As one of the most established and rhythmic autumn traditions in Istanbul, the Akbank Jazz Festival returns for its 36th edition from September 26 to October 11, 2026, enveloping the city in a rich, interdisciplinary dialogue of jazz. Spanning 16 days with a lineage stretching from classic timbres to new-wave British jazz, and ethnic fusion to experimental electronics, this marathon once again places Istanbul squarely at the heart of the global jazz map.
A 36-Year Urban Legacy and an Expanding Sonic Geography
A cornerstone of Turkey’s jazz culture since 1991, the festival bridges past and future by juxtaposing legendary figures with next-generation innovators. This year’s lineup features Dhafer Youssef melding mystical Eastern makams with jazz through his “SHIRAZ” project, Arturo Sandoval bringing vibrant Latin-jazz rhythms, and a dedicated showcase honoring the iconic label ACT Music. Boundary-pushing acts like Yasmine Hamdan, Bugge Wesseltoft (performing for the Mehmet Uluğ Night), and Kassa Overall add further gravitas. Taking over venues across the city’s urban fabric—from Yeldeğirmeni Sanat and Frankhan to Salon İKSV and the Sakıp Sabancı Museum—the festival illuminates the multi-layered nature of jazz as it moves seamlessly from intimate clubs to museum halls.
From the British Jazz Scene to Local Experimental Rhythms
Undoubtedly, one of the most thrilling currents of this edition is the spotlight on the contemporary UK jazz scene alongside rhythm-centric experimental collectives. The keyboard-driven grooves of Joe Armon-Jones, the Sarathy Korwar Drum Ensemble’s synthesis of Indian rhythms and jazz, and the versatile rhythmic explorations of Momoko Gill and Danae Palaka embody the festival’s youthful energy. Concurrently, rising talents from the domestic scene—such as the Corda Quintet and Ada Canata, who emerged from the Nardis Young Jazz Musician Competition—reaffirm the festival’s enduring mission to nurture local creativity.
The Intellectual and Club Dimensions of Music
Far more than a series of concerts, the festival delivers a holistic jazz ecosystem enriched by panel discussions, masterclasses, and thematic club nights. From analytical sessions examining the musical legacy of Miles Davis to rhythm masterclasses at BAU Pera Stage, and from the “Beni Bu Şarkılar Mahvetti” (These Songs Ruined Me) talks to vibrant performances across Nardis and Asa Khai during Jazz Club Nights, the programming invites audiences behind the scenes. Expanding its outreach through the Jazz in High School and Jazz on Campus initiatives, the festival keeps the inclusive spirit of jazz alive for younger generations.
Festival Note from NO-26 Editor
Event: 36th Akbank Jazz Festival
Dates: September 26 – October 11, 2026
Venues: Yeldeğirmeni Sanat, Frankhan Selectist, Salon İKSV, SSM, Nardis Jazz Club, Asa Khai, and various venues across the city
Program & Details: The full concert schedule and ticketing information are available via the Akbank Sanat Jazz Festival Program.
