A special promotional event titled “Taste of Türkiye” was held at the UK Parliament to celebrate the strengthening economic and cultural ties between the United Kingdom and Türkiye. The event showcased the richness of Turkish cuisine and attracted significant interest, welcoming over 300 guests.

Hosted by Afzal Khan, the UK Trade Envoy to Türkiye and Member of Parliament for Manchester Gorton, the event was organized with the support of MP Khan’s Turkish adviser Meryem Küçük. Held in the historic Jubilee Room of the UK Parliament, the gathering brought together MPs, Lords, parliamentary staff, and representatives from the business community.

Hafız Mustafa 1864 Proudly Represented Türkiye

One of the highlights of the event was the participation of the historic Turkish dessert brand Hafız Mustafa 1864, which presented a wide variety of traditional sweets. Board Member Emre Ongurlar expressed his pride, stating:

“We are honored to represent Turkish culture and desserts at the UK Parliament. We strive to represent our country and our products in the best possible way.”

The brand offered guests a memorable taste experience with five varieties of baklava, chocolate dragees, Turkish delights, and traditional Turkish coffee and tea.

Ambassadors of Turkish Flavor Came Together

Other renowned Turkish brands also participated in the event, including Levent Börek, Aytaç Foods, Extra Cash and Carry – Best Catering, Robin Foods, Sofra Restaurant, and Hamidiye Foods. Guests enjoyed a range of traditional delicacies such as baklava, savory pastries, stuffed vine leaves, cheese assortments, and authentic Turkish beverages.

Cultural Contribution from Yunus Emre Institute

The Yunus Emre Institute (YEE) in London also had a booth at the event, where they served Turkish coffee and provided information about their cultural programs. The Institute played a significant role in highlighting the richness of Turkish culture to the international audience.

A Sweet Step Toward Stronger Relations

In his remarks, MP Afzal Khan emphasized Türkiye’s growing importance as a trade partner, noting:

“With a bilateral trade volume exceeding £28 billion in 2024, Türkiye is now the UK’s 16th largest trading partner. This event is an excellent opportunity to further strengthen our relationship ahead of the upcoming Free Trade Agreement negotiations.”

The “Taste of Türkiye” event not only offered guests a culinary journey through Türkiye’s diverse flavors but also provided a platform to enhance bilateral cooperation in trade, investment, and cultural exchange.