Asure Party in America
Janine: Eva, Justyna and Olga are from three different European countries
and they are very interested in Turkish culture. They got together
to enjoy Asure day night at the Turkish Cultural Center in
Manhattan organized by Turkish Women’s Association. Our crew
had an opportunity to interview them to see what they think about
Asure party in Turkish food.
Eva: I was invited in the Asure Party that is organized by the Turkish-
American Women Association. I came here to see the organization
and I’ve been here and I have been attending other programs that
were organized by the Turkish Cultural Center and I really enjoyed
them and I hope this one will also be something good.
Justyna: Actually, the first time I had contact with Turkish culture was
maybe two years ago and I met some Turkish friends in the school
and I was also invited to Ramadan dinner at that time and that’s
was may actually the first steps to encounter the Turkish culture.
And I became more interested then my farthest step was to take
Turkish courses and that’s very effective way because of lack of
time.
Eva: I tried to learn something’s about the Asure and its tradition and
what I came through was that traditionally, Asure in the meaning is
representing the dialogue between multi-cultures and all the phase.
I mean everything that they put it on the pudding. All the parsleys
or all the other things that are put on it represent different culture
and different person and they all come together and they form
something that is delicious. I mean this kind of representing really
stoned me.
Olga: I came here for one of the events and I start talking to one of the
girls and they’re like, “Oh, it would be great to have a little
Turkish class.” And I said, “Well, you can do it at my house, I
have a big kitchen.” So, few days later she called me and say, “So
we’re coming on Saturday.” And I said, “What shall I prepare?”
So, they all bring everything and so we did Borek, we did soup—
we did some Tabouli, which I don’t remember the name and the
event is very good.
Justyna: It has definitely a great flavor of spices which I really like. It’s
nothing in extent, nothing less and I actually took my friend last
time and she said, “No, I don’t like lemon.” I said, “Let’s go to one
Turkish restaurant and you will love the way that they prefer
lamb”, and she was really amazed and I said, “That’s the way the
Turks are making lamb which is really wonderful.” And this very
flavor is I think is delightful.
Olga: The main thing I like about Turkish food because I don’t eat meat.
I can find different varieties. A lot of mezes that I actually can eat
which is nice, I like Dolmas, I like sarmas, I like Mercimek
Corbasi, I like—was very good there, different type of cheese and
bread.
Eva: My favorite is manti and kebab and also I like all the Turkish
desserts, I mean like Baklava and kazandibi. I mean I’ve been
trying them all and so I can say that I’m a real Turkish cuisine
lover or something like that.
Olga: Anybody, American or any body else who go to Turkey will find
so much and they definitely would like to come back.
Eva: The Turkish food, I was just let’s go with me and don’t hesitate. I
will show you the best place they make meat or fish. I know some
places in New York so I will definitely have something to
recommend.
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