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Türkiye’s Permanent Mission to the United Nations Office in Geneva hosted a vibrant event spotlighting the nation's rich gastronomy as part of Turkish Cuisine Week. The culinary showcase was held at the International Labour Organization (ILO) headquarters, bringing together diplomats and international guests to celebrate Türkiye's time-honored food traditions.
The event opened with remarks by ILO Director-General Gilbert F. Houngbo, Türkiye’s Permanent Representative to the U.N. Office in Geneva, Ambassador Burak Akcapar, and his wife, Sebnem Akcapar. Distinguished guests included ILO Regional Director for Europe and Central Asia Beate Andrees, Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) Geneva Representative Kemal Koprulu, Türkiye’s Consul General in Geneva Ipek Zeytinoglu Ozkan, Turkish Airlines Geneva Director Huseyin Avni Gumrukcuoglu, and Eldora Catering official Benjamin Dupont-Gras.
With support from Turkish Airlines, the event featured a carefully curated menu by Chef Omer Sarikaya, offering guests a taste of Türkiye’s timeless flavors. Dishes included lentil soup, imam bayildi, rice pilaf with orzo, tantuni, and the ever-popular baklava.
The event space was adorned with Turkish flags, creating a festive atmosphere as guests eagerly sampled the traditional delicacies.
Celebrated every year from May 21 to 27, Turkish Cuisine Week is marked in Türkiye and across its diplomatic missions abroad. This year’s Geneva edition underlined the growing role of cultural diplomacy in promoting Türkiye’s culinary heritage and national identity on the international stage.
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