The Italian Embassy in Ankara, Türkiye, recently hosted the 8th edition of the Italian Cuisine Week, a celebration of Italy’s rich culinary heritage.
This year’s event, held from November 13 to 19, was themed “At the Table with Italian Cuisine: Well-being with Taste,” focusing on the blend of taste and health in the Mediterranean diet.
The week-long celebration, an annual fixture, saw a series of events across Türkiye, including book launches, workshops, and collaborations with local businesses, social media influencers, and prominent figures from various industries. These events aimed to promote the “Made in Italy” brand and emphasize the significance of Italian cuisine as a cornerstone of a healthy lifestyle.
At the Venedik Palace in Istanbul, Italy’s ambassador to Ankara, Giorgio Marrapodi, introduced the book “VIP: Very Important Peperoncino” by Francesco Maria Spano. Ambassador Marrapodi highlighted the importance of the Mediterranean diet, with pepper as a key element, as a model for balanced nutrition accessible to all.
The event calendar also included the “MeeTurkItaly” initiative, supported by the embassy, to foster bilateral relations and innovation. Baskent University in Ankara hosted a workshop exploring traditional Italian flavors, involving lecturers and students.
The Italian Embassy in Ankara, along with the Consulates General in Istanbul and Izmir, promoted Italian gastronomic culture, focusing on regional specialties, healthy lifestyles, and sustainable consumption. Collaborations with shops, supermarkets, restaurants, cafes, and hotels in Türkiye’s three main cities were pivotal to the week’s success.
A highlight of the week was the promotion of Lorenza Scalisi’s book “Tutti i piatti dei Presidenti” (All the Dishes of the Presidents) at Casa d’Italia in Istanbul by the Italian Cultural Institute. The book showcases Italian culinary traditions as exhibited in the Quirinale Palace.
Furthermore, public diplomacy initiatives, including collaborations with Turkish and Italian influencers, played a significant role in the week’s activities. These influencers were carefully selected based on their adherence to Italian cuisine’s core values.
Elena Clemente, the Consul General in Istanbul, also promoted an episode of Masterchef Türkiye, which aired on November 16, further highlighting the week’s events.
The Italian Cuisine Week in Türkiye not only celebrated Italy’s culinary traditions but also reinforced the cultural and economic ties between Italy and Türkiye, emphasizing the universal appeal of Italian cuisine. (AA)
