Bursa cuisine is showcased in the historical square

Within the scope of the Turkish Cuisine Week activities organized by the Bursa Metropolitan Municipality, a program called ‘Bursa Cuisine with Bursa Women’s Cooperatives’ was held at the historical Silk Road Square. The event, where Bursa’s local flavors and products were exhibited, attracted great attention from the citizens. The ‘Turkish Cuisine Week’, coordinated by the Presidency and the Ministry of Culture and Tourism, held between May 21-27, was celebrated in Bursa with colorful activities. The program ‘Bursa Cuisine with Bursa Women’s Cooperatives’, organized by the Bursa Metropolitan Municipality under the coordination of the Bursa Governorate, took place at the Silk Road Square in the Historical Market and Inns District with the intense interest of the citizens. Women’s cooperatives and women’s associations operating in different districts of the city opened stands at the event, where geographical indication products and local flavors were introduced. In the program where Bursa’s famous chefs shared their experiences, colorful and delicious images emerged. The opening ceremony of the program was attended by Bursa Metropolitan Municipality Mayor Mustafa Bozbey, Bursa Members of Parliament Emine Yavuz Gözgeç and Emel Gözükara Durmaz, Deputy Governor Rıza Gençoğlu, Provincial Director of Culture and Tourism Kamil Özer, Head of Foreign Relations Department Pınar Işıkyıldız, women’s cooperatives, women’s associations, representatives of gastronomy associations, students, and citizens. Browsing the stands and chatting with the citizens, Mayor Mustafa Bozbey tasted the local flavors and thanked the women for their efforts. Mayor Bozbey expressed that Bursa is a city that presents its abundance with agricultural products gifted by its fertile lands, water sources, and suitable climate. Stating that throughout history, Bursa has hosted many civilizations, Mayor Bozbey pointed out that the city’s cuisine culture has enriched through this diversity. He highlighted the importance of women in preserving traditional recipes and creating innovative flavors that contribute significantly to Bursa’s gastronomy tourism. Mayor Bozbey emphasized the significance of their efforts in introducing these flavors to the world and making them recognized. Mayor Bozbey also mentioned that women’s involvement in production elevates the general welfare of the society and described women’s cooperatives as locomotives for economic and social development. He underlined that supporting women’s cooperatives is a responsibility for everyone. Mayor Bozbey mentioned the rich heritage of Bursa’s cuisine and expressed his belief in collectively advancing this heritage further and adding new ones to the city’s geographical indication products. Deputy Governor Rıza Gençoğlu stated that the Turkish Cuisine Week activities were celebrated fittingly in Bursa and thanked the Metropolitan Municipality, district municipalities, and governorates for their contributions to the organization of the programs. Provincial Director of Culture and Tourism Kamil Özer emphasized that kitchen culture and gastronomy now occupy an important place in the tourism sector and explained that our rich culture can be passed down to future generations healthily through the Turkish Cuisine Week. Following the speeches, Mayor Mustafa Bozbey, Deputy Governor Rıza Gençoğlu, Bursa Members of Parliament Emine Yavuz Gözgeç, Emel Gözükara Durmaz, and Provincial Director of Culture and Tourism Kamil Özer presented plaques to the producer women’s cooperatives for their efforts. The program continued with the presentation of geographical indication products named ‘Bursa Table’ by Chef Barış Uysal. Afterwards, a panel titled ‘The sustainability of Bursa cuisine and waste-free kitchen’, moderated by Faculty Member Fatih Yıldırım from Bursa Uludağ University, was held with the speakers Faculty Member Hakan Güleç from Ankara Başkent University, Faculty Member Erdoğan Bozan from Bursa Uludağ University, and Chef Barış Uysal. Following the panel, the ‘Kitchen’ discussions presented by Chef Dr. Esat Özaka attracted great interest. The events continued with a concert by Chef Dr. Aysel Gürel and the gastromusic chorus.