Turkish communications director highlights gastrodiplomacy ahead of NATO summit

Türkiye’s Communications Director Burhanettin Duran welcomed international journalists in Ankara on Sunday, explaining the nation’s strategic use of its culinary heritage to foster global understanding ahead of the July 7-8 NATO summit. “Sometimes, a shared meal on a table can say what pages of documents cannot,” Duran said at the dinner in the Turkish capital. He emphasized that the personal nature of sharing food often facilitates deeper mutual understanding than formal diplomacy, characterising cuisine as one of the “most direct, most sincere, and most enduring expressions of soft power.”

Philosophy of the ‘Heritage Table’

Duran elaborated on the cultural philosophy of the Turkish dining table, describing it as a circle where everyone sits at an equal distance, free from hierarchy. He highlighted the local expression "the bond of shared bread and salt" to illustrate the deep connection formed between those who eat together. “A cup of coffee is remembered for 40 years,” Duran remarked, citing a traditional proverb to underscore how simple hospitality can create lifelong friendships. He noted that Gaziantep, Hatay, and Afyonkarahisar are recognised members of the UNESCO Creative Cities Network in the field of gastronomy, reflecting the richness of the country’s heritage. Duran credited the leadership of first lady Emine Erdogan for enhancing the international visibility of the nation's food through initiatives such as Turkish Cuisine Week, presented alongside universal values including sustainability, "zero waste," and the protection of local production.

International media praise

International journalists covering the NATO summit praised Türkiye’s gastrodiplomacy while highlighting the nation's pivotal role in regional security and alliance cohesion. Iris Tao from American media said she was impressed by Duran's emphasis on the power of food to unite different cultures and the idea that sharing a meal is more powerful than diplomatic documents. Peter Ernstved Rasmussen from Danish media characterised Türkiye as "the bridge to the east," emphasising the necessity to "maintain the good relationship between East and West." Daniel Tkiie from Ukrainian media expressed hope for "strong unity" regarding support for Kyiv, highlighting Türkiye’s "unique position" to serve as a mediator between Ukraine and Russia.