Turkish Aegean Cuisine, a feast for the senses in Uganda

In a remarkable display of cultural exchange and culinary mastery, Mahmet Ak Faith, the Turkish Ambassador to Uganda, delighted several dignitaries, including Turkish investors, with a diverse array of flavorful dishes.

The occasion was the annual Turkish Cuisine Week hosted by the Ambassador at his residence, highlighting the richness and diversity of Turkish cuisine while promoting sustainable traditions.

The Aegean cuisine event made a lasting impression on the attendees, leaving them with a deeper appreciation for Turkey's rich culinary heritage and the potential for mutually beneficial partnerships between the two nations.

This year's Turkish Cuisine Week focused on Turk Aegean cuisine, which is deeply rooted in history and promotes healthy and sustainable recipes.

The culinary tradition of the region, centred around the use of olive oil, exemplifies principles of zero waste and respect for nature. In 2010, UNESCO recognized the Mediterranean Diet, with its emphasis on coastal vegetables, local herbs, abundant seafood, and olive oil, as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.

The celebration of flavours and traditions during the event marked a significant milestone in the cultural exchange between Turkey and Uganda, paving the way for future collaborations and shared experiences.

Turkish cuisine, renowned for its richness and diversity, presents a tantalizing fusion of flavours that pays homage to the nation's cultural past.

Ambassador Faith emphasized how Turkish dining tables embody the ideals of hospitality, solidarity, and sharing, which are deeply ingrained in Turkish culture.

Speaking to the Nile Post, Ambassador Faith highlighted the Turkish people's tradition of enjoying long dinners with loved ones and emphasized the significance of the dining table as a conduit for communication, solidarity, and sharing during the event.

"Turkish cuisine has been deeply enriched by various cultures, traditions, spices, and tastes from the Balkans to the Middle East and the Caucasus over the centuries," he noted

The event also highlighted the importance of sustainability and zero waste, aligning with the ongoing zero waste movement in Türkiye championed by the First Lady.

Turkish cuisine exemplifies this philosophy by utilizing every part of the ingredient to ensure nothing goes to waste.

"Olive oil is the cornerstone of our dishes, valued not only for its health benefits but also for its role in promoting sustainability," explained Ambassador Faith.

The menu was thoughtfully designed to showcase this philosophy, featuring dishes such as Flat Green Beans Braised in Olive Oil, Okra Braised in Olive Oil, Milk and Dried Fig Pudding, Semolina Cake in Syrup, and Rice Pilaf with Walnut, Currant, and Dried Apricots, all exemplifying the zero-waste movement.

The event also provided an opportunity for Minister Beatrice Anywar Atim to introduce and greet distinguished guests attending the Turkish Cuisine Week.

The Ambassador stated that Turkish Cuisine Week served as a celebration of Turk Aegean cuisine, promoting sustainability, cultural exchange, and cooperation between Turkey and Uganda.

He expressed, "The event aimed to foster stronger ties and explore avenues for collaboration in various sectors, including the environment, zero waste, healthcare, construction, and entrepreneurship."

Hasham Wahaib, CEO of Yuasa Investment Limited, stressed the importance of cultural interaction in fostering mutual understanding and business growth during a recent interview.

"Interacting between communities has always been helpful because we learn different norms and values from each other,"he emphasised.

Wahaib praised Uganda's potential in various sectors, particularly healthcare and agriculture, noting the influx of European students seeking medical education in the country.

Expressing optimism about the future of bilateral relations between Turkey and Uganda, he cited recent interactions between agro companies facilitated by the Turkish ambassador and affirmed, "I foresee an improvement in the agro sector between Turkey and Uganda shortly."

When asked about Ugandan investments in Turkey, Wahaib acknowledged the presence of Ugandan businesses, such as coffee shops, in Turkey.

He attributed his decision to invest in Uganda to the sense of security and warmth he experienced, echoing sentiments shared by fellow investors.