Lifestyle

Fish A Culinary Heritage

Throughout the history of Istanbul, fish has held the esteemed position of being the most consumed product in the city’s cuisine. Over time, various methods of preserving and preparing fish have been developed, with many fading into obscurity. However, Istanbul’s gastronomy, known for its perpetual reinvention, is now resuscitating these forgotten techniques. This culinary revival is exemplified by a book authored by Alan Davidson, a leading expert on eating and drinking worldwide, who notes Challenges in Black Sea Fishing, “Turkey is surrounded by a remarkably interesting and varied collection of waters… These varied waters yield rich crops of fish, and the Turks, whose cuisine is ranked by many among the finest in the world, do justice to it.”

Rediscovering Culinary Treasures Books and Expertise

For chefs and enthusiasts keen on exploring fish and its div

Heading North A Seasonal Journey

As the fishing season persists, fishermen across Turkey embark on maritime adventures, trying their luck in the bountiful seas. With the onset of summer, they bid farewell to the Mediterranean, the Aegean, and the Marmara, setting course for the cooler and nutrient-rich waters of the Black Sea. Much like their terrestrial counterparts, fish in these northern waters migrate to the highlands, where they feast throughout the summer. As autumn approaches, the aquatic journey begins, and schools of fish sweep down the Bosphorus in a natural migration that has unfolded for millennia.

Sonar Surveillance and Migration Interruption

However, a modern challenge has emerged at the entrance of the Black Sea into the Bosphorus. Fishermen equipped with giant sonar devices lie in wait, disrupting the traditional migration pattern by intercepting fish before they enter the strait Fish and Istanbul. This inter

A Culinary Legacy

A Timeless Duo Fish and the Bosphorus

Fish and the Bosphorus, a timeless duo that echoes through the heart of Istanbul. Beyond a mere slogan, this pairing represents a cherished legacy intertwining nature, taste, and culinary expertise. Once as abundant as bread, fish has been an integral part of Istanbul’s identity since ancient times. The city’s unique geography provides an ideal environment for fish breeding, growth, and capture. Fish that thrive in the Black Sea find their way into weirs along the undulating Bosphorus coastline. Along the Golden Horn, various processing techniques such as salting, pickling, drying, smoking, and brine curing transform these catches before they grace the market. Through the centuries Istanbul’s Culinary Rediscovery, fish, as evidenced by coins stamped with dolphins and bonito, has become an inseparable part of Istanbul life.

Culinary Tradit