Turkish Cuisine Week began on May 21, bringing food tastings and cultural programs to Istanbul and several cities worldwide [1].
The initiative uses gastronomy as a diplomatic tool to strengthen cultural ties between Turkey and its partner countries. By showcasing traditional dishes, the event aims to promote the nation's rich heritage and foster international understanding through shared culinary experiences.
Organized by Turkey's Ministry of Culture and Tourism, the celebration runs for seven days, concluding on May 27 [1]. The program is being observed in diverse locations, including Karachi, Pakistan, and Nottingham, United Kingdom [1, 2, 3].
In Pakistan, Turkish Ambassador İrfan Neziroğlu said the event plays a role in bridging the two nations. "Turkish Cuisine Week offers a wonderful opportunity for Pakistanis to experience the richness of Turkish culinary heritage," Neziroğlu said [2].
The Ministry of Culture and Tourism established a specific theme for this year's events. "The theme this year is 'Culinary Heritage and Collective Memory', highlighting the cultural heritage embedded in Turkish cuisine," a ministry spokesperson said [1].
In the United Kingdom, local businesses are integrating into the global celebration. Chef Ahmet Yılmaz of the Anatolian Restaurant in Nottingham said he is participating in the week. "We are thrilled to be part of Turkish Cuisine Week, bringing authentic flavours to our community," Yılmaz said [3].
The global rollout focuses on the connection between food and memory—a strategy designed to evoke historical links and shared identities across different regions. Events range from high-level diplomatic tastings to community-based restaurant showcases [1, 2].
“Turkish Cuisine Week offers a wonderful opportunity for Pakistanis to experience the richness of Turkish culinary heritage.”
This global campaign represents a shift toward 'gastrodiplomacy,' where a state uses its food culture to enhance its soft power and international image. By coordinating simultaneous events in cities like Karachi and Nottingham, Turkey is attempting to create a synchronized global brand that links its modern diplomatic goals with its historical culinary identity.
