Istanbul: The 33rd Istanbul Jazz Festival, a prominent event in Trkiye's music landscape, is set to host nearly 200 artists from around the globe, captivating audiences in Istanbul until July 13.

According to Anadolu Agency, the festival is organized by the Istanbul Foundation for Culture and Arts (IKSV) and sponsored by Garanti BBVA. This 14-day celebration features approximately 30 concerts, alongside special events that highlight jazz's influence across various music genres. At the opening ceremony, Turkish jazz vocalist Senem Diyici was honored with the festival's Lifetime Achievement Award.

Festival director Harun Izer expressed to Anadolu the significance of the event's longevity, noting its importance for both musicians and audiences. "Reaching our 33rd edition is a wonderful feeling. The continuity of festivals like this is a great benefit for everyone involved-from artists and organizers to audiences," he stated.

This year's festival lineup includes notable acts such as 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, renowned for her fusion of Sufi musical traditions with jazz.

Beyond the concerts, the festival offers unique events like Jazz in the Parks, providing free outdoor performances, the Jazz Ferry with live music aboard a cruise on the Bosphorus Strait, and Night Out, a series of concerts across multiple venues in Istanbul's Kadikoy district. A new addition, Jazz Flavors, combines live performances with menus inspired by jazz artists' favorite dishes.

Izer highlighted the festival's international appeal, showcasing artists from North and South America, Europe, and Asia. Performances will take place at diverse venues, including parks, historic sites, and open-air theaters throughout Istanbul. Tickets are available via the official ticketing platform, Passo.