Turkish first lady highlights African culinary culture at New York event

By Seda Sevencan

ISTANBUL (AA) — Turkish first lady Emine Erdogan on Tuesday emphasized the unifying power of food during a cultural event in New York, celebrating African cuisine and culture.

Following the event, Erdogan on X expressed her pleasure at hosting the event, "Flavors of Africa: A Feast of Culture, Cuisine, and Friendship," with guests including the spouses of world leaders and representatives of international organizations.

The event also featured the launch of a cookbook of African cuisine at the Turkish House in New York.

"Like in Türkiye and various cultures around the world, the table in Africa unites differences with harmony and hearts with affection," Erdogan said, noting the rich culinary heritage of the African continent.

"To present this treasure to the shared memory of humanity, we prepared the book, African Food Culture," she said.

"The book features traditional recipes, along with the human experience behind them," she said, expressing hope that it will help preserve friendship, strengthened with opening of an "African Culture House" in Türkiye's capital Ankara to promote the African culture.