The countdown has begun for the 6th "GastroAntep Cultural Road Festival," which will be held from September 14-22 to introduce Gaziantep's local flavors, derived from the sun, soil, and history, to the world.

Gaziantep, a city known for its gastronomy, has completed all preparations for the "GastroAntep Cultural Road Festival," which will take place from September 14-22, 2024. The festival, launched by the Ministry of Culture and Tourism, will showcase the city's rich culinary heritage. Gaziantep, one of Turkey's most important gastronomic destinations, is globally renowned for its baklava, katmer, beyran, kebab, and pistachios, and the excitement for the festival is palpable.

Hosted by the Gaziantep Metropolitan Municipality, the festival will feature, among other events, a world record attempt for the longest kebab, which will be prepared by 500 masters over a distance of 2.5 kilometers.

The festival aims to promote Gaziantep's historical and cultural wealth, enhance its brand value, and revitalize the local economy. Flags, banners, and posters have been placed all around the city, and as the festival approaches, businesses in the food and beverage sector, among others, have completed their preparations. In historic locations such as Bakırcılar Bazaar, Almacı Bazaar, Kürkçü Han, Gaziler, Karagöz, Suburcu Streets, and the Cultural Road, businesses are eagerly awaiting the festival days, ready to introduce the city's culinary delights to the public.

The festival, which is part of the Ministry of Culture and Tourism's "Cultural Road Festivals," is seen as a significant opportunity by local tradespeople. Local business owners are excited about showcasing hundreds of regional flavors, from the city's world-famous baklava and kebab to beyran, katmer, pistachios, and dried vegetables. Levent Aktaş, a baklava master, expressed that such festivals greatly benefit local businesses.

"Gaziantep has a very rich cuisine"

Aktaş shared that the festival is a great opportunity for visitors to Gaziantep, saying, "We have completed our preparations for the festival, which is held annually. We will do our best to host our guests in the best possible way. Gaziantep has a vast cuisine, and as baklava makers, we are proud to offer our baklava to our visitors and share the beauty of our city with them. When people think of baklava, Gaziantep comes to mind first. The quality of the products in Gaziantep, the beauty of the baklava, and the use of natural ingredients make us proud when visitors taste our baklava and say, 'This is the best baklava I've ever had.'"

"We welcome all of Turkey to Gaziantep"

Hurşit Aktaş, a local vendor selling regional products, said they will offer visitors fresh, newly harvested products during the festival, stating, "As Gaziantep tradespeople, we are ready for the gastronomic festival. We have made excellent preparations, and all of our products are fresh and ready. We invite all of our fellow citizens, as well as all of Turkey, to Gaziantep and the festival."

"Such festivals greatly benefit local businesses"

Fatih Özsefil, a tradesman at the historic Almazı Bazaar, said, "As tradespeople, we are ready for the 6th 'GastroAntep Cultural Road Festival' and have new products available for the festival. We invite everyone to Gaziantep. These types of festivals are very beneficial for local businesses. We welcome both domestic and international visitors who come to Gaziantep, explore the city, taste the local cuisine, and buy regional products like baklava, pistachios, dried vegetables, and spices. When shopping increases, it greatly benefits us as well."