Traditional Turkish Cuisine Week Kicks Off in Ashgabat

ASHGABAT, 21 May 2026 – The capital of Turkmenistan has seen the official launch of one of the year’s most anticipated cultural and gastronomic events: Turkish Cuisine Week. Held globally from May 21 to 27 under the auspices of the First Lady of the Republic of Türkiye, Mrs. Emine Erdoğan, this year’s international initiative marks its fifth anniversary under a profound and unifying motto: “Heritage at One Table” (Bir Sofrada Miras).

The special evening, which brought together representatives of ministries, the diplomatic corps, the media community, and bloggers in Ashgabat, was opened by the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Türkiye to Turkmenistan, Ahmet Demirok. In his welcoming remarks, the head of the diplomatic mission emphasized that the Turkish table is not merely a place for a meal, but a sacred space of social harmony, where a visitor is traditionally welcomed as a “Guest of God” (Tanrı Misafiri).

Modern Turkish gastronomy represents a unique archive of “unwritten history.” As the direct heir to the culinary culture of the Seljuk and Ottoman Empires, it has embraced and refined flavors from a vast geographical expanse spanning from the Balkans and the Caucasus to the Middle East and the Mediterranean.

“Through events hosted by Turkish diplomatic missions, we share more than just food; we share our history, hospitality, and values,” H.E. Ambassador Demirok noted in his speech.

The organizers of the Week place a special emphasis on sustainability and conscious consumption. The cornerstone of this global project is the book entitled Turkish Cuisine with Timeless Recipes, published under the leadership of Emine Erdoğan. As noted in the Ambassador’s speech, traditional Turkish cuisine is inherently waste-free. For centuries, every single ingredient has been treated with deep respect, transforming potential food waste into exquisite homemade sauces, vinegars, and seasonal pickles.

In line with the framework established by the Ministry of Culture and Tourism of the Republic of Türkiye, the 2026 program is built around three key pillars:

• Dialogue: The dining table serves as the ancient language of communication, creating shared meanings for representatives of different cultures.

• Transformation: The continuous transmission of culinary memory and craftsmanship across generations.

• Archive: The recognition of gastronomy as the most reliable custodian of historical heritage.

Within these thematic areas, special attention this year is dedicated to iconic dishes that have become symbols of solidarity. Among them is the famous Keşkek (a hearty dish of wheat and meat), inscribed on the UNESCO Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, as well as the legendary nomadic Mantı and the pinnacle of confectionery art, Baklava.

In an era looking for healthier and more conscious lifestyles, Turkish gastronomy offers ready-made solutions. Driven by a “field-to-table” philosophy, its rich biodiversity, abundance of fresh vegetables, grains, and olive oil dishes offer endless options for both vegetarian and traditional diets. Today, as gastronomy tourism has become a global trend, Türkiye is actively developing its “Ark of Taste” project (Ark of Flavours).

Throughout the evening, live music filled the air as classical Turkish compositions were performed on traditional instruments, the saz and kanun.

The gala evening in the Turkmen capital stood as a vivid testament to the unbreakable cultural ties between the two nations. The exquisite and authentic selection of delicacies presented to the guests was prepared with the generous sponsorship of the renowned company MADO, as well as through the dedication and talent of the diplomatic mission’s chefs and staff.

For an entire week, Anatolian lands are transformed into a global hub of historical and cultural flavors. However, anyone can partake in this heritage: all authentic recipes and detailed video tutorials have been made publicly available on the official portal turkishcuisineweek.com.

Turkish Cuisine Week in Ashgabat has only just begun, promising to be an unforgettable journey into the world of flavor, history, and genuine hospitality.

Аyna Atayeva.