At the Osaka-Kansai EXPO, visitors can experience the history and culture of foreign countries firsthand. On April 23rd, the "Turkey" Pavilion celebrated its National Day, and we went to cover the event.
Located on the north side of the Grand Roof Ring, the Turkey Pavilion features a vivid red exterior. The wavy patterns on the building represent the Mediterranean Sea and the Black Sea that surround Turkey.
Right at the entrance, there's an art installation featuring a crescent moon and a bright red sun. The crescent symbolizes the Turkish flag, while the sun represents Japan’s rising sun motif. This fusion of national symbols embodies the deep friendship between Turkey and Japan.
(Staff): “This is a replica of the ‘Ertuğrul Frigate.’”
In 1890, the Ertuğrul Frigate was sent from Turkey to Japan on a goodwill mission. On its return journey, the ship encountered a typhoon off the coast of Kushimoto in Wakayama Prefecture and tragically sank.
More than 500 crew members lost their lives. However, Japanese citizens worked tirelessly without rest to rescue 69 survivors and safely returned them to Turkey by ship.
This life-saving effort laid the foundation for the deep and lasting friendship between Japan and Turkey, which now celebrates its 100th anniversary of diplomatic relations.
(Staff): “You helped us greatly back then, and we are truly grateful. We will continue to do our best to strengthen the friendship between Japan and Turkey.”
When you go upstairs in the Turkey Pavilion, you'll find a restaurant where you can enjoy Turkish cuisine—considered one of the world’s three greatest culinary traditions!
The menu includes the “Döner Sandwich,” with plenty of kebab meat stuffed into freshly baked fluffy bread, and “Baklava,” a sweet pastry made with Turkish pistachios or walnuts.
(Staff): “This is Iskender Kebab. It’s made with slices of beef döner, served with ‘bulgur’ (cracked wheat), our homemade yogurt, and tomato sauce.”
This traditional dish features yogurt—a staple of Turkish cuisine—served over the kebab. How does it taste?
(Reporter): “The tanginess of the tomato enhances the spiciness of the meat. The yogurt goes perfectly with it. It’s really refreshing.”
The rich, hearty meat pairs beautifully with the refreshing tang of yogurt!
At the Turkey Pavilion, visitors can explore Turkish food culture, history, and its ties with Japan. No reservations are needed—why not stop by and experience it for yourself?
https://www.asahi.co.jp/webnews/pages/abc_30902.html
https://www.asahi.co.jp/webnews/pages/abc_30902.html