The scent of freshly baked baklava drifts through centuries-old streets. Copper artisans shape intricate designs in historic bazaars, while the aroma of roasted pistachios and spices fills the air. In Gaziantep, one of Türkiye’s oldest and most vibrant cities, gastronomy is far more than a culinary experience. It is a living expression of history, identity and culture.

Located at the crossroads of civilisations for thousands of years, Gaziantep has long been a meeting point of trade, culture and innovation. Today, it stands as one of Türkiye’s most celebrated destinations, attracting visitors from around the world with its extraordinary cuisine, rich cultural heritage and renowned hospitality. As Türkiye’s first city to join UNESCO’s Creative Cities Network in the field of Gastronomy, Gaziantep has become a global symbol of how culinary traditions can preserve heritage while inspiring contemporary cultural exchange.

This rich legacy took centre stage in May 2026, when Gaziantep hosted the programme Türkiye’s Gastrodiplomacy Model: Table and Heritage. Organised under the leadership of the Presidency of Communications of the Republic of Türkiye as part of Turkish Cuisine Week, the event brought together academics, chefs, tourism professionals, communication experts and cultural stakeholders to explore the growing role of gastronomy in cultural diplomacy and destination branding.

While discussions focused on the future of Türkiye’s gastrodiplomacy strategy, the city itself became a powerful demonstration of the concepts being discussed. Participants experienced first-hand how food, heritage and storytelling come together to create a compelling destination narrative, one that extends far beyond the dining table.

A city built around the table

In Gaziantep, food is not merely prepared and served; it is celebrated. Culinary traditions have been passed down through generations, shaping a food culture that remains deeply connected to everyday life. Recipes perfected over centuries continue to be prepared with remarkable care, preserving techniques and flavours that reflect the city’s multicultural history.

The city’s most famous culinary ambassador is undoubtedly Antep Baklava, whose delicate layers of pastry and locally grown pistachios have earned international recognition. Yet Gaziantep’s gastronomic identity extends far beyond a single dish. From kebabs and seasonal vegetable specialities to traditional desserts and artisan products, the city offers one of the richest culinary repertoires in the region.

Dining in Gaziantep is an immersive cultural experience. Meals unfold slowly, often accompanied by stories of family traditions, local ingredients and culinary craftsmanship. Visitors quickly discover that every dish carries a narrative, connecting the present to generations of cooks, artisans and farmers who have shaped the region’s identity.

Walking through living history

Beyond its celebrated cuisine, Gaziantep offers an extraordinary journey through history.

Visitors can begin at the world renowned Zeugma Mosaic Museum, home to some of the finest Roman mosaics ever discovered. Among its treasures is the iconic “Gypsy Girl”, whose captivating gaze has become one of Türkiye’s most recognisable cultural symbols.

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The Panorama 25 Aralık Museum offers another remarkable experience, immersing visitors in Gaziantep’s role during Türkiye’s War of Independence through innovative storytelling and visual technology. Nearby, the Emine Göğüş Culinary Museum provides a deeper understanding of the city’s food culture, documenting traditions that continue to define Gaziantep today.

The historic city centre reveals yet another layer of the destination’s charm. Traditional bazaars, caravanserais, stone courtyards and bustling markets transport visitors through centuries of commercial and cultural exchange. In Bakırcılar Bazaar, master craftsmen continue to practise copper working techniques that have been handed down through generations, while historic inns such as Gümrük Hanı offer spaces where locals and visitors gather over tea and conversation.

Gastronomy as a bridge between cultures

The Table and Heritage programme highlighted a growing international recognition: food has become one of the most powerful tools of cultural diplomacy.

As travellers increasingly seek authentic and meaningful experiences, gastronomy offers a unique way to understand a destination’s history, values and identity. Through shared meals and culinary storytelling, visitors gain insights that transcend language and geography.

Throughout the programme, experts discussed how gastronomy can strengthen international understanding, support sustainable tourism and contribute to national branding efforts. Gaziantep emerged as a compelling example of how a city can successfully transform culinary heritage into a global cultural asset.

Its geographical indication products, UNESCO recognition, strong culinary memory and vibrant tourism ecosystem position the city as a leading model for heritage-based destination development.

The human side of hospitality

What truly distinguishes Gaziantep, however, is not only its food or monuments. It is its people.

Hospitality remains one of the city’s defining characteristics. Guests are welcomed not as tourists, but as friends invited to share a table. Whether enjoying a traditional breakfast in a historic courtyard, discovering local delicacies in a neighbourhood market or listening to stories shared by artisans and chefs, visitors experience a genuine warmth that leaves a lasting impression.

This spirit of hospitality reflects a broader cultural value deeply rooted in Turkish tradition: the belief that sharing food creates connection. It is this human dimension that transforms a visit to Gaziantep from a journey into an experience.

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Публикация от Ipek Tekdemir (@ipektekdemir)

A global destination with a timeless story

The Presidency of Communications’ initiative underscored a broader vision of strengthening Türkiye’s international cultural presence through heritage, storytelling and public diplomacy. By bringing together gastronomy, tourism and culture in one of the country’s most celebrated destinations, the programme demonstrated how local traditions can become global narratives.

For Gaziantep, the event reinforced its growing reputation as a city where history is lived, culture is celebrated, and gastronomy serves as a bridge between people and places.

As global travellers continue to search for authentic experiences, Gaziantep offers something increasingly rare: a destination where heritage remains alive, where every meal carries centuries of memory and where every visitor is welcomed with genuine warmth.

In Gaziantep, every flavour tells a story, and every story invites you to return.

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