Islamabad is currently abuzz with the much-anticipated ‘Turkish Cuisine Week,’ a culinary extravaganza that aims to showcase the rich and diverse flavors of Turkish cuisine.
The event, which spans from May 21 to May 27, is being held in the federal capital and boasts an impressive collection of over 650 signature Turkish recipes.
The opening ceremony of the ‘Turkish Cuisine Week’ was graced by the presence of Dr. Mehmet Paçaci, the Ambassador of Türkiye to Pakistan. In his address to the enthusiastic audience, Dr. Paçaci emphasized the significance of Turkish cuisine.
“Shaped by more than a thousand years of cultures and traditions, social heritage, and stories, Turkish cuisine presents its distinctive and diverse flavors to the world during ‘Turkish Cuisine Week’ from May 21-27”, he said.
During the ceremony, Dr. Paçaci also highlighted the striking similarities between certain Turkish and Pakistani foods, particularly those from the regions of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) and northern Pakistan. This cultural connection further enhances the culinary exchange between the two nations.
“In its second year, the cuisine introduces Türkiye’s rich gastronomic culture to a broad audience at home and abroad through the representations of the Republic of Türkiye,” he highlighted.
We held our #21-27may #turkish cuisineweek event at our Embassy residence, with the participation of TRNC Islamabad Representative H.E. Dilşad Şenol, Turkish and Pakistani press members and valuable representatives of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of 🇵🇰. 1/2 pic.twitter.com/CpclUoekcV
— Turkish Embassy in Islamabad (@TrEmbIslamabad) May 24, 2023
One of the highlights of this year’s ‘Turkish Cuisine Week’ is the focus on Hatay province’s gastronomic heritage. Hatay, known for its Mediterranean cuisine, offers an array of mouthwatering dishes characterized by fresh vegetables, high-quality olive oil, legumes, and cereals. Visitors can expect to indulge in culinary delights such as flatbread with red pepper paste, olive salad, hummus, kisir (fine bulgur salad), oven-baked kebap, and rose syrup.
Throughout the week-long event, an assortment of timeless and sustainable Turkish dishes will be prepared using local ingredients and traditional cooking techniques. The celebrations extend beyond Islamabad, with various events taking place in Türkiye’s 81 provinces, providing a comprehensive showcase of Turkish cuisine. Attendees will have the opportunity to savor renowned Turkish coffee, fragrant Turkish tea, and the ever-popular Turkish delight.
The event serves as a testament to the gastronomic legacy of Türkiye, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in the country’s culinary treasures. By bringing together the vibrant flavors and culinary traditions of Turkey, ‘Turkish Cuisine Week’ promises a delightful journey for food enthusiasts and cultural connoisseurs alike.
