The Ambassador of the Republic of Türkiye to Sri Lanka, Dr Semih Lütfü Turgut, and Madam Leyla Turgut hosted a vibrant World Breakfast Day celebration at the historic Galle Face Hotel on Sunday (14), highlighting Türkiye’s rich culinary heritage and globally celebrated breakfast culture.
The event, attended by media personnel and guests, focused on promoting Türkiye’s traditional breakfast customs, widely regarded as a symbol of hospitality, unity and cultural identity.
Addressing the gathering, Ambassador Dr Turgut underscored the significance of World Breakfast Day, noting that it is observed worldwide by Turkish diplomatic missions as part of efforts to strengthen cultural understanding and people-to-people ties.
This year’s celebration featured an elaborate breakfast spread comprising six varieties of olives and 14 varieties of cheese, offering guests an authentic taste of Türkiye’s diverse culinary landscape.
Ambassador Dr Turgut, while briefing attendees, explained the importance of olives and cheese in Turkish daily life, stating that they are “integral components” of the traditional Turkish breakfast table. He further noted that Türkiye is home to numerous varieties of both cheese and olives, reflecting the country’s rich agricultural diversity and regional culinary traditions.
Guests were also treated to a range of other Turkish breakfast staples, including fresh bread, honey, jams, vegetables, and traditional Turkish tea, all of which form part of the distinctive Turkish morning table.
The Ambassador emphasised that Turkish breakfast is not merely a meal but a cultural ritual that brings families and communities together, while also serving as a platform for cultural diplomacy and international friendship.
The event concluded with guests sampling the traditional spread, marking a flavourful celebration of Türkiye’s culinary identity in the heart of Colombo.
By Rishar Saleem
