Shusha – A significant roundtable event dedicated to International Gastronomy Day was hosted in Shusha, bringing together culinary experts and tourism officials from Azerbaijan and several other Islamic countries to celebrate and discuss the region’s rich gastronomic heritage.

According to Trend News Agency, the event was organized jointly by the State Tourism Agency, the Shusha City State Reserve Department, and the Azerbaijan National Culinary Center. Participants included representatives from Azerbaijan, Turkey, Uzbekistan, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, and Iran, highlighting the event’s focus on fostering culinary exchanges among these nations.

Sabina Gozalova, Director of Shusha City School No. 1, addressed the gathering by recounting the historical significance of Shusha. Once the capital of the Karabakh Khanate, the city has played a pivotal role in the cultural and political history of Azerbaijan. She praised the efforts of the Azerbaijani Army and President Ilham Aliyev in liberating and restoring Shusha, emphasizing its status as a cultural capital.

The roundtable featured several notable presentations, including a video by Sakina Asgarova from the Azerbaijan Tourism Bureau titled “Azerbaijan as a Tourist Destination,” which showcased the country’s appeal to global tourists. Professor Umar Farooq from Pakistan’s University of Agriculture discussed “Pakistani Gastronomy and National Cuisine,” while Iranian expert Mona Shahbazi explored the potential for expanding gastronomic tourism in Islamic countries.

Jahongir Azamov from Uzbekistan’s State Committee for Tourism Development shared insights into Uzbek cuisine, culture, and traditions, underscoring the rich culinary heritage that his country offers. Additionally, Professor Huseyin Pamukcu from Turkish Afyon Kocatepe University spoke about the intricacies of Turkish and regional cuisines and the importance of collaborative culinary initiatives among Islamic countries.

The event concluded with a Q&A session, where experts engaged with the audience to discuss various aspects of gastronomy and cultural exchange. The roundtable not only highlighted the culinary diversity of the participating countries but also served as a platform for enhancing cooperation in the field of gastronomy and tourism among Islamic nations.