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Երեվան
կրկ, դկտ 22
Recently, our fellow Istanbul-Armenian compatriot, Nurhan Çetinkaya, has once again prepared a special fish dish called “Lakerta”. What started as an amateur-level hobby has turned into a charitable initiative.
“Arevelk” obtained more details about this from our fellow Istanbul-Armenian. Nurhan Çetinkaya specifically shared: “Making ‘Lakerta’ is part of the old culture of Istanbul, a part of Armenian culture that we inherited from the Ottoman Empire. Some Jews insist that this dish belongs to them, but that’s not true. Just like the way we cook ‘pastirma’ with salt, this is the same Armenian tradition, except instead of meat, you cook fish. This method was used during winter in places where there were no conveniences. Just like in Anatolia (Western Armenia, according to ‘Arevelk’) where vegetables were dried, this was a similar method.”
“At one point, my friends suggested that I start this work because it’s part of Armenian culture. Although I wasn’t an expert, I began it out of love for Armenian culture and started on an amateur level. The first income from this work was donated to needy university students born in remote areas of Turkey and studying in other cities.”
“I have been selling ‘Lakerta’ for five years, and the proceeds, without discrimination, are allocated to university students, and a portion is also given to the students of Armenian schools such as Galfayan and Levon-Varduhi schools. Additionally, a part goes to needy families and students who need computers.”
“Last year, we sold 2,000 boxes of ‘Lakerta’. This year, we aim to reach 3,000 boxes. We always want our support to go to students. Of course, the community also supports this program. Being the main initiator of this project within the Armenian community is a great honor for me. People trust us, believing in the importance of the work, and we continue with responsibility, aiming to expand our reach even further.”
“In previous years, we also had a milk program for our Armenian schools, providing milk every morning. Sixteen Armenians formed a group called ‘Milk Brothers,’ and we made agreements with different milk companies. Every morning, we supplied milk to 1,000 students at Galfayan, Mekhitarist, Immaculate Conception, Karagyozyan, Bezciyan, and Tatyos schools. During the summer, we provided milk to children participating in various Armenian camps. But when the state began distributing milk in schools, we ceased our operation.”
We wish our compatriot, Nurhan Çetinkaya, continued success. His faith, dedication, and mission to reach out to both community and foreign needy students is worthy of great appreciation.
Source: “Arevelk”
