Türkiye’s 4th GastroRize festival celebrates Rize’s distinctive flavors

The 4th GastroRize Festival, dedicated to promoting the local delicacies of Rize, has officially commenced.

The festival, organized by Rize Municipality, kicked off with a lively procession through 15 July Democracy and Republic Square, drawing attention to the region’s rich culinary heritage.

Local cuisine takes center stage

In his opening remarks, Governor Selim Baydas emphasized the festival offers a platform to introduce the city’s unique gastronomy to a wider audience. “This is an opportunity to showcase Rize’s exceptional culinary culture,” he said.

Rize Mayor Rahmi Metin highlighted the importance of sharing the Black Sea region’s food culture with both national and international visitors.

“We live in a region rich in endemic species, blessed with a unique climate. The dishes, flavors, and ingredients used by the people of this special geography are truly valuable. We have 118 different types of dishes and 17 products with geographical indications,” Metin highlighted.

GastroRize Festival activities ignite excitement

After the speeches, Governor Baydas, Mayor Metin, and other attendees kicked off the festival’s opening event by lighting the cauldron for the traditional meat stew at Sahil Park.

Notable attendees included Professor Mete Avci, Deputy Rector of Recep Tayyip Erdogan University, Provincial Police Chief Murat Turesin, Justice and Development Party (AK Party) Provincial Chairman Yilmaz Katmer, along local residents.

The GastroRize Festival will continue until Oct. 13, offering visitors the chance to savor the region’s most renowned dishes.