Sofra.

This article explores the cultural history and evolution of the sofra, a term in Turkish that refers to both the object on which food is placed and the community of people that gather to eat, drink, and talk. The article traces the transformation of the sofra in Ottoman society under the influence of modernization, the spread of Western dining practices in the early republican period, and the transition from floor tables to dining tables with urbanization. It also examines the representation of the sofra in cinema, literature, and politics, highlighting the divisions between traditional and modern, and rich and poor. The article concludes by discussing the contemporary significance of the sofra as a symbol of identity, culture, and lifestyle in the age of globalization. [Extracted from the article]