Assoc. Prof. Murat Doğan Featured on Table Talks Podcast Series
Assoc. Prof. Murat Doğan, Vice Dean of the Faculty of Fine Arts (FFA) and a faculty member of the Department of Gastronomy and Culinary Arts at Istanbul Gelişim University (IGU), was the guest of the Table Talks podcast series.
Tercüman’s popular podcast series Table Talks offers content related to gastronomy, such as disaster gastronomy, the story of coffee, the importance of food presentation in gastronomy, and the journey of spices. In its new episode released on July 14, 2025, the series provided listeners with a fascinating look into history and gastronomy, offering a fresh perspective on culinary history. In this episode, titled "Byzantine Echoes in Istanbul’s Cuisine", Assoc. Prof. Murat Doğan — known for his extensive work in gastronomy and food science — shared with listeners the traces of flavors that have traveled from the Byzantine era to the present in Istanbul’s culinary memory.
The main focus of the podcast was how Istanbul’s culinary culture has been shaped and enriched by Byzantine traditions. Assoc. Prof. Doğan discussed the evolution of the city’s cuisine, from the Roman and Byzantine eras through the Ottoman period and into modern times. He highlighted that some of the core ingredients and cooking techniques from the Byzantine era are still alive in contemporary Istanbul cuisine. In particular, he noted that olive oil-based dishes, fermented foods, herb-based meals, and a diet rich in fish were common in Byzantine times and have survived, albeit with some variations, into the present day. The podcast also included examples of how historical influences manifest in today’s kitchens.
The discussion further emphasized that recipes not only reflect taste but also provide insight into daily life, social classes, and belief systems. Details such as the spices used during the Byzantine era, preservation techniques, and table hierarchies offered listeners a vivid glimpse into the past.
This episode stands out for its blend of academic knowledge and engaging storytelling, raising awareness of Istanbul’s layered culinary heritage. This gastronomic journey into the past offers an unmissable listening experience for history and food enthusiasts alike.
