Nakhchivan hosts the next “Kata” festival

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Published on Sunday, 08 April 2018 17:03

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The Decree of the Chairman of the Supreme Majlis of Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic dated February 7, 2009 “On holding folk days in Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic” has created a comprehensive condition to preserve and promote our national and spiritual values in the autonomous republic. As a result of this state care, in recent years, systematic study, development and promotion of the table culture, which is considered to be one of the oldest branches of folk creativity, is carried out consistently.  “Plov”, “Nakhchivan bread”, “Beekeeping products – honey”, “Plum” festivals held at the highest level heretofore, reflected not only rich cuisine, table traditions of the autonomous region, but also attracted mass interest in these events.

 “Kata” festival which started on April 7 at “Nakhchivangala” Historical-Architectural Museum Complex and will run two days, is an important event to demonstrate and promote the preparation manner of different types of katas belonging to the cities and regions of the autonomous republic. Nakhchivangala, which connects the nostalgia atmosphere of our historical past with the richness of our national cuisine, witnessed "Kata" festival for the second time. At the crowded festival which coincides with Saturday and Sunday, the sunny weather enabled the residents of the autonomous republic to participate in the event. As always, festival participants from the districts of the autonomous republic have taken their place in the sections arranged for them at the museum complex. At the same time, the organization of public catering services was at a high level.

The announcers of the festival, after greeting the festival participants, gave information about the kata (flat pie with greens) kinds which are prepared in spring. It was noted that kata occupies a special place in pastry in the ancient culinary culture of our people. From the ancient times up to nowadays mixed greens, shomu, asphodel, nettle, pumpkin, lentil, nut, halva, sweet, doyma katas have been very popular. Kata kinds prepared from wild plants that can be eaten in the early spring months, have a special place in Nakhchivan cuisine. The climatic conditions of the autonomous republic enable the spread of wild plants, which are rich in various minerals and vitamins, and katas prepared from them are also useful for human organisms.

It should be noted that festival participants had the opportunity to watch the preparation of various katas live and to taste the kata kinds baked in tandir (oven made of clay in a hole in the earth).

Ruhiyya Zamanova from Sadarak region said that she had brought various greens picked up in her region. In the region’s stand in the festival they sell the greens from their region, and prepare katas from the greens. A tandir has been arranged here for this, necessary items have been brought here to prepare the stuffing. According to our interlocutor, visitors of the festival have a great interest in kata which is considered to be a delicious meal of our cuisine.

Yashar Habibiov from Alahi village of Ordubad region said that it is the second time he takes part in the “Kata” festival as an owner of the farm: “Last year we took part in the festival with my family members. This time we also have brought various types of greens of our fertile land. My wife bakes katas in a tandir arranged here. There is a great interest in our katas, greens of our mountains. We hope that we will be able to sell our greens and baked katas. I express my gratitude to everyone who has contributed to the created conditions and for organizing such event”.

Madina Sariyeva from Bichanak village of Shahbuz region also expressed her pleasure:

Everyone knows about the magnificent nature of Shahbuz. Each grass, flower grown in the foot hills of snowy mountains of the region, in the fields situated in thousands meters above sea level cures diseases.   Our ancestors learned how to use and benefit from the herbs, plants since ancient times. Therefore, in spring they picked up tens of different greens and prepared katas, used them in different meals in the past. It is the same now. When spring comes we smell kata in the air. My interlocutor said that she had brought a lot of greens to the festival as it was the last year. They have already sold a large part of their products.

It should be noted that it is possible to cook various meals with the greens for kata. For example, in front of Shahbuz’s stand meals were prepared with fried greens in the festival. These meals fried in a copper pan had pleasant smell. Eggs can also be added into these meals according to the taste.

Yusif Hashimov from Nakhchivan city, Mansur Suleymanov from Julfa region, Samira Mammadova from Kangarli region, Nazakat Zeynalova from Babak settlement mentioned that they have interesting time here, such cultural events create a good atmosphere on them. Yusif Hashimov shared his impressions: These events are of great importance to promote and preserve our national cuisine samples. On the other hand, residents of the city can find any type of greens here grown in the territory of the autonomous republic in spring. Prices are also suitable. I express my gratitude to the organizers of the festival.

Samira Mammadova noted that one of the most cooked meals of Nakhchivan in spring is the meals prepared from different types of greens. The variety of blessing given by Nakhchivan nature today is a decoration of our tables. Some like to fry these greens while others like to cook kata. The taste of the katas sold at the festival is that they are cooked in tandirs with firewood.

There were enough foreign students in the festival studying in Nakhchivan. Shehriban Sarihan shared her impressions about the festival: “During my study here, I tasted most of the meals of Nakhchivan cuisine. Your cuisine is very rich and delicious. I think that if anyone from a foreign country come here and eat these dishes, they will definitely enjoy it. I can say that kata is a delicious meal. It can also be eaten out of table, for example, when you walk along the road. It is very tasty. I know that katas are prepared with the natural greens grown in the mountains of Nakhchivan. It means it is the taste of the nature. On the other hand, your culinary culture, table experience allows you to present tasty meals even more tasty at the table. I think that this skill belongs to the culture of your people. From this point of view, I think the Azerbaijani people have rich culture”.

Li Chin Yonggil, a Korean student studying at Nakhchivan State University, said that for the first time he tasted kata at “Kata” festival last year. He liked it very much: “Although it is a type of dry dish, the stuffing in it does not allow you to feel it. I have already learned how to cook it. But it is a pity that I will not be able to cook it my country because there are not these kinds of greens. I've been accustomed to your national cuisine long ago and I like it very much”.

It should be noted that the interesting performances of the Song and Dance Ensemble of Nakhchivan State Philharmonic, Nakhchivan Musical College’s "Ganjlik" and "Shalala" instrumental ensembles of the Culture and Tourism Department of Nakhchivan City provided interesting time. The festival, which 23 public catering facilities and 130 physical people participate, will end today.

At the end of the festival, organized by the Ministries of Economy, Agriculture, Culture and Tourism of the Autonomous Republic, city and district executive authorities, the winners of the competition will be announced in the category "The most delicious kata". The displayed products will be selected by the jury according to appearance, variety and taste, the winner of the festival, the winners of the second and third places, will be awarded diplomas.

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