Aegean Region - Olive Oil, Ancient Cities and Healthy Tables

Promotion of the Region

The Aegean Region is the cradle of ancient civilizations and Anatolia's gateway to the West. From Homer's epics to the splendor of Ephesus, from Miletus and Pergamum to modern-day villages, every corner is steeped in history and culture. With its temperate climate, olive groves, vineyards, and fertile plains, the Aegean is a center of both agriculture and a healthy lifestyle. Its tables are known for their olive oil and herb culture, and it is a strong representative of the Mediterranean diet.

Gastronomy Heritage

• Dishes: Artichokes with olive oil, roasted herbs (sevketi bostan, radika), shish kebab (Aydın), boyoz (İzmir), keşkek.
• Geographically Indicated Products: Ayvalık olive oil, Aydın figs, Denizli kebab, Çeşme kumru.
• Culinary Traditions: Olive oil cooking culture, vintage festivals, fish and seafood tables.

Educational Contribution

• History: Ancient Greek and Roman civilizations, Ephesus, Pergamum.
• Geography: Olive groves, fig gardens, Mediterranean climate.
• Gastronomy: Olive oil culture, viticulture, herb dishes.
• Biology: Plant diversity (Aegean grasses), agricultural production.

Local Producers & Workshops

• Ayvalık Olive Oil Workshop – Olive harvest and oil extraction process.
• Çeşme Alaçatı Market Tour – Introduction of local herb varieties.
• Keşkek Workshop – Making traditional keşkek with students.