Different tastes in every region contribute to the complexity of Turkish cuisine. For example, due to heavy rains, the eastern black sea region is not appropriate for wheat production; therefore they specialized in dishes which rely mostly on corn and corn flour. The Southeast Anatolian region is famous for Kebaps, as a result of its abundant livestock. The Aegean region, known for its olive production, is famous for its delicious olive oiled vegetables and herbs while pastries are the monopoly of Thrace. Istanbul cuisine combines the most delicious flavors of each region.

This section will provide you with the best recipes for homemade Turkish dishes and introduce you to the restaurants famous for their Turkish cuisine. Though restaurants specializing in Turkish cuisine in Istanbul and Ankara are listed in our Yellow Pages, this section will feature a different restaurant each month.

Now we wish to mention two useful idioms that should not be forgotten: First, as most of you know, before eating it is common to say Afiyet Olsun which essentially is the same as saying Bon Apetit, secondly, to complement the chef, it is polite and customary to say Elinize Sağlık which means "health to your hands", but is interpreted as meaning "very delicious, well done".

• Turkish Cuisine Recipes from Ministry of Cultur

Latest comments about this article

 By pjallittle  19.5.2006

While Turkish food is excellent fare, to rank it alongside French and Chinese food is not supported by the far greater popularity, on a worldwide level, of Italian cuisine.

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