Turkish bulgur takes center stage at promotion event in Moscow
As part of the "Turkish Bulgur Promotion Campaign," organized by the Turkish Exporters Assembly (TIM) Cereals, Pulses, Oilseeds, and Products Sector Board with the support of the Ministry of Trade, bulgur-based dishes were served at a restaurant in Moscow. Renowned chef Arda Turkmen prepared and presented bulgur-themed dishes during the event, Moscow, September 19, 2024 (AA Photo)
A special event showcasing Turkish bulgur, a staple ingredient in Turkish cuisine, was held in Moscow to promote the nutritious grain in Russia.
Supported by Türkiye’s Ministry of Trade, the Turkish Bulgur Promotion Campaign was organized by the Turkish Exporters Assembly (TIM) Cereals, Pulses, Oilseeds, and Products Sector Board. The event took place at a local restaurant where guests were served a variety of dishes prepared with bulgur.
Attendees included Türkiye’s Ambassador to Russia Tanju Bilgic, his wife Betul Aksoy Bilgic, Chairman of the Mediterranean Cereals, Pulses, Oilseeds and Products Exporters’ Association (AHBIB) Veysel Memis, TIM Sector Board Chairman Ahmet Tiryakioglu, as well as Russian gastronomy experts and other invited guests. Famous Turkish chef Arda Turkmen prepared several dishes using bulgur, which were offered to the guests.
Ambassador Bilgic emphasized the importance of expanding trade between Türkiye and Russia, with a target to increase trade volume to $100 billion. He noted that Russia is Türkiye’s sixth-largest export market, with agricultural products playing a significant role.
“Among our agricultural exports, fresh fruits and vegetables lead, followed by cereals and pulses, with bulgur being one of the most important products,” said Bilgic.
He highlighted that bulgur is not only a fundamental ingredient in Turkish cuisine but also a highly nutritious option due to its minimal processing.
“We have always enjoyed bulgur in Türkiye, and through this event, we aim to introduce it to the Russian market. This will not only increase awareness but also strengthen our bilateral trade relations,” he added.
Promoting 12,000 years of culinary heritage
AHBIB Chairman Memis remarked on the deep historical roots of bulgur, dating back to the civilizations of Anatolia and Mesopotamia.
“Bulgur has been a staple in Turkish cuisine for centuries, reflecting our rich culinary heritage. Türkiye, the first country to industrialize bulgur production, remains the world leader in both production and exports today, thanks to these ancient traditions,” Memis said.
He further explained their ongoing efforts to promote Turkish bulgur in Russia, aiming to include it in local restaurant menus and kitchens.
“We are also working on establishing an official ‘World Bulgur Day,’ and we aim to have this recognized by the UN during the 2025 harvest season,” he announced.
Global ambitions for Turkish bulgur
TIM Sector Board Chairman Ahmet Tiryakioglu underscored the significance of bulgur on the global stage, stating that the word “bulgur” is universally recognized in multiple languages, including English, Russian, and Arabic.
“Bulgur is a proven healthy food product, and we are here to share its benefits with Russia,” he said, noting the sector’s $34 billion annual export value.
Chef Arda Turkmen, known for his creative culinary expertise, described bulgur as one of Türkiye’s most cherished ingredients.
“It’s a sacred product that can be found in every home. There are countless ways to prepare and enjoy bulgur, with endless varieties and possibilities,” he added.
The event served as a key step in promoting Turkish bulgur across Russia, offering an opportunity to build stronger trade ties while introducing one of Türkiye’s most nutritious and versatile grains to a broader audience.
