Local Turkish cuisine seeks spot in UNESCO registration

By Rauf Maltas

SANLIURFA, Turkey (AA) - Standing out with its rich culinary culture, the Turkish southeastern province of Sanliurfa is planning to open a new gastronomy center to register its authentic tastes to UNESCO.

Zeynel Abidin Beyazgul, the mayor of the province, said their efforts continue to register Sanliurfa’s authentic tastes to UNESCO with 'the world's oldest cuisine' motto.

As part of these efforts, Sakip Efendi Mansion, located near Balikligol area known as the Pool of Abraham, will be restored by the municipality in accordance with its historical texture, Beyazgul said.

"We are turning this place into a gastronomy center to contribute to Urfa cuisine. We will transform Sakip Efendi’s Mansion into a legendary place," he said.

He noted that the mansion will serve Sanliurfa’s local tastes after the restoration and environmental planning are completed.

In the gastronomy center, domestic and foreign tourists will be able to taste the local food.

The center will also provide visitors with workshops demonstrating how these unique tastes of Sanliurfa are created.