Turkish Gastrodiplomacy Examples in Hungary During the “2024 Turkish-Hungarian Year of Culture”

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Türkiye and Hungary, through their long-standing historical ties, have derived not hostility, but rather friendship, cooperation, and mutual respect from their shared past. On the occasion of the 100th anniversary of diplomatic relations, at the 6th High-Level Strategic Cooperation Council meeting held in Budapest on December 18, 2023, bilateral relations were elevated to the level of an “enhanced strategic partnership.” On the same occassion, the official opening of the “2024 Turkish–Hungarian Cultural Year” was also held in Budapest.The article discusses the concepts of public diplomacy and cultural diplomacy, emphasizing the importance of gastrodiplomacy for both Türkiye and Hungary. In recent years, cuisine has emerged as an important tool in international relations. This strategy seeks to enhance countries' international image while also delivering tangible economic, commercial, and other advantages.Through the activities organized in both countries within the framework of the 2024 Turkish–Hungarian Cultural Year, the aim has been to promote cultural exchange and to further strengthen ties between people. As part of the Cultural Year, Türkiye organized 114 events in 14 different cities across Hungary. This article, however, focuses on the gastrodiplomacy activities organized by the Turkish Embassy in Budapest as part of the 2024 Turkish–Hungarian Cultural Year. Drawing on the participant observations through participant methods, the study examines how these activities contribute to the promotion of Turkish culture and cuisine in Hungary. Alongside the conceptual framework of gastrodiplomacy as an instrument of cultural diplomacy, the article analyzes the role of Turkish cuisine in Hungary and the significance of gastrodiplomacy in bilateral relations.