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Gaziantep, a city in southeastern Türkiye known for its centuries-old culinary heritage, has been ranked 18th on the "100 Best Food Cities in the World" list released by the global gastronomy platform TasteAtlas.
Istanbul also secured a spot on the list, coming in at 24th.
Gaziantep, listed in the UNESCO Creative Cities Network for Gastronomy, owes its rising international profile to the city’s long-standing efforts to preserve and promote its local food culture.
The municipality of Gaziantep has played a significant role by leading initiatives such as geographical indication registrations, protection of regional products, and systematic branding strategies. These efforts have helped to formalize the authenticity of local dishes while introducing them to a wider global audience.
One of the city’s most impactful platforms for international recognition has been the annual GastroAntep Festival. Organized every September, this large-scale event serves as a meeting point for local producers, master chefs, and food enthusiasts from around the world.
By showcasing the richness of Gaziantep’s food culture on an international stage, the festival reinforces the city’s global culinary standing.
This year’s edition of the festival is scheduled to take place between Sept. 13 and 21.
It is expected to further strengthen Gaziantep’s position as a gastronomic destination by drawing international attention to its diverse and deeply rooted cuisine.
Through a wide-ranging vision shaped by local governance, Gaziantep continues to preserve and present its food heritage at both national and international levels.
Drawing from tradition and reinforcing it with modern branding and promotion techniques, the city aims to ensure the longevity and global appreciation of its culinary legacy.
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