Akbank Caz Festivali 2025 in Istanbul
For over two weeks in fall, Turkish and international jazz will ring throughout Istanbul
Dates: late September–early October, 2025
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.
Festival Jazz Lineup
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.
Music Selection
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.
Venues & Locations
The festival is held all over Istanbul at various concert halls, theaters, and community centers. Some of the venues include Akbank Sanat Kütüphane Art Center, Zorlu Performing Arts Center, Cemal Reşit Rey Concert Hall, Aya Irini Museum, Babylon, and many other locations. The performances are usually held in the evening, at around 7-9 pm, but some masterclasses and workshops, as well as concerts, are held earlier in the day.
