An Important Value in Izmir's Socio-Cultural Structure: Levantine Cuisine, Kitchen, and Rituals

İzmir stands out as a highly specific area that blends the fertile lands and sea of the Mediterranean with cosmopolitan culture, influenced by its geography and climatology. Moreover, Izmir was one of the most important port cities where Levantines settled. Hosting many civilizations since ancient times, Izmir has always managed to be a focal point of attention as the star of the Mediterranean and the pearl of the Aegean, constantly increasing its accumulation and richness through its continuous change and development. Undoubtedly, one of the cultures that significantly enriched Izmir amid this change and development was that of the Levantines. With roots tracing back to Europe, Levantines brought their own culture and lifestyle when they settled in the Ottoman port cities. However, the capitulations unilaterally abolished in 1914 and formally ended with the Treaty of Lausanne in 1923 hindered the Levantines' trade activities, leading many of them to migrate to Europe and America. As a result, Izmir was faced with a disappearing cultural heritage. This article aims to document the vanishing Levantine cuisine and culinary rituals, introducing Levantine dishes and rituals in the process.