GastroAntep Culture Route Festival begins with celebration of Türkiye’s culinary heritage
GastroAntep Culture Route Festival, organized in cooperation with the Ministry of Culture and Tourism and Gaziantep Metropolitan Municipality, started. A cortege march was organized before the program, Türkiye, September 14, 2024 (AA Photo)
Organized in collaboration with the Ministry of Culture and Tourism and Gaziantep Metropolitan Municipality, the highly anticipated GastroAntep Culture Route Festival has officially begun.
Running until Sept. 22, this unique festival promises to showcase Gaziantep’s rich history, cultural heritage and world-renowned cuisine, offering visitors an unforgettable experience.
The festival began with an exciting parade, starting at the iconic Gaziantep Castle and ending at Balikli Park.
Following the parade, a series of speeches were held in the Wonderland area, celebrating the city’s cultural and gastronomic legacy.
Festivals unite, tables heal
AK Party Deputy Group Chairperson Abdulhamit Gul emphasized the power of festivals in bringing people together.
Highlighting Gaziantep’s cultural richness and its inclusive hospitality, Gul noted how shared meals transcend language, identity and background.
“One of the most important features of Gaziantep is the way we welcome everyone to our table, regardless of their identity. These festivals play a vital role in keeping our spirit of unity and togetherness alive,” Gul said.
Gaziantep: Türkiye’s gastronomic capital
Gaziantep Governor Kemal Ceber highlighted the city’s status as one of Türkiye’s leading hubs for history, culture and gastronomy.
“We have 106 geographically marked products, and work is underway for 70 more. Two of these products are also certified by the European Union,” said Ceber.
He added Gaziantep can host any kind of festival because of its cultural wealth.
Fatma Sahin, Mayor of Gaziantep Metropolitan Municipality: ‘Gaziantep is the world’s kitchen’
Gaziantep Metropolitan Mayor Fatma Sahin shared that the GastroAntep Festival continues to grow each year.
Emphasizing the global importance of Gaziantep’s culinary arts, Sahin declared: “We are competing with Rome and Naples. We invite everyone to discover Gaziantep’s cultural and gastronomic riches.”
Throughout the festival, visitors can enjoy a diverse program, including concerts, exhibitions, theater, opera, ballet performances, workshops and digital art.
With hundreds of events planned, the GastroAntep Culture Route Festival aims to showcase Türkiye’s cultural and culinary treasures to the world.
