The Bova Jazz Club is located in Mis Sokak, which leads off İstiklal Caddesi between Taksim Square and the Hüseyin Ağa Mosque at the entrance to Sakız Ağacı Sokak (now renamed ‘Atıf Yılmaz Sokak’).

This club regularly hosts some of Turkey’s finest jazz musicians and is especially strong on improvised jazz. However, the first-floor performance space on is small, to say the least, and advance booking is definitely advised (sitting on a crowded staircase isn’t particularly comfortable). I have found the staff to be friendly and helpful, even in the face of unreasonable requests (writes John Shakespeare Dyson).

Maddeningly, the website is under construction. Here is the alternative for those who use Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pg/bovasahne

The nearest metro station is Taksim, on the M2 line. From Taksim Square, enter İstiklal Caddesi. Once you have passed the French Consulate-General, Mis Sokak will be the third side street on your right – the one after Zambak Sokak and Bekar Sokak. The club is on the left-hand side of Mis Sokak, just before the first crossroads.