This past Thursday was a big day for Babylon and for those of us who missed the venue this summer. But the wait was well worth it – Babylon not only kicked off their new season in Istanbul, they also welcomed us to their new home at the Bomonti Bira Fabrikası (Bomonti Beer Factory). To celebrate the opening of Babylon Bomonti, they brought Flight Facilities all the way from Sydney to take the stage for the very first time in Turkey. It was quite a night, to say the least.
Even though there was a buzz about the new venue and the excitement of Babylon’s fall opening, nothing could surpass the crowd’s anticipation of seeing Flight Facilities, a popular electronic music duo, live in concert. I know that I would have definitely regretted missing their first performance in Istanbul. It’s no surprise that their song ”Crave You” immediately ignited the audience; clearly everyone was dying to hear this particular piece. But for me, their cover of Modjo’s ”Lady (Hear Me Tonight)” was the highlight of the evening. When the duo said goodbye and left the stage, nobody was ready for the show to end. After only a few minutes of the crowd cheering and clapping, Flight Facilities came back on stage. They said that they weren’t prepared, because they usually don’t come back out for another song – so the good vibes were going in both directions!
Many of us were wondering what the new venue in Bomonti would look like. Our expectations were especially high since Babylon has a beautiful venue in Asmalımescit that has served the city well for many years. Well, it surpassed my own expectations, and almost everyone I came across was talking about how much they liked the new place. Throughout the night I hear people enthusiastically ask, “So who’s coming here next week?” Having read a few things about the Bomonti Beer Factory and its history, I found myself amazed at the fact that I was holding my beer and dancing to Flight Facilities’ sensational hit ”Crave You” with friends in the same place where the first beer of the Ottoman Empire was produced in the 1800s. I am always fascinated by how an old building’s story can bring a soul to a place.
But the building’s history is not the only draw: it also has state-of-the-art equipment. The venue’s sound and light systems were perfect for the techno and house beats of Flight Facilities. What’s more, I loved the open-air space Babylon Bomonti offers; there’s a wider entrance with some seats to chill, run into friends, enjoy your drink or get a breath of fresh air before the party begins. This was especially nice on Thursday because the venue was packed for both the opening of Babylon Bomonti and Flight Facilities’ performance.
All I have to say is, welcome Babylon Bomonti. I’ll be sure to stick around for more!
Babylon Bomonti will bring Seekae for the first time in Turkey on Saturday 19 September.
