Zamna and Mahmut Orhan set to bring more than 30 artists together in Istanbul on June 6-7

Mahmut Orhan’s Homecoming project is set to reach a new scale in 2026. This time, the Turkish artist is joining forces with Zamna Festival, the globally renowned event brand known for its immersive experiences across multiple destinations, for a two-day festival experience taking place at Istanbul’s Life Park on June 6 and 7.

Ahead of ZAMNA x MO Homecoming 2026, which will feature more than 30 artists across three stages, we sat down with Mahmut Orhan to talk about what Homecoming represents for him today, the vision behind this special partnership, and the significance of the project for Istanbul.

Your Homecoming series has evolved into a multi-city, multi-format project, which is now culminating in a two-day Zamna collaboration in Istanbul. When Homecoming becomes a festival with Zamna, what differences emerge in how you design the overall experience compared to a one-off show?

First of all, Homecoming means so much to me because it feels like coming back to the origin of everything. Coming to Türkiye together with Zamna makes it even more meaningful. It’s not just a show anymore, it becomes a shared journey. I get to bring what has become part of my life and routine around the world back to my homeland, and share it with my people in a deeper and more immersive way.

Your 2025 Homecoming shows featured a range of special guests and different thematic approaches (Garden, etc.). When programming the 30+ artists for ZAMNA x MO Homecoming 2026, what curatorial through-line did you insist on; musically and culturally?

The main focus is always to introduce new sounds and remind people that there’s no right or wrong in music when it comes from passion and joy. For this edition, I chose artists I truly admire not only for their music, but also for who they are as a person. I believe that kind of honesty and respect translates into a more genuine experience for everyone and reflects through music.

For many Turkish fans Homecoming reads as both a personal return and a larger cultural statement. In what ways does this 2026 Homecoming reflect your own artistic identity now, and how do you hope it will reframe how international curators see Istanbul?

I will always carry my roots with pride. Being part of a movement that helps place Türkiye on the international stage, whether I’m here or somewhere else, is something I’m truly grateful for.

I hope this Homecoming shows another side of Istanbul. Its energy, its creativity, and its potential as a destination for music just like it is for culture.

⁠In a few words, what does Homecoming represent to you?

A way to stay connected.

Aside from ZAMNA x MO Homecoming, what other projects can fans expect from Mahmut Orhan this year?

There are many things in the works at the moment. New music, collaborations, and special projects. I’m excited to share them step by step when the time feels right.

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Secure your tickets for Zamna x Mahmut Orhan Homecoming here.