ARDA TURKMEN

Born in 1975, Arda Türkmen is a young entrepreneur and one of the most famous and cheerful chefs in Turkey. He’s also the owner of “11Leblon” which is well- known as the restaurant in the movie “Issız Adam”. He also has another restaurant called Forneria and a catering company which has hosted many successful organizations, like the Metallica and Depeche Mode concerts. Due to his extensive experience in the field, Arda Türkmen is preferred by many worldwide stars. Nowadays, Arda Türkmen has a TV programme on a well-known gourmet channel in Turkey and he has many fans following him because they find him really cheerful and sincere. He also has his own unique way of presenting and this is probably what makes him so popular. Every day, he cooks delicious meals with easy recipes. He also shares the recipes and instructions through his website.

‘I graduated from Saint Benoit French High School and then Bilgi University’s School of Business Administration. When I was a student, I organized tours and that was my first real job. During the same years, I had some experience at many restaurants and hotels. As you can see, my educational background doesn’t support the business I’m in. However, my father had been working as an administrator in many wellknown hotels so I was familiar with many things when I first started’.

‘That’s a difficult question. Actually, it would be better if other people, who know me, explain what kind of a person I am but if I have to, I can say that I’m a cheerful, hardworking and consistent person who isn’t afraid of failure or difficulties. Actually, I push myself harder when I fail’.

‘There aren’t any chefs in my family and I haven’t had an education in that field but I love what I am doing. Of course it isn’t easy. I mean, you cannot cook if you don’t like it. You need a lot of patience. You need to put in lots of time and effort. Commitment is the key to success in this business. Otherwise, you shouldn’t even dream about being successful. In fact you need to make sacrifices if you are in this business. While people are having fun during New Year and other festival holidays, we have to run the business’

‘I have two restaurants and a catering company at the same time so I’m busy all day and night. If you think about it actually, it can be really tiring and you have no time for your private life. On the other hand, it’s the most satisfying thing when people appreciate what you do. I also have a TV programme and I write a column in a magazine so I am very busy but I truly love my work.’