The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) proclaimed April 30 as “International Jazz Day” at its 36th session last November.

The Secretary General of UNESCO has recently announced that Istanbul, Turkey has been selected to host the Second International Jazz Day in 2013.

Turkey welcomes the decision to designate Istanbul, which is home to many civilizations and a city with rich cultural heritage where continents meet, as the host of next year’s events in celebration of the Second International Jazz Day.

Istanbul has successfully been hosting two renowned international jazz festivals for many years. On April 30, 2013, with the participation of jazz artists from different countries and individuals who have contributed to the development of jazz music, Istanbul will set the scene for yet another unforgettable international event of cultural diplomacy.

Born in the United States, jazz has become a universal art form over time. The Second UNESCO International Jazz Day will not only celebrate the contributions of jazz to the advancement of dialogue and understanding between different cultures, it will also broadcast jazz music’s messages of freedom, peace and brotherhood to a global audience from the unique city of Istanbul.

Many prominent Turks and Turkish Americans have made lasting contributions to jazz music, most notably Ahmet Ertegün, Nesuhi Ertegün and Arif Mardin. This landmark event will also serve as a bridge to future generations by keeping their memories alive.