International Ankara Jazz Festival

The Jazz Society of Turkey was established in the leadership of Özlem Oktar Varoğlu with the contributions of Sedat Ergin, Ece Temelkuran, Doğan Akın, Murat Artu in 1995.

The journey started with METU Jazz Days and in 22 years it slowly grew to be International Ankara Jazz Festival. Also, with the cooperation of embassies, ministries, institutions and foundations the society reinforced the expanding and developing identity of jazz.

As a non-profit and non-governmental organization, the society aims to introduce and endear the jazz music. Another objective of the society is to support young musicians while also providing gig opportunities to many precious jazz musicians.

With the contributions of art supportive companies, the society tries to eliminate the barriers between art and people so that music is much more available and reachable. Accordingly, the society also collaborates with many other art institutions, universities and embassies.

Also, by organizing concerts fallowed by workshops, the society supports the young musicians and jazz lovers to communicate with masters and help creating young jazz bands.