Thanks to a wonderful event called Mediterranean Culinary Days (admirably organized by Adnan Sahin, the president of the Anatolian Folk Cuisine Association), I spent three days in Antakya (Antioch), a city in the province of Hatay, in Anatolia. There, the wind blows with abandon, sweeping this busy, cacaphonic spot free of dust. With a bustling center that smells of peppers and smoke, Antakya is a blend of old and new, where licorice tea is poured from brass urns worn on the backs of traditionally costumed vendors, and the sinuous market offers everything from peppers on strings to the latest Pink Martini CD.
The goal of this event was to showcase the gastronomic traditions of the Hatay region, and to share Mediterranean culinary influences among the group. I was there representing my adopted country, which I did by preparing four French dishes for a crowd. Teams from other Mediterranean countries, including Tunisia and Montenegro, Algeria, Morocco, Italy, Spain and Lebanon, were there too. Together we learned and taught.
Hatay didn’t stint in its generosity as it portrayed its vividly flavored and colored gastronomic heritage that hearkens to the Ottoman empire, the Berbers, and a dozen cultures in between. We saw, we tasted, we listened, we experienced the depth of an ancient culture that is fully present in the 21st century.
Aside from tasting and seeing so many rich gastronomic emblems of Hatay and the Mediterranean, the blend of cultures in this lively crowd said one thing. Through sharing our cuisines and sitting together at table we not only get along, we do it deliciously!
great Photos susan!!! beautiful!
Cathy, Thank you!!!!!
Beautiful pictures–so interesting. We are hoping to visit Turkey in a few years.
I highly recommend Turkey. It’s a gorgeous place, the people are wonderful, the food is bright and can be very sophisticated. And it’s just so beautiful!
Great photos! And I love the way they “do breakfast” in Turkey….never any raisin bran in sight!
Linda, this made me laugh. Nope, not a grain nor a dried grape anywhere! Lots of cheese, olives, figs, grapes, breads freshly baked…so healthy and so delicious!
Very interesting trip! Thanks.
Nan, Thank you, it was!
Wow Susan, thank you for sharing these lovely photos….looks like peace can be created “one dish at a time!”
I’ve always thought that. It was a motivating force for my early adventures studying cooking in France. I’m still convinced.
I found this fascinating and will share this with other Cuisinettes.
Nancy
Thank you, Nancy!
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Thank you!
I’m drooling!
It WAS delicious, Becky!
Thank you — will make a small plate of olives and red peppers immediately after send– best – Paulette Perrien
Enjoy, then make some hummous!
I am so jealous. Turkey is on my bucket list and your photos made me move it up on my bucket list. What a great time.
Now now, jealousy not allowed! But move up Turkey, for certain. It’s the greatest juxtaposition between then and now that I know.
Wonderful to see you in Turkey — and you were with Filiz!!!
Sara – yes, I was with Filiz and we had such a good time. What a wonderful place…I remember my first visit and my talk about “blue fish” – remember?
OMG!!!!! Susan this looks so amazing I’m so happy for you!
Gina, It was a wonderful experience!
Hi Susan, I love your reminder through your comments and charming photos that sharing delicious food is also sharing the bounty of our common humanity. Thanks for being such an excellent ambassador!
Sarah, food is the touchstone for sharing, for understanding, for communicating. Now, to get that message out there….Thank you, and great to hear from you!
Susan, thank you so much for sharing your incredible culinary adventure(s). Your pictures tell a beautiful, peaceful story…much taken to heart.
Jean , thank you for your lovely comment!
Food for thought…
If more of us valued food and cheer and song above hoarded gold, it would be a merrier world.
J.R.R. Tolkien
Thank you for this!
Great photos. That kind of food tastes better in the sunshine. I’m hungry now but it’s raining and cool outside so I’m envious. Susan, what dishes did you contribute. Barb
Barb, The dishes are all fantastic. We did praline almonds, chilled puree of cucumber with seasoned fresh cheese, my “famous” tomato tubes with mozzarella, a wonderful dish of melted peppers, chicken cooked briefly with lots of basil and a touch of cream, this we stacked in lovely rounds. Not a drop was left.
I expected a recipe for poultry? Joe Fajerman
Joe, tk, as we say in the business. To come!
My son and his family are moving to Turkey this year. I can’t wait to visit them and taste some of this delicious food.
Lauri,
You will not just love the food, but the people as well. Turkey is such a special place.