"Do not dismiss the dish saying that it is just, simply food. The blessed
thing in an entire civilization in itself!"
-Abdulhak Sinesi
As a child grows within the
society in which it was born, one of the first inducements of its socialization
is food. A child is conditioned to like to eat the things that everyone
else also likes to eat. This socialization is so successful that years
later, though enjoying the sampling of foods of many other cultures, he
will still find most comforting the food he first ate. Not only is food
a bond to the present society, but it is also a bond to the past. For example,
the history of the Turkish region of Anatolia spans 1000 years and the
culture of the city has held onto the foods of those 1000 years. Eating
there, one can literally ingest history!
Turkey has been throughout
its history a gateway for the East and the West, and also a powerful conquering
nations. Turkey also dominated the Spice Road for many years. The
result is a strong identity of Turkishness, with hints of European and
Asian flavors, producing a unique, interesting cuisine.
I plan to travel to Turkey
to discover its cuisine. I will explore the markets, learn the properties
of the spices, sample the foods, and learn to prepare them myself. I plan
on visiting the spice markets of Istanbul, and the morning markets of the
various smaller towns. I hope that shop keepers of sweet and bread stores
will be kind enough to let me tour through their kitchens. I also hope
to spend time in a home environment, and learn various recipes and family
dishes from "Mom." The most thrilling opportunity would be a more formal
dinner or, hopefully, a wedding feast!
When learning the cuisine
of a country or culture, one also learns of the culture surrounding the
food. Certain winter foods, certain summer foods, some only for this feast
or that, the utensils, the method of serving, the preferred environment
in which to eat... all reveal the culture of those who eat. Moreover, the
communal act of eating together, with good food and good company, can be
memorable and sublime. My best memories are of food shared.
I believe in the culture
of food and its central place in our lives. I look forward to adding Turkish
food to my knowledge and skill and thank the Goliard committee for giving
me this opportunity. Of course, a banquet for you will be forthcoming upon
my return!