Aiming to increase the brand value in tourism with gastronomy, the most delicious cultural heritage that tells the history, traditions and identities of societies by tasting them, world-famous chefs in Manavgat have signed every plate with Cretan flavors with artistic touches.
At the second tasting event of the International Manavgat Crete to Side Culture and Flavor Festival hosted by the Manavgat Municipality, flavor wizards Maria Ekmekçioğlu, Esat Özata, Dilek Yetkiner, Pasquale Lembo, Apostolos Altanis, Ioannis Koufos and Argyrios Kontakis prepared the legendary dishes of Cretan cuisine. The veteran chefs who came to Side from Crete, Thessaloniki, Italy, Istanbul and Izmir explained the recipes, tricks and places of the dishes named “Norma”, “Shrimp Saganaki”, “Creto Pitaka”, “Stuffed Zucchini Blossoms with Gum Artichoke”, “Pumpkin and Herb Meatballs”, “Katsikaki Me Maratho Ke Askolimbrus” in detail.
At the feast of flavors at Side Antique Port, Manavgat Mayor Niyazi Nefi Kara thanked the chefs who interpreted the Cretan cuisine, which stands out as the representative of naturalness and healthy living in world culinary culture, with its olive oil dishes, dishes made with wild herbs, fresh seafood and appetizers that leave a mark on the palate, with modern touches.
“We want Manavgat to be the star of taste, culture and sustainable tourism”
Emphasizing that the Cretans who migrated to Manavgat before the population exchange added flavor to the history of Side with their deep-rooted culture, hospitality and unique culinary heritage, and made this ancient city one of the most special meeting points of the Mediterranean, Mayor Kara said, “We are proud to share the richness of these lands with the world by bringing together the recipes of Crete with the historical atmosphere of Side. We want Manavgat to be a popular tourism destination with its sea, sun, natural beauties and historical values as well as its gastronomic riches. We want Manavgat to be the star of flavor, culture and sustainable tourism. We will protect and continue to develop our diversity without forgetting or allowing others to forget it. We will continue on our path with determination by adding new ones to each of our values.”
The tasting event was enlivened by the show of the Mersin Metropolitan Municipality Folk Dance Group. The dances performed to Cretan music, the voice of a soul that brings together the freedom of the sea and the resistance of centuries in the same melody, received great applause.
Important names talked about the Crete-Side friendship established through culinary culture
Another important event of the festival was the talk titled “Taste Journey from Crete to Side”. The talk was moderated by Palace and Cultural Historian Çağrı Başkurt on the stage near the Temple of Apollo, and the talks of Chef-Aegean and Exchange Cuisine Specialist Dilek Yetkiner, President of the International Agricultural Association Seda Özel, and Chef-Author-Turkey and Crete Gastronomy Relations Representative Maria Ekmekçioğlu were listened to with interest by hundreds of people who filled the square.
Dilek Yetkiner emphasized that the unifying power of the table between Crete and Side is very high. Describing Cretan cuisine as “very emotional, very healthy and full of stories”, Dilek Yetkiner explained that olive oil, tomatoes, potatoes and cheese play a major role in the flavors created.
Seda Özel shared her thoughts on the question, “What did the Cretans bring to Side, what did they take from Crete?” Seda Özel, who stated that Manavgat is a very rich region in terms of plant diversity, explained that the synthesis of the Yoruk culture and the Cretan culture emerged in Side. She explained that the Cretans who settled in Anatolian cities made great contributions to the Izmir, Muğla, Antalya and Mersin regions in olive production, increasing the flavor of olive oil with different techniques, viticulture, grape and artichoke production.
Maria Ekmekçioğlu said that the “great story from Crete to Side and from Side to Crete” is a unifying journey. Maria Ekmekçioğlu, who stated that she worked hard to learn the Turkish names of herbs used in Cretan dishes while preparing for the festival, said that she was very surprised when she came to Side to see that herbs were known by their Cretan names. Maria Ekmekçioğlu stated that they strengthened friendship and brotherhood by setting tables in Side and that they will continue to discover the beauties of living together.
At the end of the talk, Manavgat Mayor Niyazi Nefi Kara presented the speakers with plaques of appreciation in memory of the festival.
Emotional depth at Chrysoula Stefanaki concert
In the evening program of the festival, Cretan singer Chrysoula Stefanaki gave an unforgettable concert on the stage at the Temple of Apollo. Known for her works “Tango Notturno”, “Blue Haven” and “The Last Waltz” and successfully representing her country internationally with her album “The Velvet Voice”, the artist provided the audience with both emotional depth and excitement with lively pieces in her live performance. During the free concert, the festival host President Kara and his wife Hacer Ceyhan Kara came on stage together and presented Chrysoula Stefanaki with a plaque of appreciation and flowers.
