The Presidency’s Head of Communications, Burhanettin Duran, sent a video message to the "Türkiye's Gastrodiplomacy Model: The Heritage Table" event.
The Directorate of Communications launched the Turkish Cuisine Week Events in Gaziantep, a city in Türkiye recognised by the UNESCO Creative Cities Network for its contributions to gastronomy, with a series of events including panels, gastronomy workshops, tasting events, and cultural tours.
In his message, Head of Communications Duran said:
"It is a great pleasure to address you at the opening of this meaningful event held in Gaziantep, the heart of our gastronomy, on the occasion of Turkish Cuisine Week. First and foremost, I would like to express my gratitude to First Lady Mrs Emine Erdoğan, who has championed Turkish Cuisine Week and devoted tremendous efforts to introducing our cuisine to the world.
As you know, this year’s theme of Turkish Cuisine Week is 'The Heritage Table.' Beyond its remarkable diversity, our cuisine is one of the most meaningful legacies passed down to us from our deep-rooted history, ancient culture, and traditions and customs. For us, gathering around the table is not merely about eating; it is also about nourishing our hearts and souls.
At our tables, generations come together, friendships grow stronger, sorrows are eased, and joys are multiplied. Our tales, films, and television series are often shaped around a dining table. For us, the table is like a destination to which we ultimately arrive; lives are remembered through tables, with all their bitter and sweet memories alike In essence, our story unfolds around the dinner table…
Across the fertile lands of Anatolia, Turkish cuisine represents a unique heritage that carries not only dishes refined over centuries but also stories woven through countless lives into the present day.
Within every recipe lies a memory; within every flavour, a labour of love; and around every table, a story and a lived experience. This richness has been shaped by the convergence of diverse geographies, climates, and ways of life, earning Turkish cuisine a distinguished place in the world through its remarkable diversity.
Cities such as Gaziantep, internationally recognised for their rich gastronomic heritage, continue to preserve this legacy in the best possible way. Their enduring tradition of culinary craftsmanship and deep appreciation for local ingredients have turned these cities into more than just culinary destinations; they have become centres of culture.
This event will provide a valuable platform to discuss the historical depth of our table culture and strategies for strengthening the international visibility of our gastronomic heritage.
We will also discuss the role of our cuisine as a global brand that strengthens Türkiye’s soft power. We will explore how this rich heritage can be translated into a sustainable model of gastrodiplomacy through cooperation among public institutions, local governments, the private sector, academia, and the media.
I wholeheartedly believe that this important event will deliver concrete outcomes for both Gaziantep and Türkiye’s broader gastrodiplomacy vision. I would like to express my gratitude to all the institutions and organisations that contributed to the organisation of this meaningful event, especially our Governor’s Office and Metropolitan Municipality. I would like to express my appreciation to our panellists for enriching the sessions with their ideas and contributions, and to the people of Gaziantep for the great interest they have shown in this event.
I extend my respectful regards to you all."