On Saturday, November 18, the Bilkent Archaeology Club, in collaboration with the archaeology clubs of Middle East Technical University, Ankara University, Gazi University and Hacettepe University, organized a symposium on the subject of “Ancient Cuisine.” The event lasted from morning through mid-afternoon and attracted over 180 attendees from a number of universities as well as from other Bilkent departments.
The symposium proper took place during the morning, with one or two students from each university giving presentations on topics of their choice focusing on food and drink in ancient times. Ebru Ayten, a Bilkent Archaeology alumna who is now working at the Erimtan Art and Archaeology Museum, also spoke at the event, discussing the ancient cooking utensils held in the Museum’s collections.
Department of Archaeology Chair Dominique Kassab Tezgör and faculty members Jacques Morin, İlgi Gerçek and Charles Gates were present to support the Archaeology Club. At the end of the symposium, Dr. Gates gave an informative talk about the Archaeology Master’s Program and the scholarships available at Bilkent for those who might consider joining the department for graduate studies.
The final part of the program began at lunchtime, when everyone went to the Spring Fest area to partake in an ancient meal prepared by executive chef Sezgin Söğüt: an antique-style beef soup and an olive salad that were much appreciated by the participants. This less formal setting gave the students from the various universities an opportunity to interact and socialize. All of those in attendance expressed their thanks to the Bilkent Archaeology Club for holding the event.