Jazz notes

By John Scott | August 31, 2019


With so much amazing talent around, such as the show-stealing Elif Çağlar, it is hardly surprising that Turkey takes its jazz seriously. There are two major festivals in Istanbul alone: the Istanbul Jazz Festival in July and the autumn Akbank Jazz Festival. And there is plenty on offer elsewhere in the country, from a glorious three-day festival in July on the  Aegean island of Bozcaada to festivals in Ankara, Izmir, Bodrum and Afyonkarahisar, to name but a handful.

For those in the know, Istanbul has excellent jazz hideaways. Cornucopia invited jazz aficionado Ahmet Ramazanoğulları to recommend his favourite bars and clubs.

Nardis Jazz Club

The veteran club just up the hill from the Galata Tower.



Social Jazz Bar


The Badau


Divine Brasserie & Jazz Club



Bova Sahne



Salon İKSV



Babylon



Touché (Zorlu PSM)

  • Zorlu Center, Levazım Mah. Koru Sok. No:2/PSM/70 Zincirlikuyu, Beşiktaş, İstanbul
  • +90 212 924 0128
  • www.zorlupsm.com/tr
  • www.instagram.com/touche_psm

Living Room

  • Caferağa Mahallesi, Arayıcıbaşı Sokak, No: 9, 34710, Kadıköy, İstanbul
  • +90 216 405 24 04
  • www.livingroom.com.tr
  • www.facebook.com/LivingRoomLR
  • www.instagram.com/livingroomist

Jazz Company

  • Elite World İstanbul Hotel, Şehit Muhtar Mahallesi, Şehit Muhtar Caddesi, No: 42, 34437, Beyoğlu, İstanbul
  • +90 212 313 8383
  • www.facebook.com/JazzCompany/
  • www.instagram.com/jazzcompanyelite

The new Arter contemporary art museum in Dolapdere has announced a programme of jazz concertains, and jazz groups also make regular appearances at the Divan Brasserie, Swissotel, Conrad and Hilton Maslak Hotels.

For listings and jazz events around the country, visit www.jazzdergisi.com and www.turkishjazz.org.

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