(Newswire.net — February 24, 2013) Tampa, FL — From Constantinople to Istanbul, Turkey has perhaps one of the oldest civilizations known to mankind. Because of this ancient civilization, the foods and delicacies that have emerged from this country are robust. So many peoples have been touched by Turkey and its influence is demonstrated through the food.
Many confuse Turkish cuisine with Greek and other Middle Eastern dishes, but are actually not too far off. The food in these surrounding areas is all influenced and shared in many ways. The climate, soil, and customs all play a major role in the way the food has come about.
Healthy eaters like Turkish food because of the vegetables and salads that are interesting while there are also a large Muslim population in this country. Muslims are often times vegetarians and when eating meat, are restricted to eating only certain meats that are deemed to be “clean”.
Greek foods and Turkish foods are also very similar with lamb, grape leaves, and olive oil a staple in many dishes along with the cheeses that are often served with olives. Such is the Mediterranean diet with many countries in the region sharing like climate, soil, and access to wildlife and seafood.
The Turkish culinary interests seem to be peaking as this potpourri of dining is truly a “global warming” of cultures and peoples throughout the world. The genesis of much of civilization spawned in the Ottoman region and spread out from there establishing some of the great nationalities and countries that exist today. Food is always the precursor of much of one’s culture and history as this is the sustenance of life and so much of a culture celebrates with dining, drink, and music. The historical roots are portrayed in art and paintings that reflect a gathering of meals and banquets where enjoyable moments are shared.
Even the Italian artists like Michelangelo, Rafael, and Leonardo di Vinci, spent years of their gifted lives painting the “Annunciation” and banquet feasts where there was always long tables of food and wine that was shared in very special moments.
Similarities in the Turkish region to Mongolians, eastern Europeans, Middle Easterners, and Russians in the look of many Turkish people, describes this melting pot of a region of the world that is deep in culture, language, and food. Come celebrate and enjoy this heritage with great Turkish food at Gengiz Khan at (813) 805-6400 www.turlkishfoodtampa.com
6102 S. MacDill Ave. Tampa, FL