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Peking University, one of China’s most prestigious academic institutions, launched Turkish Cuisine Week as part of its annual International Culture Festival, showcasing Türkiye’s rich culinary heritage and cultural traditions to Chinese students and faculty.
The opening ceremony and luncheon took place at the university’s main campus, hosted at the West Cuisine Restaurant. Türkiye’s Ambassador to China Selcuk Unal, Director of the Yunus Emre Institute Cultural Center in Beijing Eyup Saritas, and Peking University’s Vice President Dong Ciyong attended the event.
In his address, Ambassador Unal emphasized that Türkiye and China represent two great civilizations with deep-rooted histories and diverse cultural legacies.
He recalled the centuries-old trade and cultural exchange along the historic Silk Road, which helped connect the peoples of both nations.
Unal highlighted that even during the turmoil of World War II, Türkiye maintained its diplomatic mission in China and stood in solidarity with the Chinese people. “Our friendship with China is enduring,” he said, stressing that educational cooperation between the two countries contributes not only to academic development but also to stronger diplomatic and cultural ties.
He also expressed his appreciation for the establishment of the Center for Turkish Studies at Peking University, calling it a symbol of growing intellectual collaboration.
He noted his hope that academic exchanges would expand beyond history and language to include future-oriented fields such as agriculture and environmental studies.
Eyup Saritas, head of the Yunus Emre Institute Cultural Center and an alumnus of Peking University, thanked his alma mater for its support in organizing the event.
He underlined that the Center remains open to all students and researchers interested in Türkiye’s cultural heritage.
Vice President Dong described Türkiye as a country “at the crossroads of the Silk Road” with remarkable historical depth. “Turkish cuisine carries the vastness of Central Asian steppes, the richness of Middle Eastern bazaars, and the freshness of the Mediterranean sun all at once,” he said.
Dong also noted that Peking University values cooperation and dialogue among cultures and continues joint projects with Turkish universities such as Istanbul University and Bogazici University in language education, Silk Road studies, and innovation.
As part of the ceremony, Peking University awarded Sedat Karakas—who operates Turkish restaurants in 14 locations across China—the title of International Ambassador of Flavor in recognition of his contribution to promoting Turkish gastronomy.
Cultural artist Ozlem Copur, officially recognized by Türkiye’s Ministry of Culture, performed a live demonstration of Ebru, or Turkish marbling art, which is listed by UNESCO as part of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.
Chinese guests enthusiastically tried their hand at this centuries-old decorative art.
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