Recep Tayyip Erdoğan University hosts cultural and culinary events in Rize

Recep Tayyip Erdoğan University (RTEÜ) in Rize, Turkey, recently hosted two distinct events focused on regional heritage.

A culinary competition was held to showcase the gastronomic potential of 'kaldırık otu' (Selinum), a local plant native to the Black Sea region and extending through the Western Caucasus to Bulgaria. Students from the Faculty of Agriculture and the Faculty of Tourism collaborated to prepare ten different dishes using the plant as a primary ingredient, including soups, salads, and main courses. Academics noted the plant's potential to address food security through its natural growth in wild conditions.

Additionally, the university organized an 'Accipiter Festival' (Atmaca Şenliği) to preserve the traditional culture of falconry. Led by the Turkish Folklore Society, the event brought together master falconers from Rize and Artvin to introduce students to the ancient practice. The festival aimed to pass down this regional cultural heritage to younger generations, providing many students with their first experience interacting with hawks.