Ahmed Adnan Saygun Cultural Center, Izmir

The Ahmed Adnan Saygun Cultural Center (AASSM) is a prominent cultural and art venue. It was established by the Izmir Metropolitan Municipality and named in honor of Ahmed Adnan Saygun, a highly esteemed composer in Turkish music history. Saygun was renowned for composing the first Turkish opera and receiving the prestigious title of state artist.

The cultural center was inaugurated on December 27, 2008, following the transformation of an old trolleybus garage and maintenance workshop into a state-of-the-art facility spanning approximately 30,000 square meters. AASSM is considered one of the finest art centers in Turkey, both in terms of technical infrastructure and acoustics. The acoustic project for the center was carried out by ARUP Company, renowned for designing iconic venues such as the Royal London Opera House and the Sydney Opera House.

Since its opening, AASSM has played a vital role in the cultural landscape of Izmir. It serves as a platform for various artistic and cultural events, hosting weekly concerts by the Izmir State Symphony Orchestra, performances by the Izmir State Opera and Ballet, the IKSEV Izmir European Jazz Festival, Festival Izmir, the Izmir International Festival, and many more. In addition to hosting performances, the center also organizes concerts and exhibitions within its premises.

The Ahmed Adnan Saygun Cultural Center features a total area of 29,500 square meters. It comprises a large hall capable of accommodating 1,130 people, a smaller hall with a capacity of 244 people, and five exhibition halls. The versatility of the venue allows for the hosting of open-space events as well.