Eastern Mediterranean University (EMU), Faculty of Tourism, Department of Gastronomy and Culinary Arts Program students achieved great success at the 6th GastroAntalya International Gastronomy and Culinary Stars Gathering, returning EMU with 3 trophies and 22 medals. Participated by 856 chefs and 1292 contestants from 42 different countries, GastroAntalya International Gastronomy and Culinary Stars Gathering featured competitions, workshops, panels and seminars in different categories over the course of 3-day event.
Bringing together culinary professionals around the world, the event was also attended by EMU Faculty of Tourism, Department of Gastronomy and Culinary Arts’ senior instructor Fatma Öztunç and, program students Elif Asarlık, Nujin Dilba Karakulak and Günseli Kafa. EMU Gastronomy and Culinary Arts Department once again reaffirmed the quality of its academic education and its pioneering role in culinary arts training by winning several golden, silver and bronze medals in both individual and team categories. Having the opportunity to showcase their modern culinary techniques, creativity, and professional competencies on such a prestigious platform serves as a highly valuable reference for the students’ future careers.
Returned with Trophies and Medals
In the highly prestigious “Golden Turkish Chef of the Year” category, Fatma Öztünç claimed the gold medal and trophy, while Nujin Karakulak secured the silver medal and trophy. Additionally, the team of Elif Asarlık, Günseli Kafa, and Nujin Dilba Karakulak earned a gold medal in the “University-Level Modern Turkish Cuisine Team Competition”. Fatma Öztünç also won a gold medal in the “Restaurant Dessert Plate” category, while Günseli Kafa received a silver medal in the “Golden Young Chef of the Year” category. In the “University-Level Student Chef Pasta Competition,” Nujin Dilba Karakulak took home the gold medal, and Elif Asarlık was awarded the silver medal.
The team honored with the trophy in the “Best University Team of the Year” category also achieved individual distinctions by winning bronze medals. In the “University-Level Student Chef Restaurant Dessert Competition”, Günseli Kafa earned a silver medal, while Elif Asarlık and Nujin Dilba Karakulak received bronze medals. Elif Asarlık and Günseli Kafa also secured silver medals in the “University-Level Student Chef Fish Competition.” In the “University-Level Student Chef Main Course Competition,” Elif Asarlık and Günseli Kafa were again awarded silver medals, while Nujin Dilba Karakulak claimed a bronze medal. Furthermore, Fatma Öztünç was awarded a silver medal in the “Masters’ Fish” category and a bronze medal in the “Lamb” category.
“A Source of Pride”
EMU Rector Prof. Dr. Hasan Kılıç made remarks on the achievement of EMU students, saying; “With its well-established infrastructure, distinguished academic staff, and experienced chef instructors, Faculty of Tourism’s Gastronomy and Culinary Arts Program continues to record remarkable achievements. These accomplishments are no coincidence; they represent a source of pride made possible by the investments EMU has made in this field. I wholeheartedly congratulate our students, the academic staff who have guided them, and the Faculty administration for this significant success”.
“The Power of Education Turned into International Achievement”
Commenting on the success, Acting Dean of the EMU Faculty of Tourism, Assist. Prof. Dr. İlkay Yorgancı, stated that the outstanding achievement earned by students of the Gastronomy and Culinary Arts Program at such a prestigious international event clearly demonstrates the Faculty’s practice-based, modern, and high-quality educational approach. She emphasized that the combination of students’ disciplined work, creativity, and strong academic mentorship leading to this proud outcome is a great source of satisfaction. She also extended her heartfelt congratulations to all academic staff and students who played a role in the process.