Turkey's regional culinary and cultural heritage attracts tourists

Turkey is seeing a rise in cultural and gastronomy tourism, with specific regional traditions drawing both domestic and international visitors. In Didim, the Akköy neighborhood has become a notable destination due to its historical stone architecture and traditional lifestyle. Located on the route to the Miletus Ancient City, Akköy features cobblestone streets and a 250-year-old stone building that houses a local library and publishes its own literary magazine.

The region also emphasizes local production, with weekly markets offering fresh produce. Akköy is recognized for its olive oil, strawberry production, and fishing, often highlighted during the Didim Aegean Flavors Festival.

In Gaziantep, menengiç coffee has emerged as a primary attraction within the city's historic bazaars. Derived from the ungrafted pistacia lentiscus plant, the product is roasted and ground to create a unique coffee. Local vendors report high demand from tourists who visit the historic markets to taste the aromatic beverage and purchase it as a regional souvenir.