ŞANLIURFA’S “WORLD GASTRONOMY REGION CANDIDACY” WAS UNVEILED IN ISTANBUL

The “Şanlıurfa 2029 World Gastronomy Region Candidacy Launch,” which showcased Şanlıurfa’s international gastronomy vision, was held at Tersane İstanbul with a large turnout. The launch, attended by Istanbul Governor Davut Gül and Şanlıurfa Metropolitan Mayor Mehmet Kasım Gülpınar, along with numerous bureaucrats, academics, and leading figures from the gastronomy world, highlighted Şanlıurfa’s deep-rooted culinary culture and tourism potential.

At the invitation of the Şanlıurfa Metropolitan Municipality’s Directorate of Culture, Arts, and Social Affairs, our Association was represented at the event by our Specialized President for Gastronomy Tourism, M. Tümay İmamoğlu.

The event highlighted the integration of Şanlıurfa's historical sites, such as Göbeklitepe and Karahantepe, with gastronomic tourism. While the region’s deep-rooted culinary culture was showcased through a specially prepared menu, it was emphasized that gastronomy also serves as a cultural memory. Within the scope of the program, new tourism routes focused on gastronomy and rural development issues were evaluated.

Tümay İmamoğlu noted that culinary tourism is a rising global trend and highlighted Şanlıurfa’s potential to become a strong destination in this field. She stated that TÜRSAB supports the 2029 World Gastronomy Region goal as a strategic tourism initiative.