European Capitals of Culture Reception

The theme of the menu served for a reception hosted by Istanbul Centre in Brussels on 7 October 2008, is “The Abundance of the Empire”.

For this reception, the majority of the dishes have been selected from the banquets and wedding receptions held at the Seraglio or from wealthy families’ Konaks during the 15th-16th centuries. It was the period of the Empire’s strength and wealth, where income came from all neighbouring conquered territories.

Food was available in abundance. There were plenty of cereals, rice, spices, poultry, game, lamb and cattle, which came not only from Anatolia but also from other countries in the Empire where everyone benefited from the success of international trade. Spices arrived via Egypt; cattle came from the Balkans; cereals, poultry, game, honey and fruit from Anatolia. Persia produced rice, saffron and caviar, Mesopotamia supplied wheat, and the seas brought a variety of fish.

Trying to mix all sorts of aromatics and herbs by setting the rules and composing the most sacred recipes, the Guild created their own Culinary Arts. Sweet and rich flavours, scented ingredients like ambergris, musk, rose water and gold leafs were esteemed by their Western counterparts.

We have been honoured to bring the “potpourri” of the dishes produced from the most exquisite composition of ingredients. This has been accomplished by respecting the originality of the recipes – sometimes just scribbles – and also by softening the richness and adjusting to today’s palates of the connoisseurs.

Afiyet olsun... (“Enjoy your meal!”)