The annual Turkish Food Festival is back in the City of Johannesburg to showcase the amazing treats and delights of the Turkiye culture. The festival returns to Victoria Yards on 20 May 2023 from 10am to 4pm with free entry. It promises visitors a variety of Turkish cuisine as well as textiles, carpets and other Turkish artisanal products. There will be plenty to browse and buy on the day. Event organiser Marion Smith says last year the market was created as a food festival to share the culture of Turkiye and its people with Gauteng residents.
“We used Victoria Yards last year and it was a great success. The outdoor vibe makes for a nice winters day and to be in a location where we also get to support local South African artists at the same time makes it ideal,” says Smith.
She says many South Africans fly on Turkish airlines to Istanbul each day but many aren’t aware of the delicious food right here in Johannesburg.
Smith says this year, the event will still be the same but all proceeds will be donated to the earthquake relief fund with the Turkish Embassy.
“The embassy in Pretoria received phenomenal support from various organisations around the country with the likes of the Gift of the Givers and the Canine Unit, who were instrumental in assisting with search and recovery operations in Hatay in Turkiye,” says Smith.
She notes that the Turkish Airlines graciously delivered cargo from donations received in South Africa to the people of Turkiye. People are, however, still in need as container cities are being built and it is anticipated that the proceeds from this event will add to the much-needed help still required in the country.
Smith says it would be amazing for Joburgers and communities in surrounding areas to attend not only to experience fresh Turkish tea, Turkish deli goods, sweet treats like fresh baklava and delicious Kunefe, but to support the cause of helping victims of the country’s earthquake.
There will be live music to set the mood while visitors shop and enjoy a Turkiye-inspired day.
Written by Sascha-Lee Joseph
SOURCED FROM THE CITY’S WEBSITE.
