On November 12, 2019, at 6 p.m., the Yunus Emre Institute (Turkish Cultural Centre) presented a public exhibition, conference, and tasting of traditional Ottoman desserts at Palazzo Lancellotti in Rome.
The event was organized by the Yunus Emre Institute in collaboration with the municipalities of Ordu and Ünye in Turkey’s Black Sea region, along with CATOM, a local NGO, and the Association of Women Entrepreneurs of Ünye. The program included a photographic exhibition, a display of kitchen and table accessories, and a conference on the role and significance of desserts in Turkish rituals, celebrations, and daily life. A professional pastry chef performed live demonstrations of two renowned Turkish dessert recipes, followed by tastings of traditionally prepared Turkish sweets accompanied by explanations from local business representatives.
Speakers and Delegation
The event featured speakers including Mustafa Hamarat, deputy for the city of Ordu; Hüseyin Tavli, mayor of Ünye; Selma Hasdemir, president of the Association of Women Entrepreneurs and CATOM; and Ihsan Akbulut, director of the Ünye Museum. Sevim Aktaş, director of the Yunus Emre Institute in Rome, introduced the proceedings. The visiting delegation from Ordu and Ünye planned subsequent institutional visits to Ascoli Piceno and the Island of Burano in Venice, cities known for traditional lace production, to explore possible twinning arrangements and collaboration on the Institute’s craftwork festival, a project scheduled for coming years in both Turkey and Italy.
Regional Focus
The Ordu and Ünye region, located on Turkey’s Black Sea coast, is known for hazelnuts, tea, cheese, and handmade textiles. The event showcased the culinary and cultural traditions of this territory to the Italian public and press.
Frequently asked questions
Where and when was the event held?
The event took place on November 12, 2019, at 6 p.m. at Palazzo Lancellotti in Rome, home to the Yunus Emre Institute.
What were the main components of the program?
The event consisted of a photographic exhibition, a display of kitchen and table accessories, a conference on the cultural significance of Ottoman desserts, live cooking demonstrations of two famous Turkish desserts by a professional pastry chef, and a tasting of traditionally prepared sweets.
Which Turkish cities were represented?
Ordu and Ünye, municipalities in Turkey’s Black Sea region known for hazelnuts, tea, cheese, and handmade textiles, were represented by their officials and local business representatives.
