ISTANBUL
Turkish Minister of Culture and Tourism Omer Celik on Wednesday said the call for peace and independence coming from the depths of Africa, reaching New Orleans and spreading to the whole world has come to Istanbul.
Celik, General Director of UNESCO Irina Bokova and UNESCO Goodwill Ambassador for Intercultural Dialogue Herbie Hancock attended the International Jazz Day in Istanbul alongside many local and foreign artists.
"Welcome to Istanbul, the capital of the world," Celik said at the opening.
"The call for peace and independence coming from the depths of Africa, reaching New Orleans and spreading to the whole world came to Istanbul. I gift this call to the innocent children in Syria," Celik said.
The evening concert at Istanbul featured performances by stellar musicians from around the world, including pianists and music director of the event John Beasley, Wayne Shorter, Diane Reeves, Marcus Miller, Al Jarreau, Joss Stone, Terri Lyne Carrington and Hugh Masekela.
