GastroAntep Festival highlights Turkish culinary heritage

The GastroAntep International Gastronomy Festival, organized by the Gaziantep Metropolitan Municipality and the Ministry of Culture and Tourism, recently concluded in Gaziantep, Turkey. Held under the theme ‘The Era of Experience: Gastronomy, Agriculture, Tourism, and Hospitality,’ the event featured panels, workshops, and culinary competitions.

Gaziantep Mayor Fatma Şahin emphasized the importance of preserving culinary heritage and passing it to future generations. She highlighted the city's potential within the global gastronomy ecosystem and discussed efforts to attract international tourists, specifically targeting markets in Japan, China, and South Korea through potential direct charter flights with Turkish Airlines.

The festival also focused on professional development, including a competition for university students to reinterpret local flavors with modern techniques. Additionally, Şahin noted that approximately ten local businesses are currently working with the Michelin Guide to prepare for potential star recognitions in the region.