Ankara and Bodrum Jazz Festivals accepted into the World Jazz Network
Organized by the Jazz Association and supported by the Ministry of Culture and Tourism, the Ankara and Bodrum Jazz Festivals have become members of the World Jazz Network (WJN), which brings together prestigious jazz festivals from around the world.
The 2026 conference of the World Jazz Network was held from July 8-10 in Palermo, Italy, within the scope of the Sicily Jazz Festival. Hosted this year by Italy, the conference brought together the managers and producers of more than 20 jazz festivals held in various countries around the world, including the UK, South Africa, India, the Netherlands, Taiwan, Thailand, UK, Poland, and Hungary, creating an important platform for developing international collaborations and shaping the future of jazz festivals.
Representing Turkey at the conference was the Jazz Association, represented by Özlem Oktar Varoğlu, curator of the Ankara and Bodrum Jazz Festivals and president of the Jazz Association. Varoğlu gave a presentation introducing jazz festivals in Turkey and the Association’s activities, and also participated as a speaker in various sessions held during the conference.
The conference, attended by World Jazz Network President Alexander Beetz, Sicily Region Tourism and Culture Ministry representative Tiziana Caccamo, Palermo Jazz Festival Manager Fabio Lannino, and many officials, featured discussions focusing on increasing the international representation of Turkish jazz musicians.
At the conclusion of the conference, the memberships of the Ankara Jazz Festival and Bodrum Jazz Festival in the World Jazz Network were officially accepted. This membership is considered an important step for the festivals to enhance international collaborations, participate in joint projects, and make Turkey’s cultural production in jazz music more visible worldwide.
During the conference, sessions titled ‘Cultural Tourism and Contributions to the Local Economy’, ‘Green Future’, and ‘New Generation Audience Expectations’ were held. Participants evaluated the contributions of jazz festivals to the cultural life, tourism, and local economy of the cities where they are held; exchanged views on eco-friendly festival models prioritizing environmental sustainability, the media’s role in the development of festivals, and the evolving cultural-art experience expectations of the younger generations. Additionally, joint work topics and international cooperation opportunities for 2027 were discussed at the conference.
“We will continue to bring Turkey's jazz heritage to international platforms”
The Jazz Association President and Curator of the Ankara and Bodrum Jazz Festivals, Varoğlu, stated that World Jazz Network membership is an important achievement for Turkey, saying, "The invitation of the Ankara and Bodrum Jazz Festivals to join the World Jazz Network is a significant international step not only for our festivals but also for Turkey’s jazz culture. Jazz is a universal art that brings different cultures together with a common language. Through this membership, we will establish stronger collaborations with international festival networks, develop joint projects, and further introduce Turkey’s rich jazz heritage to the world. We have also taken initiatives to host the World Jazz Conference in our country in the future. We believe that these collaborations, which will create new opportunities for both our artists and festivals in the coming period, will make important contributions in terms of cultural diplomacy."
