Malatya opens Gastronomy Center to boost culinary tourism

The Malatya Gastronomy Center has officially opened within the 100. Yıl Kent Parkı to promote the region's culinary heritage and establish the city as a major destination for gastronomy tourism.

During the opening ceremony, Malatya Metropolitan Municipality Mayor Sami Er emphasized that the center will function as a Culinary Arts Academy, providing training for youth to preserve and advance local cooking traditions. The initiative is part of a broader effort to rebuild the city's economy and tourism sector following the February 6 earthquakes.

Renowned chef and gastronomy researcher Ömür Akkor highlighted the historical depth of Malatya's cuisine, noting its 6,000-year connection to ancient traditions found in Arslantepe excavations. Akkor described the local food culture, particularly its focus on wheat, bulgur, and oven-based cooking, as one of the strongest in Turkey.

In addition to the new center, the municipality aims to boost international visibility through various events, including the Arslantepe International Half Marathon, the Apricot Festival, and the Culture Road Festival.