This Thursday, March 8 is International Women's Day, a day devoted to commemorating the movement for women's rights, which is celebrated worldwide. While there will be a vast number of events held nationwide in Turkey, the following is a curated list of events of interest to expats takin place in Istanbul to celebrate this very special day.

Art & Dine Sculpture Workshop at Swissotel

Swissotel the Bosphorus have organized a very special sculpture workshop and buffet dinner for the occasion of Women's Day. During the event, participants will have the opportunity to create their own clay sculpture and enjoy an open buffet of Mediterranean and Turkish food at Café Swiss. The event takes place between 7 p.m. and 10 p.m. and costs TL 195 ($51) per person and it is recommended you reserve a spot.

Also of note, this month, the Swissotel Chalet, which just happens to be a century-old cabin located within nature smack dab in the middle of the city, will also be hosting a Traditional Swedish Flavors Workshop on Monday, March 12 from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. The cost to attend is TL 190 per person and reservations are required.

World Women's Day: Song Recital by Maria Gessler

On Thursday, March 8, Swiss soprano singer Maria Gessler will be performing with David Serebryanik on the piano for an evening of songs reflecting the image of women over the past 200 years. This event is being held by the Consulate General of Switzerland at the Austrian Culture Forum in Yeniköy on Thursday, March 8 from 7:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. Entrance is free; however, guests are begin asked to register for the recital prior, which you can do from the Facebook event page.

Circolo Roma Holiday Lunch

The Italian cultural center Circolo Roma, will be hosting a special lunch of Italian specialties in honor of Women's Day on Thursday, Mar. 8. Send an email to Circolo Roma to attend.

Letz! organizes Ladies Meet & Chat

Letz! The activity-based socializing platform has organized an event for Women's Day that will be held at Finn Karaköy from 8 p.m. to 11:30 p.m. on Thursday, March 8. This will be an opportunity to socialize with other ladies living in Istanbul through mingling activities, a gourmet meal of international fusion food and great music. There is a choice of menus priced at TL 80 and TL 120 and participation is limited so you must reserve a spot prior to arrival.

IWI Walkathon for Women's Day

The International Women of Istanbul, IWI in short, is a wonderful women's membership organization that regularly holds events such as coffee mornings, cooking classes, walking tours and historical lectures as well as holiday celebrations. They will also be holding a walkathon for Women's Day that will take place simultaneously in different areas of the city starting at 10 a.m. The walks will be between 1 km and 5 km and participants are welcomed to be joined by their husbands or dogs. There is a TL 10 donation suggested, the proceeds of which will go to the Fransız Fakirhanesi Bomonti elderly residence

Kolektif Istanbul at KadıköySahne

Formed by a French expat and saxophonist over a decade ago, Kolektif Istanbul, in which he is joined by his wife on vocals as well as skilled musicians on instruments such as the accordion and sousaphone. Their performances and musical style, self-described as progressive Balkan wedding music, have taken Turkey by storm making them one of the most popular bands to watch perform live. For a fun and funky celebration of Women's Day, check them out on Thursday, March 8 at KadıköySahne for a show starting at 10 p.m. with tickets costing TL 39.50 and available on Biletix.

ARTISTANBUL: Three Women's Stories

Held at the Union Française in Cihangir, "ARTISTANBUL- 3 Women's Stories" is a collaborative exhibition by three French expats; photographer Noémie Deveaux, illustrator/storyteller Caroline Gaujour and art curator Daffa Konate who will be depicting their experiences of becoming artists and residing in Istanbul. The exhibition will run from Friday, March 9 through Sunday, March 18. The opening begins at 7 p.m. on March 9.

English Standup Comedy Night

While this event may not be directly related to Women's Day, laughter is always welcome in life, so check out Istanbul's up-and-coming English language stand-up scene with comedians from all over the world, who will be performing at BKM Mutfak Çarşı on Friday, Mar. 9 starting at 10 p.m. Tickets are available on Biletix.

Inter Nations March event for expats

Inter Nations, the world's largest member-based professional expat networking organization with branches all over the world, is an excellent outlet for connecting with other local foreigners. While their "March Event for Expats" is not Women's Day centered, it does take place on Thursday, March 8 and will be held at the Shangri-La Bosphorus starting at 6 p.m.