Istanbul's cultural hub, Beyoğlu, is hosting its inaugural jazz festival: the Beyoğlu Jazz Festival. The festival, brought to life through the collaboration of numerous concert venues, art collectives, record shops, art galleries, and public institutions in Beyoğlu, blends with the district's unique rhythm, reflecting its cultural heritage and rich diversity.

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The festival, running from November 15 to 17, will feature an eclectic concert program. On the lineup are French composer and director Chassol, rising Parisian jazz project Bada Bada, South African percussionist Asher Gamedze, the London-based jazz group Luminoso, legendary Turkish jazz figure Okay Temiz, and many more, including Şenova Ülker, Cihan Kahvecioğlu, Hububat feat. Joel Grip, Kamucan Yalçın & Friends, and Mert Pekduraner. These artists will perform at various venues across Beyoğlu.

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In addition to ticketed concerts at Blind, Bova, Frankhan, Nardis, Büyükdere35, Ada Sanat, and Kumbaracı50, the festival will host a variety of free events, including record shop events, dance performances, workshops, panels, and pop-up stages at different locations from Galata to Hayyam, Çukurcuma to Taksim. Aiming to be a participatory, accessible, and sustainable festival for the neighborhood, Beyoğlu Jazz is also hosting the 'Beyoğlu Jazz Archive' exhibition at Taksim Sanat, in collaboration with İBB Kültür AŞ.

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Through themes such as 'Urban Music and Beyoğlu as a Space for Encounters,' 'Alaturka and Alafranga in Jazz,' and 'Rooting Music, Breaking the Mold: Gender Equality in the Music Industry,' the festival will explore the relationship between the district and jazz on a conceptual level. Additionally, the program will offer historical insights into Beyoğlu’s cultural richness with talks like 'Beyoğlu and Nostalgia' and 'Hrant Lusikyan.' This thought-provoking program will be available to participants over the course of three days.

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On the final day, the closing events at Frankhan will feature second-hand book and record stalls, DJ sets, music discussions, and impromptu jam sessions, where musicians from various disciplines will come together for creative encounters. This will be the final stop of the festival.

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The Beyoğlu Jazz Festival will take place on November 15-16-17 in the heart of Istanbul, Beyoğlu!