Gaziantep cuisine is among the top 10 in the world

Gaziantep cuisine continues to make a name for itself internationally.

Ranked 9th among the world’s best gastronomic cities by a globally renowned rating firm, Gaziantep keeps promoting its cuisine on the international stage. Recognized by UNESCO in the field of gastronomy, Gaziantep continues to stand out with its kebabs, beyran, yuvalama, baklava, and 99 other registered dishes. According to TasteAtlas, an online travel and gastronomy guide pioneering the recognition of traditional flavors worldwide, Gaziantep cuisine secured the 9th position in the world’s best food and drink list.

“It’s quite normal for Gaziantep to be on this list,” says renowned Chef Doğa Çitçi, expressing pride in Gaziantep cuisine being in the top 10. “Gaziantep is the first city in Turkey to be certified in the field of gastronomy, and once again, it has been selected among the top 10 cities in the world for food and drink by a globally renowned rating firm. Considering the richness of Gaziantep cuisine, it’s entirely normal for it to be on this list. Being a gastronomic city, Gaziantep has not only a wide variety of products and dishes but also stands out in terms of taste,” he added.

“Our goal is to pass on Gaziantep dishes to future generations,” says Çitçi, who explains that Gaziantep cuisine has a history of approximately 12,000 years. Gaziantep, being one of the first settled cities globally and hosting 21 civilizations due to its location on the Silk Road, has a culinary culture passed down through generations. Çitçi emphasizes the aim of preserving and passing on Gaziantep dishes from the past to future generations, stating, “We continue to work towards this goal.”

“Gaziantep is equivalent to combining European countries,” notes Çitçi, dispelling the notion that Gaziantep cuisine is limited to a few dishes. With 104 geographical indication products, 99 of which are related to food and cuisine, Gaziantep has a diversity that surpasses any city in Turkey. Çitçi states, “Our endemic products are numerous. If you combine European countries, it still doesn’t match Gaziantep. Therefore, Gaziantep is on valuable lands. With over 400 dishes, 100 desserts, and 500 meals, 99 of which have geographical indications on food, Gaziantep leads the world’s cuisines. After entering UNESCO, it became clear that Gaziantep is not just known for lahmacun, kebabs, and baklava but also for its valuable dishes. Gaziantep’s presence on this list among the top 10 cities is not a coincidence. These lands have a significant history. They are the lands where the first kebab and the first meals were made. Therefore, Gaziantep is in a very valuable position and is starting to receive the recognition it deserves.”

“It’s a very important situation for the country’s economy,” says Çitçi, highlighting that Gaziantep’s inclusion in the list will significantly contribute to the country’s economy. He explains that showcasing meals on the international stage leads to increased interest from foreign tourists, benefiting local businesses and contributing to both the economy and cultural development. Çitçi reflects on the importance of UNESCO inclusion in 2015, emphasizing that it was a crucial turning point for the people and businesses of Gaziantep, making them aware of the significance of their culinary heritage on a global scale.

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Kaynak: IHA