Türkiye promotes bulgur in Moscow as part of trade campaign

An event aimed at promoting bulgur, a key ingredient in Turkish cuisine, was held in Russia’s capital as part of a campaign to introduce this staple to the Russian market.

The event, organized by the Turkish Exporters Assembly (TIM) with support from the Ministry of Trade, took place at a Moscow restaurant as part of the “Turkish Bulgur Promotion Campaign.” Various dishes made with bulgur were presented to attendees.

Türkiye’s Ambassador to Moscow, Tanju Bilgic, attended the event with his wife Betul Aksoy Bilgic. Also in attendance were Veysel Memis, President of the Mediterranean Cereals, Pulses, Oil Seeds, and Products Exporters’ Association (AHBIB), Ahmet Tiryakioglu, Chairman of TIM’s Cereals, Pulses, Oil Seeds, and Products Sector Board, as well as Russian guests and food industry professionals.

Celebrity chef Arda Turkmen prepared and served several dishes featuring bulgur, showcasing the grain’s versatility. Bulgur is a whole grain made from cracked wheat that is commonly used in Middle Eastern and Mediterranean cuisine. It is known for its versatility, quick cooking time, and slightly nutty flavor.

Bulgur is often used in dishes such as pilafs, salads like tabbouleh, soups, and as a side dish to complement meat or vegetable-based meals. Nutritionally, bulgur is rich in fiber, protein, and essential minerals like iron and magnesium. It is also low in fat and calories, making it a healthy carbohydrate option. Due to its minimal processing, bulgur retains more of its natural nutrients compared to refined grains, contributing to its popularity in health-conscious diets.

Ambassador Bilgic, in his remarks, underscored the importance of expanding trade between Türkiye and Russia, noting that the trade volume target between the two countries is $100 billion. He emphasized, “Russia is Türkiye’s sixth-largest export market. Agricultural products are crucial to our exports, with fresh fruits and vegetables leading the way, followed closely by the cereals and pulses sector. Bulgur is a key product in this sector.”

Bilgic also highlighted bulgur’s nutritional value, pointing out that it is less processed than many other agricultural products, making it a healthier option. “We are holding this event to boost the recognition of bulgur in the Russian market. This way, our Russian friends will become more familiar with bulgur, and we will enhance our bilateral trade,” he said.

Veysel Memis, President of AHBIB, spoke about bulgur’s deep-rooted history, stating that the grain has a 12,000-year legacy originating from Anatolia and Mesopotamia. “Bulgur is one of the essential foods in Turkish cuisine. Türkiye, the first country to produce bulgur using industrial methods, is now the world leader in both production and export, a status that comes from our rich traditions,” Memis explained.

Turkish efforts to establish ‘World Bulgur Day’

Memis also shared that the sector is working to bring Turkish bulgur into Russian kitchens and restaurant menus. He announced an ongoing initiative to establish World Bulgur Day. “We are conducting a global campaign and aim to have World Bulgur Day recognized by the United Nations by the 2025 harvest season,” he said.

Ahmet Tiryakioglu, Chairman of TIM’s Sector Board, outlined the success of the cereals, pulses, oil seeds, and products sector, noting that the industry currently exports $34 billion worth of goods. “We are here to introduce bulgur. Around the world, bulgur is called the same in English, Russian, and Arabic. It’s a healthy product, and that is well documented. We came to Russia to promote this product,” Tiryakioglu stated.

Chef Arda Turkmen described bulgur as one of Türkiye’s most treasured and traditional products, saying, “Bulgur is a special, essential food found in every household. There are countless ways to prepare dishes using bulgur, with endless variety.”