An Eliasian Analysis of Vedat Milor’s Gastronomic Writing and Interplay of Identities

This chapter examines the intersection of culinary preferences, social identity, and digital media in the context of Turkish gastronomy. Focusing on the Twitter polls conducted by Turkish food writer Vedat Milor, the research explores how discussions around food choices on social media platforms reflect broader social and cultural dynamics within Turkish society. Drawing on Norbert Elias’s concept of We-identity, the study analyses participants’ articulations of culinary preferences to understand how collective identities are formed and reinforced through digital interactions. The findings reveal a strong association between regional culinary affiliations and collective identity among participants, challenging the notion of a monolithic ‘Turkish cuisine’ and highlighting the diversity of culinary traditions within the country. Moreover, the study examines the role of social media in shaping taste patterns and fostering dialogue around culinary matters, underscoring its significance in contemporary gastronomic discourse. This research aims to enhance our understanding of the nuanced relationship between food, identity, and digital media in Turkey, shedding light on the construction of collective culinary identities in the digital age.