Turkish cuisine is largely the heritage of Ottoman cuisine, which can be described as a fusion and refinement of Central Asian, Middle Eastern and Balkan cuisines. Turkish cuisine is largely the heritage of Ottoman cuisine, which can be described as a fusion and refinement of Central Asian, Middle Eastern and Balkan cuisines. Turkish cuisine has in turn influenced those and other neighbouring cuisines, including that of western Europe. Turkish cuisine has in turn influenced those and other neighbouring cuisines, including that of western Europe.

YUSUF HAS HACİB KAŞGARLI MAHMUD YUSUF HAS HACİB KAŞGARLI MAHMUD Yusuf Has Hacib and Kaşgarlı Mahmud who are the greatest Turkish writers in the 11th century gave us very detailed information on Turkish cuisine. Yusuf Has Hacib and Kaşgarlı Mahmud who are the greatest Turkish writers in the 11th century gave us very detailed information on Turkish cuisine.  Yusuf Has Hacip gave most of his attention to the preparation of feasts, and what should be served at such feasts; he also addressed Turkish table etiquette in the 11th century among young and old.  As for Kaşgarlı Mahmud, he introduces us to 11th century Turkish cuisine from the aspects both of space as well as its material culture, and also provides information, sometimes very detailed, on various dishes and their preparation.

 Tutmaç, which heads the Anatolian Selçuk and Ottoman kitchens registers, was the Turks’ most famous dish in the 11th century.  Tutmaç is still made today in various parts of Anatolia.  At the top of the list of other foods was certainly meat and meat dishes. In the 11th century, Turks ate mostly mutton.

 With a long history, the Turks have a rich culinary culture. This wealth is evident in the rich variety of foods. In addition, patterns of behavior have developed in relation to all foods and drinks.  Vegetables dishes are very important for Turks. A vegetable dish can be a main course in a Turkish meal. Spinach, leek, string bean and artichoke with olive oil are among the most widespread dishes in Turkey.

 Mercimek köfte, although being named köfte, does not contain any meat. Instead, red lentil is used as the major ingredient together with spring onion, tomato paste etc.  Imam bayildi is a version of karnıyarık with no minced meat inside. It can be served as a appetizers as well.  Fried eggplant and pepper is a common summer dish in Turkey. It is served with yoghurt or tomato sauce and garlic.  Mücver is prepared with grated squash, egg, onion, dill and cheese and flour. It can be either fried or cooked in the oven.

 In addition In Turkish cuisine the dolmas are famous. The best known is ‘’ Stuffedgrape Leaves’’.

 Homemade food is a must for Turkish people. Although the newly introduced way of life pushes the new generation to eat out, Turkish people generally prefer to eat at home.  A typical meal starts with soup, followed by a dish made with vegetables or legumes boiled in a pot, then rice or bulgur pilaf in addition of a salad or cacık (made from diluted yogurt and minced cucumbers).  Another typical meal is dried beans cooked with meat or pastırma mixed or eaten with rice pilav and cacık.

In generally, we observe the following characteristics in Turkish foods:  Nomadism and the agricultural economic structure have affected Turkish food.  Foods exhibit variety according to our country’s geographical regions.  Foods generally exhibit differentiation according to families’ socioeconomic level.  The variety of foods is indicative of reciprocal influence with other cultures.  Our cuisine is influenced by our religious structure, norms and values.  Eating habits display a certain degree of differentiation according to gender.

 Turks love eating and relishing food. Feast-like meals are not out of the ordinary in a Turkish home. If you are present in a Turkish home for breakfast, lunch or dinner, the variety and the effort put into preparing the table will be very evident. In Turkey, having people over for dinner or a tea party is a very common and frequent tradition which involves socializing. It is part of the society, the culture and tradition.

 Have you ever heard of Shish Kebab ? Pieces of lamb grilled over charcoal...A delicious Turkish dish, well known by people who have visited Istanbul...

 What about Döner Kebab ? A roll of lamb on a vertical skewer turning parallel to a hot grill...A typical Turkish dish..

 Turkish Yoghurt...Other specialties ;Pilav and Dolma The name given to grape leaves,or green peppers stuffed with rice and spices might not be familiar to you... The name given to grape leaves,or green peppers stuffed with rice and spices might not be familiar to you...

 But Turkish Turkish Delight and Baklava famous in worldwide.