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Ulrich Gall
235 discoveries
Turkish Airlines Lounge Pastry Selection
This impressive display hails from the Turkish Airlines Lounge at Istanbul Airport, an airport that has quickly become one of the busiest and most architecturally striking in the world. The grand, undulating ceiling you see in the background, resembling a series of gentle waves or even birds in flight, is a signature design element of this airport, a nod to Turkish architectural traditions and natural forms.
The centerpiece of your discovery is a delightful spread of Turkish pastries and cookies, readily available for travelers. The sign proudly displays "Kurabiye Çeşitleri," which translates to "Cookie Varieties," and underneath, "Cookie & Savories." You'll notice a mix of sweet and savory items on offer. Many of these are likely traditional Turkish treats. For instance, the small, often square, cakes could be varieties of baklava (though typically baklava is thinner, these might be a richer, cake-like version) or perhaps small semolina cakes, often steeped in syrup. The savory items might include small pastries with cheese or herbs, or perhaps some traditional Turkish pretzels called *simit*, often covered in sesame seeds, though these appear to be smaller, crisper versions.
Turkish Airlines is renowned for its excellent in-flight catering, often winning awards for its quality, and this dedication to fine food extends to its lounge services. They take pride in offering a taste of Turkey even before passengers board their flights. This spread isn't just about providing sustenance; it's an introduction to Türkiye's rich culinary heritage, even in the bustling environment of a modern international airport. It's a thoughtful way to make a traveler's journey more comfortable and culturally immersive.
Istanbul Airport's Architectural Design and Turkish Sweets
The Istanbul Airport, opened in 2018, is one of the world's largest airports, designed to eventually serve 200 million passengers annually. Its main terminal, where this photo was taken, is known for its soaring, wave-like ceilings, reflecting Ottoman and Seljuk architectural styles. This particular food display likely offers a variety of Turkish delights and pastries, which differ significantly from typical Western baked goods. You might find items like revani (a semolina cake in syrup), various cookies, or even small pieces of baklava. These treats often feature nuts, honey, and sometimes spices like cinnamon or cloves, offering a taste of regional culinary traditions even within the globalized setting of an airport lounge.
Turkish Lounge Treats at Istanbul Airport
The Turkish Airlines Lounge in Istanbul Airport is known for its extensive food offerings. The buffet pictured features several Turkish pastry and cookie varieties, labeled as "Kurabiye Çeşitleri." The term *kurabiye* refers to general Turkish biscuits/cookies.
Specifically visible:
* **Salty/Savory Pastries:** The flatter, rectangular items with sesame seeds or black seeds are likely *tuzlu kurabiye* (savory cookies) or *mini poğaça* (small savory rolls/pastries), often flavored with cheese or herbs.
* **Sweet Bites:** The bright yellow square slices could be *revani* (a dense, syrupy semolina cake) or a type of lemon cake.
* **Baklava:** Thin layers of pastry visible in the background, soaked in syrup, typical Turkish desserts.
The overall architectural design of the terminal ceiling features a dramatic vaulted structure, echoing the grand, historic Ottoman-era structures of Istanbul, blending modern airport functionality with traditional aesthetics.