Turkey serves Maraş ice cream at NATO summit in Ankara

At the NATO Leaders Summit held in Ankara, Turkish cuisine was highlighted for the diplomatic dinner. The traditional Kahramanmaraş‑geographic‑indication ice cream, Maraş dondurması, prepared by MADO with goat’s milk from its own farms, was offered to heads of state, their spouses, delegations and the international press. The dessert received notable attention for showcasing Turkey’s culinary heritage alongside other Turkish specialties such as baklava.

Journalist Yılmaz Özdil raised questions about whether alcoholic beverages were served at the dinner, noting the menu details were publicly disclosed but the presence of alcohol was not. Turkish Minister of Industry and Technology Mustafa Varank responded that no alcoholic drinks were offered, explaining that the practice had been discontinued in August 2014 and that the “guest is subject to the host” principle applies.

The event brought together more than thirty world leaders, including President Donald Trump, President Emmanuel Macron, Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez, Prime Minister Keir Starmer, and Chancellor Friedrich Merz, among others.