Turkmenistan To Welcome World with Festival of Flavors in Avaza

Avaza, the coastal city of Turkmenistan, will host a vibrant Festival of National Dishes on August 5 as part of the Third UN Conference on Landlocked Developing Countries, serving as a festive prelude to the national days of Central Asian countries and Azerbaijan, celebrated from August 6 to 8.

The festival will bring together chefs from friendly nations, each presenting traditional dishes that showcase the cultural richness and culinary diversity of their homelands, The Caspian Post reports via Turkmen media.

Organizers have underscored the importance of cultural and humanitarian events within the broader framework of the UN conference, which also includes a friendship concert and exhibitions highlighting regional traditions.

photo: Orient

Turkmenistan has a history of hosting international events that spotlight the shared culinary roots of Turkic and Central Asian peoples-roots that trace back to the Great Silk Road, which linked East and West for centuries, from the 2nd century BCE through the 15th century CE.

Festival attendees will have the opportunity to experience a wide array of Eastern cuisine, participate in traditional tea ceremonies, and explore the use of locally sourced ingredients and techniques that reflect the resilience and communal spirit of the Turkmen people.

A key highlight of the event will be the presentation of "Abundant Turkmen Dastarkhan," a two-volume book commissioned by National Leader of the Turkmen People and Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty (People’s Council), Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov. The work offers a deep dive into the history and global cultural relevance of Turkmen cuisine.

In addition, the festival will feature dishes prepared with the first harvest of the new agricultural season, including fresh bread, meat dishes, and grain-based recipes.

Held in the welcoming spirit of Turkmen hospitality, the festival aims to foster unity, cultural exchange, and friendship among participating nations.