 rooms, and the function of the columns as natural dividers for exhibition areas.

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Hisar

Hisar Salonu has a usage area of 260 m². Featuring natural daylight and disabled access, Hisar Salonu serves as an alternative venue for all your events, offering a view of the Rumeli Salonu thanks to its automatic shutters. Private meetings, trainings, and product launches are held in this hall, which has a separate entrance and a garden view.

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Galata

Galata Salonu, which can be used in various seating arrangements, is an ideal venue for press conferences, presentations, and trainings.