An Assessment of Post-Earthquake Issues in UNESCO (United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization) Gastronomic Cities Gaziantep, Hatay and Şanlıurfa in Turkey

Abstract

estinations catering to tourists with specific gastronomic preferences or diverse motivations may experience occasional disruptions in the range of offerings available. This scenario may arise due to anthropogenic factors or natural phenomena that result in varying degrees of environmental degradation. The literature commonly reports that regions experiencing disasters such as wars, floods, epidemics, earthquakes, and hurricanes are susceptible to significant life, property, and economic losses. The seismic events thatcommenced on February 6th, 2023 and persist to the present have engendered a consequential phenomenon within the nation of Turkey. The present research has been conducted to examine the prospective impacts of the Gaziantep/Kahramanmaraş earthquakes of 2023 on Gastronomy tourism and to propose viable remedies for any associated issues. The study employed qualitative research methods, specifically observation and literature review, to gather data. The data that was acquired was subjected to analysis using the descriptive analysis methodology. In summary, based on the scientific literature review and contemporary scientific assessments of gastronomic tourism, it has been observed that this phenomenon can be leveraged as a tourism asset in the future, despite certain criticisms. Upon evaluating both domestic and foreign visual and printed media, it is apparent that there is a prevalence of favorable news regarding gastronomy tourism. Based on the literature and observational data gathered in the study, it is believed that the impact of the earthquake on the gastronomic tourism of Gaziantep, Hatay, and Şanlıurfa, which are recognized as UNESCO (United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization) gastronomic cities, can be mitigated through appropriate measures. With multidimensional planning, the gastronomy of these cities is expected to emerge even stronger from the aftermath of the earthquake