An annual jazz festival hosting musicians from across the world in Istanbul aims to bolster the recognition of Turkish singers globally, said festival director.

Istanbul Jazz Festival is hosting 300 foreign artists from different parts of the world as part of its 26th edition between June 29 and July 18.

“With the festival, we not only aim to meet our audience with important names of contemporary music and contribute our audience’s vision, but also to make Turkish musicians and artists to gain more recognition globally” Harun Izer, director of Istanbul Jazz Festival, told Anadolu Agency.

As part of the festival this year organized by the Istanbul Foundation for Culture and Arts (IKSV), the audience will enjoy more than 50 concerts in almost 20 different venues across the Turkish metropolis.

This year’s festival is held under the theme of “Hands that touch Jazz,” Izer said, explaining, “The theme means that musicians’ hands touch their instruments while the audience touches jazz.”

“We want everyone to have access to the festival as much as possible,” he said.

Prominent contemporary artists, including Kamasi Washington, Joss Stone, Jacob Collier, Snarky Puppy, Mozaik and RYMDEN, will perform during the festival.