Returning to Our Roots: The National Cuisine Movement in Samarkand

The National Cuisine Movement took part in a major international event in Samarkand, Uzbekistan, from 22 to 25 March. The event was held in the ancient cultural city within the framework of UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. Dr Gökhan Yılmaz and Dr Mehmet Selman Bayındır represented the Movement, presenting the deep roots, cultural richness, and distinctive flavours of Turkish cuisine. Their presentations received great appreciation from participating countries.

The event reaffirmed that Turkish cuisine is not only a tradition of flavour, but also a bearer of history, identity, and civilisation, and strengthened the Movement’s international vision. President Öner Çulfaz said: “With thousands of years of knowledge, geographical richness, and cultural variety, Turkish cuisine is one of the world’s great culinary heritages. We work with all our strength to preserve this unique legacy, develop it, and introduce it properly in every corner of the world. Representing our country at such an important international event in a city steeped in history like Samarkand has been a great honour.”

“Our goal is not only to promote Turkish cuisine, but to establish it as an instrument of culinary diplomacy and share our nation’s cultural values with the world through the table. Get ready: we are returning to our roots and rising from our ashes. We come to nourish, bring abundance, and share.”