About BKM

BKM at 30 Years

Today, known by the brand name BKM, Beşiktaş Cultural Center was born from the paths of Necati Akpınar — who had been working as a manager at the Levent Kırca and Yasemin Yalçın Theater since 1980 — and Yılmaz Erdoğan, who stepped onto the theater stage in 1987 as an amateur actor and writer at Nöbetçi Tiyatro.

Founded on November 11, 1994, with the transformation of the “Mıstık Cinema” in Beşiktaş into a theater hall, BKM has, over its 30-year journey, played a major role in shaping our country’s cultural, artistic, and entertainment memory for more than a quarter of a century. With every project it has brought to life, it has not only reached art enthusiasts but also left an indelible mark on the careers of countless talented cultural and artistic professionals, giving life to the dreams of a community of dreamers.

It All Started with Theater

Over 30 years, BKM Theater staged 9,902 performances, reaching nearly seven million viewers. The journey, which began with Otogargara, brought millions together with theater through iconic plays and sold-out shows, becoming a bold pioneer in the development of performing arts and the founding of private theaters.

BKM Mutfak, established under the theater’s roof, nurtured young talents by keeping the master-apprentice tradition alive, instilling in them a love for theater. It also won the hearts of millions by bringing the stage to television screens through legendary shows like Bir Demet Tiyatro.

Cinema Across Generations

In 2001, with its first feature film Vizontele, BKM shattered all box-office records in Turkey. In 2013, it demonstrated a visionary approach with The Butterfly’s Dream, which reached the Academy Awards.

Over 30 years, BKM brought 96 films to the big screen, reaching around 2 billion viewers, creating timeless stories whose lines have become ingrained in the memories of nearly three generations.

Enchanting with Concerts, Musicals, and Stage Shows

As BKM grew, it expanded its horizons. Over 30 years, it mesmerized 600,000 spectators with 337 musicals and stage shows. Through original productions and captivating performances, it opened new doors for multidisciplinary talents in the performing arts.

In addition to local productions, it also hosted international projects on its stages, breathing new life into the country’s entertainment industry. Under the umbrella of BKM Organization, it organized nearly 2,000 local concerts and over 70 international concerts, creating unforgettable moments for millions of music lovers.

A Festival Dedicated to the City: The Istanbul Comedy Festival

Born in 2016, the International Istanbul Comedy Festival became the first and only festival to bring laughter to the city, hosting stars and masters from every aspect of comedy and meeting audiences in unique venues across Istanbul.

Dedicated to Istanbul, the pride of our country, and embracing every shade of humor, the festival also supports young talents striving to shine through comedy. In just five years, with 629 events, the festival has hosted the best and newest names in comedy, making more than half a million people laugh. In a short time, it has become one of Turkey’s most beloved festivals, delivering the power of comedy to a wide audience.

Adding Rhythm to the City: Maximum Uniq

At the end of 2020, BKM, one of the most valuable players in the culture, art, and entertainment sector, embarked on a brand-new venture that holds great value for Istanbul. Located in Maslak, where the city meets nature, it became the new host of the Uniq entertainment complex.

Reopened under BKM’s management and organization, this special venue — through its collaboration with İş Bankası Maximum Card — now hosts countless national and international events under the name Maximum Uniq. With its expert team devoted to the arts and its versatile venues of varying capacities and functions, it also provides space for independent organizers, individuals, and institutions, securing its place as one of the city’s premier art destinations.

30 Years at the Heart of Culture, Art, and Entertainment

What started in Beşiktaş has, over the last 30 years, transcended boundaries, touching the lives of millions across every area of culture, art, and entertainment. From theater to cinema, from musicals to concerts, from festivals to discovering young talents, BKM continues to inspire across a wide spectrum.

With its passion and vision, BKM is ready to write new stories that will continue to inspire and influence generations for decades to come!