A true pioneer of world music, Senem Diyici takes the festival stage, seamlessly blending the soul of Turkish music with the richness of Western harmony.

In the 1980s, while few were yet familiar with the term ‘world music’, Senem Diyici was already weaving Anatolian melodies into jazz in France. With the release of Anadolu (1983) and Takalar (1989), she captured the attention of international music circles. Folk classics such as ‘Yemen Türküsü’, ‘Arzu Gızım,’ ‘Haydar, Haydar,’ and ‘Ah Bir Ateş Ver’ found new life through her luminous jazz interpretations. She continued her journey with a series of acclaimed albums – Geste (1993), Divan (1995), Jest (1998), Tell Me Trabizon (1998), Morceaux Choisis (2001), Zıpçıktı (2003), and Live! (2004). During her 26 years in France, she sang exclusively in Turkish, introducing Western audiences to the allure of Turkish jazz. From one success to another, from concert halls to international stages, she carried her music across borders while living far from home. After returning to Türkiye, she emerged with her album Nara (2022), marking a powerful new chapter of original compositions.

Senem Diyici will take the stage with a special concert at the 33rd Istanbul Jazz Festival, where she has been honoured with the Lifetime Achievement Award. The concert will feature Tom Gareil on vibraphone, Can Ömer Uygan on trumpet, and Enver Muhamedi on bass, as the artist takes the stage with a repertoire of her beloved compositions. She will be accompanied by virtuoso percussionist Okay Temiz, one of the pioneers of jazz in Türkiye, who has earned international acclaim for bringing previously unexplored Turkish motifs into the world of jazz.

PLEASE NOTE

• Doors open: 20.30
• For ages 18 and above.
• Standing concert.
• Beverages are available for purchase.
• Accessible multi-storey car parks with lifts are located nearby: Şişhane (85 m) and Kuledibi (180 m).
• Cloakroom available.

ACCESSIBILITY

• Access via the M2 Taksim-Yenikapı metro line (Şişhane, Refik Saydam Avenue exit, 29 m) and bus (Şişhane 1 and Şişhane 2 stops).
• The route to the building is sloped but step-free.
• Entry via the rear entrance.
• Access ramp available.
• The concert can be viewed from the main hall on the ground floor or from the upper gallery, accessible by lift.
• An accessible toilet and a children’s toilet are located on level -1, accessible by lift and ramp. An emergency assistance cord is available inside the toilet.