The Madagascar Cultural and Solidarity Association’s Mother’s Day event celebrated the rich heritage and craftsmanship behind the world-renowned Malagasy vanilla while promoting intercultural friendship in Türkiye.
The Madagascar Cultural and Solidarity Association marked Mother’s Day with a unique cultural event that combined tradition, gastronomy and community spirit in Kocaeli, Türkiye.
The event highlighted the story of Madagascar’s world-famous vanilla while creating a space for intercultural exchange and solidarity among participants drawn from different backgrounds.
Speaking during the event, Association President Aymerillette Şen described vanilla as more than just a flavor or fragrance, emphasizing its symbolic connection to patience, dedication and cultural heritage.
“Vanilla is a unique journey from flower to aroma,” she said. “With its delicate fragrance, exceptional value and the labor involved in its production, it reminds us of motherhood.”
Flower to aroma
Malagasy vanilla holds both rich cultural heritage and global economic significance, accounting for nearly 80 percent of the world’s vanilla production. Derived from an orchid species, vanilla is considered the world’s second most expensive spice after saffron.
Yet behind its sweet fragrance lies an exceptionally labor-intensive process. In Madagascar, where natural pollinators are absent, farmers must hand-pollinate each flower by hand. Nearly 600 flowers are required to produce just one kilogram of vanilla, and around 70,000 farmers across the country rely on vanilla cultivation for their livelihoods.
Participants at the event also learned about vanilla’s traditional curing process, including blanching, sweating, sun-drying and refining — a meticulous journey that takes several months and gives vanilla its distinctive aroma, flavor and quality.
A Sensory Experience
Alongside the presentation, guests enjoyed an immersive sensory experience featuring vanilla-infused lattes and desserts, while also participating in a natural vanilla lip balm workshop that highlighted the use of authentic Malagasy vanilla in everyday products.
Şen said the association’s mission goes beyond promoting Malagasy culture, emphasizing its commitment to strengthening connections between foreigners living in Türkiye and Turkish society through cultural activities that foster dialogue, understanding and social solidarity.
The Madagascar Cultural and Solidarity Association plans to continue organizing annual events centered on different cultural themes in an effort to deepen intercultural solidarity and social connection.
