Ford looks forward to Jazz Day

ISTANBUL - Anatolia News Agency

During a visit to Istanbul ahead of International Jazz Day, United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) Foreign Relations Director Neil Ford expressed his amazement with the city that “combines religion and culture.”

Visiting Istanbul to oversee preparations for the musical event, Ford said he had been mesmerized by the city. “You are touching both Eastern and Western culture here in Istanbul,” he said, alluding to Istanbul’s unique position as a city straddling two continents.

Ford approved of the selection of the city to host the Jazz Day event, saying: “In this city, there is a really strong jazz production that comes from the 1930s. There has been a jazz festival for many years here. Istanbul locals love jazz.”

According to Ford, jazz increases the communication between people and between cultures. On the other hand, he said jazz is important for supporting and providing jazz culture.

Ford, who has visited Istanbul three times before, said he was happy to be in the city once again. “Istanbul is a sophisticated city that combines different cultures. In terms of music, the city is very strong.”

During the Jazz Day there will be a very strong representation of Turkish artists, he added.

The second annual International Jazz Day, organized in collaboration with UNESCO, UNESCO Goodwill Ambassador for Intercultural Dialogue Herbie Hancock and the Turkish Culture and Foreign Ministries, will be hosted this year in Istanbul on April 30.

Organized in partnership with the Thelonious Monk Institute of Jazz, International Jazz Day was adopted by UNESCO member states.