A Turkish Signature in ELLE Italia
By Alpaslan Düven / London
What began as an idea in Türkiye has now found its place in the pages of ELLE Italia, one of Europe’s leading lifestyle publications. Founded by Turkish creative entrepreneur Tuğçe Durak, Table of Friends was recognized as one of the standout experiences of this year’s Maravigghia Noto 2026, held on the Italian island of Sicily.
Within an event celebrating fashion, art, gastronomy, music, and the Mediterranean way of life, the project’s signature long communal dining experiences were introduced in ELLE Italia’s editorial coverage under the title “Table of Friends by Tuğçe Durak.” This recognition marks a significant milestone for a Turkish-born social impact initiative, bringing it to the forefront of one of Europe’s most influential cultural and lifestyle platforms.
More Than a Table: A Social Impact Movement
Table of Friends is far more than a dining concept or event series. It is an international social impact platform dedicated to bringing together people of different cultures, faiths, generations, and professions around the same table, fostering friendship, cultural exchange, and social solidarity.
Its philosophy is encapsulated in a simple yet powerful belief:
“A sincere conversation around a shared table can become the first step toward lifelong friendships, cross-cultural collaborations, and meaningful social change.”
Guided by this vision, every gathering becomes more than a shared meal. It creates a space where cultures meet, stories are exchanged, prejudices are broken down, and people connect through shared human values.
Recognized by ELLE Italia as a Creative Partner
Held from 3–5 July in the UNESCO World Heritage city of Noto, Sicily, Maravigghia Noto 2026 brought together a rich programme spanning music, gastronomy, art, wellness, and immersive cultural experiences.
In its editorial feature, ELLE Italia highlighted Table of Friends, developed by Tuğçe Durak, as a creative partner behind the festival’s White Ritual and Desert Ritual experiences. The publication noted that the concept shaped the creative vision of the communal dining experiences—from their overall atmosphere and storytelling to the guest journey itself.
Where Cultural Diplomacy Meets Social Impact
Wherever it operates, Table of Friends seeks to connect local cultures and culinary traditions with international guests, support local producers, and build lasting relationships across borders.
Its commitment to social impact extends well beyond its events. A portion of the platform’s proceeds is allocated to educational, artistic, cultural, and community initiatives benefiting young people in the cities where events are held. In doing so, each gathering is designed to create a lasting legacy—not only for its participants but also for the wider community.
An International Milestone for Türkiye’s Creative Industries
Table of Friends’ prominent role at Maravigghia Noto 2026, widely regarded as one of Europe’s emerging experiential lifestyle platforms, together with its editorial recognition in ELLE Italia, represents a noteworthy international achievement for Türkiye’s creative industries.
Through its innovative vision, Tuğçe Durak has reimagined the table as more than a place to share a meal. It has become a platform for cultural diplomacy, international friendship, meaningful dialogue, and positive social impact.
Guided by the motto:
“One Table. Many Cultures. One Humanity.”
Table of Friends aims to build a global community united by shared values across countries and cultures. Its feature in ELLE Italia stands as a powerful testament to the platform’s growing international visibility and its expanding influence on the global stage.