A new Italian cooking class was officially launched in Erbil, a special initiative organized by the Consulate General of Italy on the occasion of the 10th Week of Italian Cuisine in the World. The event was attended by Ambassador Niccolò Fontana, Rector Nazar Shabila, and the group of young students selected by the Catholic University, who will take part in a program dedicated to culinary training and the promotion of Italian gastronomic culture.
Consul General Tommaso Sansone opened the event by highlighting the strong connection between Italian and Kurdish culinary traditions, united by common values such as conviviality, high-quality ingredients, and respect for food culture.
The course is being held at the “Don Gennaro” Restaurant of Excellence with the participation of Chef Angelo Giannino, followed by over 40,000 enthusiasts on YouTube and considered a true ambassador of Italian gastronomy. Chef Giannino will guide the students through a hands-on exploration of regional Italian cuisine and the principles of the Mediterranean diet.
The theme of the 2024 edition—“Italian cuisine between health, culture, and innovation”—was chosen to convey an important message to younger generations: cuisine is a tool for knowledge, a model for healthy living, and a way to promote environmental protection and the fight against climate change.
Consul General concluded by expressing his heartfelt gratitude to his staff for their dedication and professionalism in organizing the event, and to all participants for the enthusiasm with which they embraced the initiative.
Long live Italian cuisine, and long live the friendship between Italy and Kurdistan!
