Esteemed Ambassadors,

Ladies and Gentlemen,

Dear Friends,

Welcome to our residence for the annual Turkish Cuisine Week.

It is a pleasure to host you tonight as we celebrate the richness and diversity of Turkish cuisine, with a special focus this year on the vibrant, healthy, and sustainable traditions of the Turkaegean region.

Turkish cuisine is renowned for its variety, flavours, and the deep cultural heritage.

Our dining tables symbolize the spirit of sharing, solidarity, and hospitality, which are at the heart of our character.

From the Balkans to the Middle East and the Caucasus, Turkish cuisine has been deeply enriched by various cultures, traditions, spices, and tastes over the centuries.

As you may know, especially those who visited Türkiye, Turkish people enjoy long dinners with good company, family, and friends.

The dining table is a powerful conduit for communication, for solidarity, family ties, and sharing.

Sharing is the key word. And, we wanted to share Turkish food with you tonight in a memorable way.

Dear Guests,

Tonight, we delve into the heart of Turkaegean cuisine, a tradition rooted in history and steeped in the philosophy of healthy and sustainable eating.

This tradition, centred around the use of olive oil, embodies principles of zero-waste and respect for nature.

In 2010, UNESCO recognized the Mediterranean Diet as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, highlighting these coastal regions for their vegetables such as artichokes and zucchini blossoms, local herbs, and abundant seafood.

The Turkaegean region, known for its abundance, picturesque landscapes and centuries-old olive trees, has given rise to a culinary tradition that is both nourishing and environmentally conscious.

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

Tonight's menu showcases the essence of this philosophy.

The recent zero waste movement in Türkiye, which is spearheaded by our First Lady Emine Erdogan, is embraced by the entire country as it has its roots in our long-standing tradition.

In our cuisine for instance, every part of the ingredient is used, ensuring nothing goes to waste.

This philosophy is evident in our cooking methods, where even the simplest ingredients are transformed into something extraordinary.

Distinguished Guests,

As we embark on this culinary journey, guided by our Ministry of Culture and Tourism, we also pay tribute to the gastronomy book published under the guidance of our First Lady, titled "Turkish Cuisine with Timeless Recipes."

It contains healthy and recipes, as well as tips for a zero-waste kitchen, and preserves centuries-old traditional recipes in their original form for future generations.

Today, we are pleased to host Mr. Hüseyin Özer, one of the prominent chefs of London. Mr. Özer has been acting as a Gastronomy Ambassador of Türkiye in London for decades. During his presentation, he is going to delve into the finest features of the Turkaegean cuisine tonight.

Additionally, Mrs. Ayşe Özgür and Mrs. Asena Balsarı will provide us with insights on olive oil, and you will have the opportunity to taste their product. You know Türkiye is a prominent olive and olive oil country.

Thank you for joining us in this celebration of Turkaegean cuisine.

I hope you enjoy our rich culinary heritage.

Afiyet olsun!