H.E. Mr. Firat Sunel, Turkish Ambassador to India -

Soak In the Turkish Artistic Side

Türkiye is a transcontinental country, with its landmass straddling both Europe and Asia. A country rich in culture, history, and adventure with more than 80,000 mosques. A delight for tea toddlers and a haven for history buffs. H.E. Mr. Firat Sunel, Turkish Ambassador to India shares an insight on Turkiye with TravelJingles.

Visiting the Blue Mosque in Türkiye is a must see. What are some must-do experiences in your country?

Türkiye is like a treasure chest of history and natural beauty. Start in Istanbul with landmarks like the Hagia Sophia and Topkapi Palace, and don’t miss a Bosphorus cruise. Istanbul, Türkiye’s vibrant metropolis where Europe meets Asia, is a city where history and modernity blend effortlessly. It offers an incredible array of experiences, and you will encounter its rich history, multicultural identity and attractions in every corner. In Cappadocia, one of the spots of the historical Silk Road in Anatolia, take a hot air balloon ride for views that look straight out of a fairy tale. Pamukkale’s thermal terraces and white waterfalls are stunning and lies next to an UNESCO World Heritage Site Hierapolis. In Izmir, my hometown, don’t miss visiting the ancient city of Ephesus, another UNESCO site which will make you feel like stepping back in time. Cesme and Alacati towns are the best destinations to feel the spirit of the Turkish Aegean. No need to mention Antalya, captivating visitors with the finest sea and Blue Flag beaches. The capital of Turkish Riviera, Antalya is also home to the finest Mediterranean cuisine, glorious ancient sites, that are open until midnight and adventures ranging from trekking routes to water sports. Then Konya, you can experience the mesmerizing Mevlevi Sufi ceremony. And if you’re into food, Gaziantep’s markets are a culinary delight.

The Dervish ceremony is a unique Sufi spiritual practice. How would you describe Türkiye’s culture?

The Dervish ceremony, in other words the Mevlevi Sema Ceremony, symbolizes spiritual stages on the path to accessing God and is performed according to detailed rules. The whirling dervishes who perform the ceremony undergo strict spiritual and physical training. They must adhere to specific postures and behaviors, and moreover they should be knowledgeable about Rumi’s works. The ceremony with its mystical dance and music, is a core part of Türkiye’s spiritual heritage and also has been recognized as an Intangible World Heritage by UNESCO since 2008. Festival Seb-i Arus (Wedding Night) in Konya is held every year to celebrate Rumi’s legacy and attracts visitors from around the world, showcasing the enduring influence of Sufism in Turkish culture.

Turkish tea, kebabs, and baklava are famous. Tell us about the gastronomy of Türkiye.

Türkiye’s food scene is a vibrant tapestry of flavours and traditions. Turkish tea, served in delicate tulip glasses, is a daily ritual and a symbol of hospitality. Kebabs, from spicy Adana to the savoury Iskender, showcase the art of grilling. Baklava, with its rich layers of nuts and honey, is a beloved sweet treat. You can also enjoy the Michelin starred restaurants in Istanbul, Izmir and Bodrum. Turkish cuisine reflects a rich history of cultural exchange, with influences from the Middle East, Mediterranean, and Central Asia. Each region offers its own specialties, making Turkish food both diverse and deeply rooted in its rich culinary heritage.

Saint Nicholas, the inspiration for Santa Claus, was born in Patara, Türkiye. Comment.

Saint Nicholas, who inspired the modern Santa Claus, was born in Patara, Türkiye, back in the 3rd century. As the Bishop of Myra (now Demre), he became famous for his generosity and kindness, especially towards children and the poor. His tradition of secret gift-giving evolved into the Santa Claus we know today. You can visit Patara’s ancient ruins and the Church of Saint Nicholas to see where his legend began.

Istanbul Bosphorus Bridge, Turkey; Shutterstock ID 691092586; purchase_order: -; job: -; client: -; other: -

Istanbul the capital of Turkey, eastern tourist city.; Shutterstock ID 291252509; Purchase Order: -

Türkiye supplies 75% of the world’s hazelnuts. How does Türkiye fare in global trade?

Türkiye is a major player in global trade, especially with hazelnuts, where it leads with 75% of the world’s exports. Its strategic position between Europe and Asia helps it build strong trade relationships. India is a key partner, with trade spanning textiles, machinery, and food. Türkiye’s diverse economy and its role in global supply chains make it a crucial trading hub.

Salman Khan’s film ‘Tiger 3’ was shot in lürkiye. What makes Türkiye a great filming location?

Türkiye’s diverse scenery, from the lively streets of Istanbul to the serene beaches of Antalya, makes it a fantastic place for filming. Its blend of historic and modern elements, plus excellent infrastructure and experienced crews offer a perfect backdrop for movies. It’s no wonder Bollywood loves it-Salman Khan’s Tiger 3 is just one example of how Türkiye’s unique settings enhance film productions. We aim to solidify Türkiye’s position as a top global filmmaking hub. Moreover, I invite Indian producers to cooperate with their Turkish counterparts to take advantage of the significant incentives and facilitation provided by the Ministry of Culture and Tourism.

Tell us about the similarities between India and Türkiye.

Türkiye and India both boast rich historical legacies as cradles of ancient civilizations, with vibrant cultures and colourful people and countless stories to narrate. Both countries are known for their bold, flavourful cuisine-such as kebabs and biryanis-and share strong family values and warm hospitality. Additionally, Sufism plays a significant spiritual role in both cultures, highlighting a shared depth in their cultural practices. In addition to these cultural similarities that bring us closer together, as G20 members, India and Türkiye play crucial roles in shaping the global economic sphere.