IntroductionOne of the best ways to experience a new culture is through its food. Recently, we had the pleasure of attending the First Turkish Breakfast event, organized by the Erasmus Office here in Çanakkale. It was a wonderful opportunity to immerse ourselves in the essence of Turkish hospitality and share this rich tradition with fellow Erasmus students. In this blog post, we’ll explore what makes Turkish breakfast special and reflect on our experience at the event.
What is a Turkish Breakfast?The Turkish breakfast, known as kahvaltı, is an iconic part of Turkish culture. It's not just a quick meal but rather a feast of flavors shared with friends and family.
Here’s a glimpse into some key elements of a traditional Turkish breakfast:
Fresh bread: Warm, freshly baked bread is the heart of the breakfast, served with an array of cheeses, jams, and spreads.
Cheese (peynir): A selection of cheeses, from tangy white cheese to rich aged kaşar, is a must on every Turkish breakfast table.
Olives (zeytin): Both green and black olives, sometimes marinated in olive oil and spices, add a burst of savory flavor.
Tomato and cucumber salad (domates ve salatalık): Fresh, crunchy vegetables bring a refreshing balance to the meal.
Eggs (yumurta): Whether in the form of menemen (scrambled eggs with tomatoes and peppers) or boiled eggs, they are always included.
Jams and honey (reçel ve bal): Sweet additions like homemade jams and honey, often paired with kaymak (clotted cream), are delightful treats.
Turkish tea (çay): Served in small tulip-shaped glasses, the never-ending flow of black tea ties the whole experience together.
Our Experience at the Erasmus Office’s Breakfast Event
We were honored to be invited to the First Turkish Breakfast event, hosted by the Erasmus Office. The aim was to introduce Erasmus students to this cornerstone of Turkish culture, and it certainly achieved that! Here are some highlights from the event:
Cultural Exploration: For many of the Erasmus students in attendance, this was their first encounter with a Turkish breakfast. The mix of sweet and savory dishes sparked interest, and conversations quickly turned to how breakfasts differ across cultures.
Warm Atmosphere: The Erasmus Office did a fantastic job of creating a welcoming and cozy environment. The tables were filled with traditional dishes, and the atmosphere was filled with friendly chatter.
Community Spirit: As we shared this meal, we felt a sense of connection with the other Erasmus students. Food has a unique ability to bring people together, and this event was a perfect example of that.
ConclusionThe Erasmus Office’s First Turkish Breakfast was more than just a meal—it was an invitation to experience Turkish culture in a unique way. As participants, we not only enjoyed delicious food but also made new connections and strengthened our sense of community. This event served as a perfect introduction to the warmth and hospitality of Turkey, leaving everyone looking forward to more cultural experiences during their Erasmus journey.
You can watch our after event reels on instagram : https://www.instagram.com/p/DBUQhMVNBAl/
