# Turkey Gastronomy High Schools Project launch > Developing situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/turkey-gastronomy-high-schools-project-launch > Updated: 2026-10-28T14:25:08.000Z. Sources: 11. Developments: 2. The Turkish Ministry of National Education has initiated the Turkey Gastronomy High Schools Project to preserve the nation’s culinary heritage and train professional chefs. The project aims to establish specialized schools across seven geographical regions, with each location focusing on specific local expertise, such as meat and dairy in Erzurum, palace cuisine in Istanbul, and baklava craftsmanship in Gaziantep. The first school under this initiative, the Ülker Gastronomy Vocational and Technical Anatolian High School, has opened in Erzurum. Attended by Minister of National Education Yusuf Tekin, the school offers a five-year program that includes an English preparatory year and practical training in specialized workshops. The curriculum covers Turkish and international cuisines, hygiene, and food safety. Minister Tekin noted that the initiative is vital for promoting Anatolian culinary culture globally, suggesting that the current lack of Michelin-starred restaurants representing these traditions is a missed opportunity for tourism and cultural marketing. ## Timeline ### 2026-10-28: Erzurum hosts first school of the Turkey Gastronomy High Schools Project The Ülker Gastronomy Vocational and Technical Anatolian High School has opened in Erzurum, marking the start of Turkey's Gastronomy High Schools Project. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/erzurum-hosts-first-school-of-the-turkey-gastronomy-high-schools-project ### 2026-10-26: Turkey launches Gastronomy High Schools project in Erzurum Turkey's Ministry of National Education is launching a nationwide Gastronomy High Schools Project, starting with a specialized meat and dairy school in Erzurum to preserve regional culinary traditions. 9 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/turkey-launches-gastronomy-high-schools-project-in-erzurum --- Cite as: Turkey Gastronomy High Schools Project launch. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/turkey-gastronomy-high-schools-project-launch