Turkish Ambassador highlights food’s role in cultural exchange

Staff Report

• H.E. Tuba Nur Sönmez, the Turkish Ambassador to Kuwait, elaborated on the rich and diverse nature of Turkish cuisine, which is deeply rooted in ancient civilizations and carries on the traditions of the Ottoman Empire

• Ambassador Sönmez revealed that 400,000 Kuwaiti tourists have visited Turkey since the beginning of the year. She invited Kuwaiti citizens to explore Turkey’s diverse historical, cultural, natural, and civilizational treasures.

• Turkish Cuisine Week in Kuwait presents a unique opportunity to explore Turkey’s rich culinary heritage. Through workshops, demonstrations, and tastings, participants can learn to prepare authentic Turkish dishes and discover flavors that have captivated palates for centuries.

H.E. Tuba Nur Sönmez, the Turkish Ambassador to Kuwait, highlighted the importance of food as a cornerstone of cultural exchange and a bridge between cultures. She emphasized that Turkish Cuisine Week promotes Turkish culinary heritage and encourages healthy eating habits.

Speaking at the inauguration of Turkish Cuisine Week in Kuwait, Ambassador Sönmez stated that food plays a pivotal role in bringing people together and fostering understanding between cultures. She explained that Turkish Cuisine Week invites people to embrace healthier eating practices and move away from fast food.

The ambassador elaborated on the rich and diverse nature of Turkish cuisine, which is deeply rooted in ancient civilizations and carries on the traditions of the Ottoman Empire. She noted that Turkish cuisine is characterized by its resourcefulness and emphasis on minimizing waste, a principle that has been an integral part of Turkish culinary culture for millennia.

Ambassador Sönmez explained that traditional Turkish dishes often incorporate leftovers, transforming stale bread into delectable meals like ‘tirit’ (Turkish bread stew) and ‘papara’ (toasted bread crumbs with yogurt and spices). Vegetable scraps and fish bones are also utilized to create new dishes.

The ambassador emphasized that Turkish Cuisine Week conveys the message that cooking is not an intricate task but rather a skill that everyone can acquire to prepare healthy and delicious meals.

Turkish tourism on the rise

In another context, Ambassador Sönmez revealed that 400,000 Kuwaiti tourists have visited Turkey since the beginning of the year. She extended a warm welcome to Kuwaiti citizens, inviting them to explore Turkey’s diverse historical, cultural, natural, and civilizational treasures.

The ambassador also highlighted the success of His Highness the Amir Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah’s recent visit to Turkey, during which six agreements were signed in various fields, including defense, investment, and trade. She further disclosed that additional agreements are slated to be signed during the upcoming visit of the Turkish President to Kuwait.

Turkish Cuisine Week in Kuwait presents a unique opportunity to explore Turkey’s rich culinary heritage. Through workshops, demonstrations, and tastings, participants can learn to prepare authentic Turkish dishes and discover flavors that have captivated palates for centuries.

The event celebrates food, culture, and the strong Kuwait-Turkey ties. It invites guests to adopt healthier eating habits, appreciate culinary artistry, and explore diverse culinary traditions that enrich our world.