The Mediterranean Tourism Forum, held in Malta in November 2023, became a meeting point not only for the tourism sector, but also for Mediterranean culture, cuisine, and shared values. Being honoured with the Mediterranean Tourism Award, presented by the President of Malta, George Vella, during this prestigious event organised by the Mediterranean Tourism Foundation, marked one of the most meaningful milestones of this journey.
On the evening of the award ceremony, a specially curated menu was prepared and presented to an esteemed audience of 400 guests, in close collaboration with Malta’s local chef team. This table became more than a culinary experience—it transformed into a space where cultures, stories, and collective craftsmanship were shared.
As part of the programme, a private dinner hosted by the Maltese Consulate and attended by 150 Turkish guests featured a dedicated menu showcasing distinguished examples of traditional Turkish cuisine. This presentation offered a refined gastronomic narrative, bringing Anatolia’s deep-rooted culinary heritage to life in the heart of the Mediterranean.
For the signature dishes on the menu, essential local ingredients were transported from the fertile lands of Mesopotamia to Malta. As reflected in Ebru Baybara Demir’s culinary philosophy, geography on this journey was not merely a source of ingredients, but a story, a bond, and a responsibility.
The tables set in the Mediterranean once again served as a powerful reminder that gastronomy is not only about flavour, but also a meaningful tool for intercultural dialogue, sustainability, and building a shared future.