In the city participating in UNESCO’s “Creative Cities Network” in the field of gastronomy, projects are being carried out to rebuild the businesses that were destroyed in the earthquakes in Kahramanmaraş on February 6, 2023, and reconnect them with their customers. In this context, projects are being implemented in the Hatay Flavor Bazaar, established in the Odabaşı Mahallesi of the central Antakya district under the coordination of the Governorship and the Eastern Mediterranean Development Agency.
The construction works, which started last year in the bazaar where 18 restaurants designed to resemble old Antakya houses are located, have been completed by 80 percent. Local dishes with geographical indication certificates, such as Antakya künefe, kaytaz börek, kömbe, and Antakya kağıt kebabı, will be served in these restaurants.
The bazaar, which will revitalize Hatay’s gastronomy tourism and social life, is planned to welcome its first guests in July. Governor Mustafa Masatlı stated that Hatay, which has hosted different civilizations throughout history, reflects its cultural diversity in its cuisine and emphasized that the bazaar will feature prominent and well-established restaurants in the gastronomy sector.
Masatlı explained that the restaurants have a closed area of 96 square meters and an open area of 36 square meters, and after landscaping and furnishing works, they aim to open the bazaar within July. He also mentioned that with the establishment of the bazaar, a social area where the local people and visitors can spend time in a decent environment will be created.
Masatlı highlighted that gastronomy in Hatay is not just a way of eating but also a cultural heritage and a way of life. With the Hatay Flavor Bazaar, they aim to remind the rich culinary culture of their region to Turkey and the world once again and contribute to the economic, social, and touristic development of the area. Masatlı also mentioned that they are increasing the number of products with geographical indication to 31 and have applied for 85 products to further enhance the city’s brand value.
