The 33rd Istanbul Jazz Festival, one of Türkiye's longest-running international music festivals, is bringing nearly 200 artists from around the world to stages across Istanbul through July 13.
Organised by the Istanbul Foundation for Culture and Arts (IKSV), the 14-day festival features around 30 concerts alongside a series of special events celebrating jazz and its influence across genres.
At Tuesday's opening ceremony, Turkish jazz vocalist Senem Diyici received the festival's Lifetime Achievement Award.
Harun Izer, the festival director, told Anadolu that its longevity has made it an important event for musicians and audiences alike.
"Reaching our 33rd edition is a wonderful feeling. The continuity of festivals like this is a great benefit for everyone involved—from artists and organisers to audiences," he said.
Among this year's headline acts are Grammy-winning bassist Marcus Miller, who opened the festival, legendary Led Zeppelin frontman Robert Plant, US soul band Thee Sacred Souls, and Pakistani-American singer-songwriter Arooj Aftab, known for blending Sufi musical traditions with jazz.
Beyond concerts, the festival includes signature events such as Jazz in the Parks, offering free outdoor performances, the Jazz Ferry, where musicians perform aboard a ferry cruising the Istanbul Strait, and Night Out, a multi-venue concert series in Istanbul's Kadikoy district.
A new event, Jazz Flavours, will pair live performances with specially curated menus inspired by jazz artists' favourite dishes.
Izer said the festival showcases artists from North and South America, Europe and Asia, reflecting its broad international outlook.
Nearly 200 artists will perform at venues ranging from parks and historic sites to open-air theatres across Istanbul during the festival.
