The city, which is part of UNESCO’s “Creative Cities Network” in the field of gastronomy, is implementing projects to rebuild businesses destroyed in the earthquakes in Kahramanmaraş on February 6, 2023, to meet their customers once again. In this context, projects are being carried out to bring the Hatay Culinary Bazaar in the center of Antakya district to life, under the coordination of the Governorship and the Eastern Mediterranean Development Agency. The bazaar, which imitates the architecture of old Antakya houses, will house 18 restaurants offering regional dishes such as Antakya künefe, kaytaz böreği, kömbe, and Antakya kağıt kebabı, which are geographically registered specialty foods.
Construction work started last year at the bazaar in Odabaşı Mahallesi is now 80% complete, and it is close to completion. The bazaar, which will serve as a hotspot for Hatay’s gastronomic tourism and social life, plans to welcome its first guests in July. Governor Mustafa Masatlı emphasized that throughout history, Hatay has been home to different civilizations and has reflected its cultural diversity in its cuisine. Masatlı stated that the bazaar will showcase prominent and renowned restaurants in the gastronomy sector.
The 96-square-meter closed and 36-square-meter open space restaurants will be the highlight of the bazaar. The aim of the project is to create a space for service presentation for restaurants that have been demolished or severely damaged due to the earthquake, and to improve employment to some extent. Masatlı mentioned that after the landscaping and furnishing processes, the bazaar is targeted to be opened in July. The Governor highlighted that with the implementation of the bazaar, a social space where the local people and visitors can spend time in a decent environment will be created.
Governor Masatlı expressed that gastronomy in Hatay is not just a way of eating but also cultural heritage and a way of life. With the Hatay Culinary Bazaar, they aim to remind our rich culinary culture to our country and the world once again, contributing to the economic, social, and touristic development of the region. Masatlı emphasized their efforts to increase the city’s brand value by stating that they have increased the number of geographical indication products to 31 and have applied for 85 products as well. With the collaboration between the local businesses and government, the Hatay Lezzetleri Çarşısı is on track to revitalize the regional gastronomy and boost the economy of the city. This project not only promises to bring back the vibrancy to the local culinary scene but also aims to attract more tourists and visitors to experience the unique flavors of Hatay.
