Turkish cuisine healthy, roots embedded in history
KUWAIT CITY, May 26: The Turkish Embassy in Kuwait hosted a special reception at the Marina Hotel on Monday, as part of the Turkish Cuisine Week held annually from May 21-27, in cooperation with the Turkish Tourism Promotion and Development Agency (TGA) -- an affiliate of the Turkish Ministry of Culture and Tourism. Assistant Foreign Minister for European Affairs Sadiq Marafi attended the event, along with many members of the diplomatic corps, representatives of the culinary sector, well-known chefs, travel agents, social media influencers and media professionals. Turkish Ambassador to Kuwait Tuba Nur Sönmez delivered a speech at the event; affirming the importance of Turkish cuisine among world cuisines, considering its rich history, focus on health and sustainable features. She touched on the shared cultural values between Turkiye and Kuwait, particularly in hospitality and culinary arts. She expressed her confidence that such activities contribute to deepening the friendly relations and cultural ties between the two countries.
The event featured a presentation highlighting the evolution of Turkish culinary culture throughout history, its regional diversity, and the traditional techniques used in food preparation. Attendees were also allowed to taste a selection of carefully prepared Turkish dishes, drinks and desserts, as well as their detailed recipes and preparation methods. The event included a special exhibition featuring photographs and recipes of Turkish cuisine, allowing visitors to gain a deeper understanding of the richness of Turkish culinary heritage. The highlight of the evening was a Turkish folk dance performance by students from the Turkish-Kuwaiti School, which mesmerized the audience. The evening concluded with a raffl e for round-trip tickets to Turkiye, provided by Pegasus Airlines.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Arab Times
4 days ago
- Arab Times
Kuwaiti, Saudi media delegations visit spotlights northern Türkiye travel treasures
KUWAIT CITY, May 28: In a scene that reflects the deep-rooted ties and cultural closeness between Türkiye and the Gulf states, the provinces of Rize and Trabzon in northern Türkiye warmly welcomed media delegations from Kuwait and Saudi Arabia. The visit was organized by the Union of Tourism and Travel Agents in the Middle East, headed by Mr. Hussein Kark. This visit served as a platform to promote mutual understanding, media and tourism cooperation, and to explore investment and promotional opportunities in the Black Sea region. Distinguished delegations representing Kuwait and Saudi Arabia received a warm welcome from local officials and communities, with a packed program of official meetings, cultural exchanges, and field visits. During the meeting with Rize Governor Mr. İhsan Selim Baydaş, he reaffirmed that Türkiye welcomes all visitors from the Gulf with open arms, and that every tourist should feel as if they are in their second home. The governor strongly condemned racist remarks and xenophobic sentiments occasionally seen on social media, emphasizing that Turkish society is built on hospitality and mutual respect. When asked about the global inflation and its impact on tourist pricing, Mr. Baydaş revealed that his administration is currently working on a standardized pricing mechanism across restaurants, cafés, and tourist services in the region. A barcode pricing system is being implemented to ensure transparency and prevent tourists from being overcharged. 'Tourists are our guests and their protection is our responsibility,' he said. In Trabzon, the delegations were received by Ortahisar Mayor Mr. Ahmed Kaya, who expressed his appreciation for the visit and emphasized his municipality's readiness to offer facilitation to Gulf investors and residents. He also highlighted the importance of raising awareness on social media platforms and stressed the role of the media in countering misinformation. Mr. Kaya thanked the visiting journalists for their high-quality and balanced media coverage. In the sports arena, the delegations met with Mr. Murat Iskender, Vice President of Trabzonspor Football Club, who expressed admiration for the remarkable development of sports in the Gulf, particularly in Saudi Arabia and Qatar. He welcomed the idea of future cooperation with Gulf clubs and national teams, offering training camps and potential investment partnerships. 'We are open to all forms of collaboration that strengthen ties between our peoples through sports,' he said. During a meeting with the President of the Journalists' Association in Trabzon, Mr. Osman Şoks, the discussion focused on the transformation of Turkish journalism, particularly the rapid shift towards digital platforms and online readership. Mr. Şoks noted that electronic media and social platforms now have wider reach and influence than traditional print, and praised Gulf journalism, especially from Kuwait and Saudi Arabia, for its growing presence and professionalism. Mr. Hussein Kark, President of the Union of Tourism and Travel Agents in the Middle East, emphasized the importance of booking through officially licensed travel agencies in Turkey. 'Gulf tourists often prefer dealing with authorized agencies because they provide a more organized and reliable service,' he said. He added that licensed agencies are held accountable for the tourist experience, and any misconduct can lead to license revocation. Mr. Kark strongly advised against dealing with unlicensed individuals, explaining that doing so might expose tourists to unpleasant situations or scams. 'Smart choices make for safe travels.' Kuwaiti delegation proposes joint cultural and musical events As part of the cultural exchange, members of the Kuwaiti delegation proposed launching joint cultural activities between Türkiye and Kuwait, including diverse musical concerts featuring artists from both countries. The Turkish side welcomed the idea, expressing readiness to collaborate on such artistic and cultural initiatives, which they described as powerful bridges of mutual understanding and people-to-people diplomacy. Conclusion A Multifaceted Visit with Promising Horizons This high-level media visit combined tourism, culture, sports, and media dialogue in a unique initiative that reflects the growing ties between Türkiye and the Gulf region. Participants from both sides expressed their enthusiasm for sustaining such visits and expanding them into long-term partnerships that foster regional integration and mutual respect.
Kuwait Times
4 days ago
- Kuwait Times
Envoy highlights fresh momentum in Kuwait-Georgia ties
KUWAIT: Defense Ministry Undersecretary Sheikh Dr Abdullah Mishal Al-Sabah, Ambassador of Georgia to Kuwait Noshrevan Lomtatidze and Assistant Foreign Minister for European Affairs Ambassador Sadiq Marafi. KUWAIT: Assistant Foreign Minister for European Affairs Ambassador Sadiq Marafi revealed that high-level visits between Kuwait and Georgia are currently being arranged, with several bilateral agreements expected to be signed before the end of this year. Speaking on the sidelines of Georgia's Independence Day celebration, Marafi reaffirmed the strength of bilateral relations, marking 30 years since the establishment of diplomatic ties between the two countries. He highlighted the growing tourism exchange between the two countries. 'We are proud of the steady increase in the number of Kuwaiti tourists visiting Georgia, especially with the availability of direct flights between both countries,' he said. In his opening remarks, Georgian Ambassador to Kuwait Noshrevan Lomtatidze expressed deep appreciation for the warm ties between the two nations and the hospitality he has received since his arrival. 'It has been a year since I arrived in this beautiful country, which I consider a gem of the Gulf region. I have fallen in love with Kuwait and feel like I am in my second home,' he said. The Georgian ambassador extended his gratitude to HH the Amir of Kuwait Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah for his wisdom and support, and to HH the Crown Prince Sheikh Sabah Al-Khaled Al-Hamad Al-Sabah for Kuwait's steadfast support of Georgia's sovereignty and territorial integrity. He also pointed to the productive meetings between the prime ministers and recent discussions between the foreign ministers of both countries, noting that these engagements have reinvigorated bilateral cooperation with a renewed agenda. Lomtatidze emphasized the rising number of Kuwaiti visitors to Georgia, facilitated by direct flights and visa exemptions for Kuwaiti citizens and residents. He encouraged Kuwaiti investors to explore opportunities in Georgia, particularly in the hospitality, real estate and agriculture sectors.
Kuwait Times
5 days ago
- Kuwait Times
Embassy celebrates Turkish Cuisine Week
Turkish ambassador Tuba Nur Sonmez KUWAIT: The Embassy of the Republic of Turkey to Kuwait hosted a reception on Sunday at Kuwait Marina Hotel, in collaboration with the Turkey Tourism Promotion and Development Agency (TGA) of the Ministry of Culture and Tourism of the Republic of Turkey, to celebrate the annual Turkish Cuisine Week. In her opening remarks, Turkish Ambassador Tuba Nur Sonmez emphasized Turkish cuisine's unique place among world cuisines, highlighting its deep-rooted history, health-conscious nature and sustainable qualities. The ambassador underlined the shared values of hospitality and culinary appreciation between Turkey and Kuwait, expressing her belief that such events further strengthen the bonds of friendship and cultural ties between the two nations. The event featured a presentation on the historical development of Turkish culinary culture, its regional diversity, and traditional cooking techniques. Guests had the opportunity to taste a wide array of meticulously prepared Turkish dishes, desserts, and beverages at various tasting stations. They also received information about the recipes and preparation methods of the dishes served. The Turkish ambassador poses for a group photo with Ambassadors and officials. Additionally, a special exhibition showcasing visuals and recipes from Turkish cuisine was presented to visitors, offering a deeper insight into Turkey's rich culinary heritage. A traditional Turkish folk dance performance by students from the Kuwait Turkish School was among the highlights of the evening, drawing great interest and appreciation from the audience. At the conclusion of the event, a raffle was held in which several fortunate attendees won round-trip flight tickets to Turkey. The event was attended by Sadiq Marafi, Assistant Minister for Europe Affairs of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Kuwait, as the Guest of Honor.
