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When it comes to jazz in Turkey, the first event that comes to mind is undoubtedly the İstanbul Jazz Festival. Organized for years by İKSV (İstanbul Foundation for Culture and Arts), this unique festival brings together world-renowned jazz artists while offering its guests an unforgettable musical feast.

The İstanbul Jazz Festival embraces not only well-established jazz masters but also young talents seeking to develop themselves in this field. Let’s take a closer look at the details of the festival, which gathers thousands of jazz enthusiasts every year.

History of the İstanbul Jazz Festival

Although the İstanbul Jazz Festival officially and regularly began in 1994, various jazz concerts had already taken place across İstanbul during the 1980s. After 1986, jazz music steadily made its mark on international festivals, and by 1994, İKSV took the reins, pioneering the reach of jazz music to much wider audiences.

Every year, the İstanbul Jazz Festival presents an impressive selection spanning a wide spectrum, from brand-new jazz pieces to timeless classics, and from Latin America to Northern Europe. Furthermore, the festival features not only pure jazz music but also creative works combining jazz with electronic music, alongside diverse genres such as rock, pop, blues, reggae, funk, and world music.

One of the most remarkable sections of the festival is the concerts held within the framework of the Genç Caz+ (Young Jazz+) program. Thanks to these events, amateur jazz artists have been given the golden opportunity to perform at an international festival since 2003.

A Feast of Art: June 30 İstanbul Jazz Festival

Celebrating its 33rd edition this year, the İstanbul Jazz Festival is preparing to meet art lovers between June 30 and July 13. Hosting nearly 30 concerts, the festival will not be confined to a single venue; the breeze of jazz will surround every corner of the city. For the first three days, the Harbiye Cemil Topuzlu Open-Air Theatre will feature three powerhouse names back-to-back: Marcus Miller, Thee Sacred Souls, and Robert Plant.

On the evening of Tuesday, June 30, the living legend of the bass guitar, Marcus Miller, will open the festival with his epic "WE WANT MILES!" project to commemorate his master, Miles Davis, on the 100th anniversary of his birth. On this magnificent night, Miller will not be alone on stage; names that have shaped jazz history, such as Bill Evans and Mike Stern, will accompany him, offering İstanbulites and all art lovers an unforgettable musical feast. Under Harbiye's unique starlit atmosphere, thousands of jazz enthusiasts will celebrate the arrival of summer with the matchless notes of jazz masters.

The unique experiences awaiting jazz enthusiasts will continue with full enthusiasm after this magical first day. The very next day, Thee Sacred Souls, performing in our country for the first time with their romantic and warm melodies, will meet the audience at Harbiye. On the evening of Thursday, July 2, Robert Plant—one of the world's finest vocals and the legendary former frontman of Led Zeppelin—will give his fans an unforgettable night.

Festival Enthusiasm Spreading Across the City

The İstanbul Jazz Festival is not limited to a single stage; it spreads the joy of music across the entire city! Throughout the festival, Grammy award-winning Arooj Aftab will create a mesmerizing atmosphere at the Atatürk Cultural Center (AKM), while legendary saxophonist Joe Lovano will meet listeners within the historical fabric of the Garden of the Italian Consulate General.

Within this wide spectrum pushing the boundaries of jazz, you can lose yourself in Brazilian melodies with Mari Froes at Esma Sultan Mansion, reach the peak of rhythm with Ayhan Sicimoğlu in the garden of Hilton İstanbul Bosphorus, or enjoy music in the middle of the Bosphorus aboard the Jazz Boat—one of the festival's most beloved classics.

The Spirit of Jazz on the Streets of the City!

One of the best aspects of the festival is that it takes music out of traditional concert halls, bringing it directly into nature and onto the streets. The traditional "Jazz in the Parks" events gather music lovers of all ages with free concerts in the green spaces of Ataşehir and Kadıköy. Moreover, this year, energetic bands like the Portuguese Kumpania Algazarra will bring a unique color to the parks.

Capturing the pulse of Kadıköy, the "Night Out with +1" awaits those who want to discover alternative sounds at popular venues like Moda Sahnesi and Komünite. The festival does not forget young art lovers either: with free children's workshops organized at İKSV Alt Kat, the free and creative spirit of jazz is gracefully passed on to future generations.

While joining this unique, city-wide excitement of the İstanbul Jazz Festival, Elite World Hotels & Resorts accommodation options await to offer you a pleasant and flawless stay. In particular, Elite World İstanbul Taksim and Elite World Comfy İstanbul Taksim, located right in Taksim, stand out as highly attractive options due to their exceptional proximity to main festival venues like the Harbiye Cemil Topuzlu Open-Air Theatre and the Atatürk Cultural Center.

Hotels situated across different premium corners of İstanbul—from Küçükyalı to Florya, and from Basın Ekspres to Polonezköy—stand by your side with their privileged service quality as you explore the city and the breeze of jazz. Book your place now to enjoy music and İstanbul to the absolute fullest!