History
Borusan Sanat, the driving force behind the Borusan Istanbul Philharmonic Orchestra, was founded by Borusan Holding, one of the leading industrial conglomerates of Türkiye and a keen supporter of the arts since its foundation, which has always endeavored to contribute to Türkiye’s modernization process. Assuming that each value created by a person or institution translates into a contribution to the nation’s economic and social growth, the Holding laid the foundation for an arts institution for the advancement and sustainability of its appreciation of art. Thus came Borusan Sanat into existence in 1997.
With its headquarters located on the Istiklal Avenue, an architecturally charming edifice nestled in the heart of Istanbul’s prime culture and arts district Beyoğlu, Borusan Sanat operates as an affiliate of the Borusan Kocabıyık, Foundation established by Borusan Holding’s founder and honorary president Asım Kocabıyık in 1992, which focuses mostly on educational activities like building primary schools, supporting higher education institutions by way of adding to their facilities and renovating their current premises.
At the heart of the institution’s activities is the Borusan Istanbul Philharmonic Orchestra (BIPO), which gives concerts each season at the Lütfi Kırdar Asım Kocabıyık Anadolu Auditorium, named in honour of Asım Kocabıyık, founder and honorary president of the Borusan Group. Extending this musical journey beyond the concert hall, the institution continues to bring listeners together with classical music throughout the day, every day, through Borusan Klasik, its online classical music radio station, while also broadcasting its concerts live on concert days.
The Borusan Quartet, one of Türkiye’s leading string quartets, was founded in 2005 under the leadership of Maestro Gürer Aykal. Renowned for its national and international concert appearances, recordings and awards, as well as its commitment to championing the works of contemporary Turkish composers, the quartet enjoyed many years of distinguished achievement in the field of chamber music before its artistic journey came to an end in 2026.
A performance venue and a new home Borusan Sanat opened the Borusan Music House in 2010 and hosted classical, jazz, world and new music concerts, as well as dance performances and contemporary art exhibitions, until 2025, reaching a wider audience. Since 2025, the venue hosts collaborative projects developed with institutions in Türkiye and around the world.
As part of its longstanding commitment to music, Borusan Sanat maintained a music library at its former headquarters for many years, providing young students with access to a specialised collection of musical resources. The entire library collection was subsequently donated to Istanbul Technical University’s Centre for Advanced Studies in Music (MIAM), enabling it to reach a wider audience.
Music Scholarship Committed not only to organizing art events but education as well, Borusan Sanat, since 2005, provides an annual music scholarship abroad for aspiring young musicians. Funds for this unique endowment raised through the innovative “Special Concert” series, in which a leading figure from the art and business world conducts BIPO in an annual concert. The proceeds of the concert are transferred to the Borusan Music Scholarship fund.
Ertuğ & Kocabıyık Publications, one of the successful collaborative ventures between architect-photographer Ahmet Ertuğ and Ahmet Kocabıyık, chairperson of the Borusan Group, brought together the heritage of the Ottoman, Byzantine, Roman and Hellenistic periods through scholarly texts and exceptional photography in publications of lasting cultural and collectible value. After many years of activity, the publication process has now come to an end.
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