Rize to host GastronomiRize 2026 festival

The Rize Municipality has announced GastronomiRize 2026, a four-day event scheduled for October 8–11, 2026. The festival aims to explore gastronomy through the lenses of production, culture, health, and climate sustainability.

A central feature of the event is the launch of the book “Rize Dağlardan Denize Aromatik Mutfak Kültürü” (Rize Aromatic Kitchen Culture from Mountains to Sea). This publication is the result of a comprehensive study to document the region's culinary memory, involving data collection from villages and homes, followed by recipe testing by academics and local chefs.

The festival will also include a “Horon for Climate” initiative to support the Zero Waste Movement led by Emine Erdoğan. This program uses the traditional horon dance to raise awareness about climate change and environmental protection. Additionally, a “Longevity Center Rize” will host workshops and discussions on healthy eating, seasonal nutrition, and traditional fermented products, featuring experts from the Ministry of Health.