Chef Eslem Uyanik, Michelin-listed culinary star, dies in Bolu hotel fire
Chef Eslem Uyanik, who continued her career as Chef de Partie (Cold Station Chef) at Amavi Alacati, which was listed in the Michelin Guide in 2024. (Photo via Instagram)
A devastating fire broke out at the Grand Kartal Hotel in Kartalkaya ski resort, Bolu, where 27-year-old Eslem Uyanik, a talented chef listed in the Michelin Guide, tragically lost her life. The fire, which occurred at around 3:30 a.m., claimed the lives of 76 people, with 52 others sustaining injuries.
The tragedy has sent shockwaves through the Turkish culinary community, especially as Uyanik was considered one of the brightest rising stars in the industry.
Promising culinary career cut short
Born in Kayseri, Uyanik built an impressive career in the culinary world at a remarkably young age. After studying Russian language and literature, she pursued culinary training at the Culinary Arts Academy.
Uyanik worked at prestigious restaurants in Istanbul and Bodrum, making a name for herself in the competitive culinary scene. Her biggest achievement was introducing the dry age fish concept at Amavi Alacati, a restaurant that earned a spot in the Michelin Guide 2024.
Chef Eslem Uyanik’s bright future in international cuisine
Despite her young age, Uyanik was already gaining international recognition for her innovative approach to cooking. Her work was often hailed as a prime example of the future of international culinary arts, inspiring many in the industry.
Uyanik’s reputation was growing fast, and her untimely death left a void in the culinary world.
Funeral in Kayseri
Uyanik’s funeral is scheduled for today, after the midday prayer, in her hometown of Kayseri. Her passing has deeply saddened many in the culinary community, who will remember her as a talented and promising chef with a bright future ahead.
Tragic story of Sevval Sahin, waitress who jumped from 12th floor in Bolu fire
Sevval Sahin, a 25-year-old waitress at the Grand Kartal Hotel in Kartalkaya, Bolu, jumped from the 12th floor during the devastating fire, sustaining severe injuries. It was revealed that Sahin made the decision to jump while on a video call with her father, Erdal Sahin, a shopkeeper in Bartin, during the fire.
Sahin, who started working at the hotel just a month and a half ago, is currently receiving treatment in the intensive care unit at Bolu Abant Izzet Baysal University Hospital.
