Since 1991, Istanbul has played host to Akbank Caz Festivali, the prime jazz festival in Turkey, a member of the European Jazz Network, and a proud owner of the Golden Compass Awards. The event spans for more than two weeks from late September until early October. It always features star-studded lineups, covering contemporary Turkish and international jazz scenes, with classic and modern artists, established and upcoming ones.
Some of the last editions were headlined by such remarkable artists as Cecil Taylor, Roberto Fonseca, Miroslav Vitous, Anouar Brahem Trio, Aydın Esen, Dave Holland, Cassandra Wilson, Joe Zawinul, McCoy Tyner, Egberto Gismonti Trio, Pharoah Sanders, Roscoe Mitchell, Richard Bona, Nguyen Le, Dino Saluzzi, Ayşe Tütüncü, Trio 3, Aki Takase, Don Cherry, Art Ensemble of Chicago, Biréli Lagrène, Steve Turre, Avishai Cohen "Seven Seas," Maffy Falay Sextet, Paul Motian, Azam Ali & Niyaz, Vijay Iyer Trio, Christian McBride Trio, ZAZ, Kenny Barron & Dave Holland, China Moses, Chet Faker, and Nicholas Payton. The concerts at Akbank Caz Festivali run throughout multiple venues, including Akbank Sanat, Babylon, Cemal Reşit Rey Concert Hall, Aya Irini Museum, and Zorlu Center PSM.
Every new edition comes about with some distinct changes. So eventually, Akbank Caz Festivali has expanded to showcase other-than-jazz genres, like electronic or world music. Also, with the launch of the Jazz on Campus concert series in 2006, the festival has reached more cities, namely Ankara, Gaziantep, Eskişehir, İzmir, Trabzon, Eskişehir, Adana, Kayseri, Erzurum, Kars, and other. Beyond quality music, the program has incorporated panels, film screening sessions, workshops, and social responsibility projects.
You can find more information about the festival on the Akbank Sanat's official website or Facebook. Find the links in the External Resources below. Lastly, if you wish to book a stay in Istanbul or elsewhere across Turkey, you will find the accommodations map helpful.
