Ömür Akkor talked about Balıkesir’s food culture, traditional tastes and his latest work, “Balıkesir Gastronomy Atlas”, at the iftar held in Mihrabat Grove with the participation of Balıkesir Metropolitan Mayor Yücel Yılmaz and Balıkesir Governor Hasan Şıldak.
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Omür Akkor, who has been focusing on the gastronomy of Balıkesir for the last two years, in addition to her 15 -year travels, offers butter and cheese from all districts and villages in Balikesir. she said that they produce their bread and halvah in a traditional way and with intense effort.
Akkor underlined that Turkey is an example to the world in terms of flavor production with traditional methods, and emphasized that it is a good option to spend the upcoming holidays and school holidays in Balikesir. Emphasizing that everyone passing through Balikesir should stop by, Akkor
said, “If they are going to travel, everyone who passes through Balikesir can eat very delicious meals and buy delicious ingredients. They should definitely research whichever market was established in Balıkesir the day they passed by, and go to that district. One should stop by. For example, if there is a market in Edremit that day, he will definitely enter. Its markets are strange…”
Stating that he has been in Balıkesir for about 15 years in the summer months, Akkor, originally from Gaziantep, stated that tradition has been lost and said, “Our What is the situation we lose the most? We are losing tradition. When we lose tradition, we spoil the taste. But Balıkesir preserves it as it is. That’s why finding delicious food and artisans in Balıkesir leaves a very good memory.” he used the expressions.
Akkor noted that he came together with Balıkesir chambers of commerce and industry, as well as the South Marmara Development Agency, Balıkesir Metropolitan Municipality and Balıkesir Governorship, and that the “Balıkesir Gastronomy Atlas” emerged after the idea of a work focusing on Balikesir flavors.
“EVERYONE WAS EXPECTING A GAZIANTEP CUISINE ATLAS FROM ME”
Addressing Balikesir’s unique and rich culinary culture in Atlas, Akkor said, “As a Gaziantep citizen , Everyone expected Gaziantep atlas from me, but suddenly Balıkesir came to the fore. I think if we make a food order, Balıkesir will come before Gaziantep. Because it is very strong. I say this as a Gaziantep citizen.” he said.
Ömür Akkor, noting that there are over 50 types of cheese registered in Balıkesir, made the following assessment:
“Balikesir is one of the best cities in the world on cheese. If we don ‘t protect them, no one will. This is the emphasis in all my books. Foreigners see us and say, ‘Yes, people living in Turkey do this job much better.’ We deserve it. But unfortunately we cannot express it. Balıkesir’s cheeses and halva are all an example of this situation. I hope we will start with Balıkesir and spread it all over. Actually, I want to make an atlas first in Gaziantep, then in Konya, Rize, and Trabzon. In my mind. “There is Sivas most of all. I want to do it in Erzurum. All provinces and districts of Turkey impress me a lot. If God gives life, talent and inspiration, I will write for all of them.”
The atlas, published by Ketebe Publications and a guide for those who want to explore the flavor stops in Balıkesir, includes special sections such as Balıkesir Breakfast, Balıkesir Cheese Atlas and Monument Olive Trees Atlas
Balıkesir Metropolitan Municipality, which has carried out many works to become a “brand city”, will organize an ” International Balıkesir Breakfast Festival” in the field of gastronomy on 2-5 June. Food producers, restaurants, accommodation facilities, tourism agencies, national and international gastronomy cities and women’s cooperatives will open stands at the festival. The festival will also host symposiums, competitions , workshops, tasting events and concerts
