Culinary Programs

IDEE Culinary Programs

TURKISH CUISINE

The history of the Turkish people stretches from Central Asia to Europe. Turks are descendants of nomadic tribes who began moving westward from the plains of Mongolia and Central Asia in the 6th century.

Of the many Anatolian states known to history, two made major contributions to the development of Turkish culinary arts. In 1047, the Seljuks' victory in Manzikert opened up Anatolia, the steppe between the Black Sea and the Mediterranean, to Turkish settlement.

Two centuries later, the Ottomans became the ruling power. The Turkish cuisine reached perfection during the Ottoman times and is widely accepted as one of the three great cuisines in the world along with Chinese and French.

Turkish recipes reflect a diverse cultural heritage. Blends of flavors from over 30 civilizations have produced tantalizing food enjoyed throughout the world.

Idee Travel presents Turkish Cooking Classes

Epicures and gourmets are invited to Istanbul to enjoy the Turkish cuisine and attend seminars offered by leading Turkish chefs.

Learn all about the cooking culture of Ottomans and Anatolian Civilizations during this delicious experience.
Experiment with local organic ingredients and explore the richness of the cuisine.

COOKING CLASSES AT VARIOUS LOCATIONS

The courses are available in English, German, or French.

Be a part of tradition and hospitality in an extraordinary setting.

Culinary Excursions to Cappadocia

Central Turkey houses one of the most fascinating places on Earth, Cappadocia. Ancient eruptions of Mount Erciyes created a thick layer of lava, which was eroded by wind and rain to create the chimney-like formations you see today.

Since Hittite times, hundreds of years before the Christian era, the inhabitants of the area carved houses and subterranean cities into this lava rock.

Cappadocia is a prime agricultural region with orchards and vineyards. Small wineries experiment with the region's grapes and enjoy pleasant results.

Hands-on Cooking Classes in a Country Kitchen:

IDEE guests will visit the local farmers' markets to buy fresh produce for the cooking class that will take place in the magnificent cave dwellings in the oldest part of the Uchisar Village.

Seasonal highlights include the annual wine festival and a hot-air balloon trip. The balloon tour starts at sun rise and lasts two hours. Flying over the amazing fairy chimneys and valleys is a great way to visit the Magic Land of Cappadocia.

Marvel at the landscape, visit pottery and rug weaving masters, go bird watching. Sightseeing tours in Cappadocia include the following options:

Derinkuyu Underground Cities.
Paşa Valley
Goreme Open Air Museum
Ihlara Valley
Urgup
Mustafa Pasha Village

PRICE

Prices vary according to location, food type, and group size.

Please consult your Travel Designer at IDEE for the program of your choice.

HISTORY OF TURKISH WINE

Viniculture started in Asia Minor. Records dating back to 4000BC show that the first vineyards in the world were discovered at the foot of Mount Ararat, consistent with the story of Noah's love of drink.

In Turkey, the best wines come from the Marmara, Thrace, and Central Anatolian regions. Since the farmers avoid using synthetic fertilizers, Turkish wine retains a true natural flavor and is famous for its bouquet and brilliant color.

Currently, Turkey is the 5th largest grape producer in the world.

www.sarafin.com
www.turasan.com
www.kavaklidere.com
www.diren.com
www.doluca.com

Tastes of Turkey

The Turkish Cuisine belongs to the league of great cuisines of world and is known to be the most nutrioally-balanced cuisine.

Turkish Delicacie

Asri Turşucu
Asri has been selling pickled vegetables and fruits since 1938.

Kurukahveci Mehmet Efendi
Follow the fragrant smell of finely ground Turkish coffee at the Spice Bazaar.

Bebek Badem Ezmesi
Located in the chic Bebek area, this charming shop sells classic Turkish almond candy and mouth-watering sweets with pistachio nuts. Vefa Bozacisi Boza, a very popular cold beverage in Turkey, is made with fermented wheat. Sprinkle some cinammon to taste.