Turkish Cuisine Week Celebrated in Islamabad, Highlighting Culinary Heritage and Bilateral Brotherhood

The Embassy of Turkiye in Islamabad hosted a grand event to celebrate Turkish Cuisine Week, offering guests a rich taste of traditional Turkish dishes and a celebration of the deep-rooted friendship between Turkiye and Pakistan.

Held at the ambassador’s residence, the evening brought together a distinguished gathering of diplomats, government officials, media figures, and cultural representatives. The event served as a platform to showcase the diverse and historic culinary culture of Turkiye, recognized globally for its depth of flavor and tradition.

Turkiye’s Ambassador to Pakistan, Dr. Irfan Neziroglu, warmly welcomed the guests and underscored the cultural value of Turkish Cuisine Week, marked internationally from May 21 to 27. “Turkish cuisine is a reflection of our history and values, centered on hospitality, family, and togetherness,” he noted.

This year’s theme, focusing on classic Turkish recipes, allowed guests to enjoy a variety of homemade specialties. Recipe booklets were also provided to encourage guests to recreate the dishes in their own kitchens.

A highlight of the evening was the demonstration of traditional Turkish coffee prepared in hot sand, giving guests a hands-on cultural experience. Ambassador Neziroglu noted that many Pakistanis are already admirers of Turkish food, especially those who have visited Turkiye.

Emphasizing the strong people-to-people connection, the ambassador said, “Our relationship with Pakistan is built on shared values and mutual respect. Here, we are embraced not as visitors, but as family.”

He further expressed optimism about the growing collaboration between the two countries across various sectors, including trade, tourism, education, culture, media, judiciary, and parliamentary engagement.

Special thanks were extended to the ambassador’s wife, Mrs. Amine Neziroglu, for leading the event’s preparations. The ambassador lightheartedly remarked on her prayers for ideal weather, joking that “the sunshine was her doing, but the storm might have come from someone else’s wish.”

Deputy Head of Mission Mr. Berk and his team of young diplomats were praised for guiding attendees through the culinary displays and sharing insights into the dishes and their origins.

The evening concluded with enthusiastic chants of “Turkiye-Pakistan Dosti Zindabad” and “Turkiye-Pakistan Cuisine Paindabad,” symbolizing the enduring unity and cultural connection between the two brotherly nations.