Turkish Cuisine Week Celebrated in Yenişehir

The Turkish Cuisine Week activities were celebrated in Yenişehir. Speaking at the program held at Sinan Pasha Complex, Yenişehir Mayor Ercan Özel said, “Yenişehir is not only an agricultural city, but also a gastronomy city. Our goal is to preserve this valuable heritage, pass it on to future generations, and contribute to its promotion worldwide.” The Turkish Cuisine Week, declared by the Ministry of Culture and Tourism and celebrated every year between May 21-27, started with a lunch at Sinan Pasha Complex hosted by Yenişehir Municipality and Yenişehir District Governorship. The event was attended by Yenişehir Mayor Ercan Özel, Deputy Governor Rıza Gençoğlu, Yenişehir District Governor Mustafa Güney, and district protocol. Local delicacies prepared by Yenişehir Entrepreneur Women’s Association were served to the provincial and district protocol. Mayor Ercan Özel, speaking at the event, said, “Today, we have come together to celebrate and promote the rich and deep-rooted Turkish cuisine. As Yenişehir Municipality, it is a great pleasure for us to meet with you at this event organized in cooperation with our District Governorate. Turkish cuisine is not only appreciated worldwide for its taste but also as an important part of our cultural heritage. Here today, we will have the opportunity to discover the different flavors of this unique cuisine. Each dish reflects our history, culture, and geography.”
Emphasizing that Yenişehir Plain is among the top 3 plains in terms of soil quality, Mayor Ercan Özel said, “There is a soil quality that gives a unique aroma and flavor to the planted product. Yenişehir is not only an agricultural city but also a gastronomy city. With the geographical indication we have obtained, 20 different dishes can be made from the Yenişehir pepper. Our famous Yenişehir pepper has managed to enter all kitchens around the world. Our district Yenişehir has made one of the biggest contributions to our gastronomy-rich Bursa. Our delicious local dishes unique to Yenişehir have managed to take their place in the ‘From the Ottoman Empire to the Republic Bursa Cuisine Feast’ book prepared by Bursa Governorship in 2019.”
Giving examples of local flavors, Mayor Özel said, “Our appetizers such as Petla (Garlic Pastry), Yeast-Free Pastry, Piruhi, Sulu Hamur; our main dishes such as yogurt kebab, Piyaz, Şipit, Stuffed Turkey, Chestnut Stuffed Chicken have shaped the palate of our local people throughout history. We also have dishes that we have developed culturally over the years. For example, the best walnut Turkish delight is eaten in Yenişehir. The foam halva of Yenişehir is famous. Especially our district-specific dishes and desserts will be present at this event. Our local dishes such as our Meatballs, Halva, and Walnut Turkish delight will introduce the taste heritage of these lands to our guests. Each dish on our tables tells a story that extends from the past to the present and connects us with our cultural roots. The aim of our event is to preserve this valuable heritage, pass it on to future generations, and contribute to its promotion worldwide. Our gastronomy is not just a way of eating but also a way of life. Supporting local producers, promoting sustainable agriculture, and spreading healthy eating are also among our goals. I wish for the Turkish Cuisine Week to be celebrated with enthusiasm in our district, Bursa, our country, and all over the world, and I hope you enjoy this beautiful event.”
Yenişehir District Governor Mustafa Güney said, “In addition to being the capital of peppers, we are also one of the best districts in Turkey in terms of dairy and meat products. Yenişehir is one of the most beautiful districts of Bursa in terms of gastronomy. Therefore, the Turkish Cuisine Week suits us very well.” Vice Governor Rıza Gençoğlu said, “We organized our event under the patronage of the wife of our President, Emine Erdoğan, in a short time. I would like to thank Mayor Ercan Özel, District Governor Mustafa Güney, and all those involved in this regard.”