İbrahim Akgün and Yazgı Çalışkan, students at Zonguldak Bülent Ecevit University (BEUN) Devrek Vocational School Cookery Program, represented BEUN and Zonguldak successfully within the scope of the “1 Kitchen 81 Cultures” project organized at Gaziantep between 23-26 December 2025.
Through the project held with the attendance of university students from 81 cities across Türkiye, it was aimed to increase cultural interaction and strengthen the sense of brotherhood as well as introduce the gastronomy culture. Students had the chance to get to know the Gaziantep cuisine while they shared information and experiences with other participants coming from various cities in Türkiye.
During the workshops organized within the program, the signature taste of Gaziantep Cousine “yuvalama” and “Antep kahkesi” were prepared with the participants. In the visit to Kitchen Arts Center, deep-rooted gastronomy culture was experienced through tasting the products produced. Panaroma Museum and Zeugma Mosaic Museum were visited to experience the historical and cultural heritage. In the program titled “Culture Nights” organized by Şahinbey Congress and Arts Center, students coming from 81 cities introduced their local products. Cultural ties were strengthened in the program enriched with folklore dances, musical performances and panels. As part of the program, participants attended the 25 December Liberation of Gaziantep commemoration events.
In the events held at Gazikent Youth Center; by bringing together soil collected from all 81 provinces and planting olive trees, a lasting memorial was created in the name of each province. The project ended with Sıra night and farewell program. Devrek Vocational School students contributed to introducing Zonguldak cuisine and local values and sharing them with the future generations. The event will be remembered as a a meaningful organization that brought together gastronomy, culture, and brotherhood.
Rector Özölçer: “Our students represent our culture and values across the country in the best way possible”
The Rector of BEUN, Prof. Dr. İsmail Hakkı Özölçer stated the following in his remarks on the event:
“It is a source of pride and happiness for us that our students represent our university and city in such a comprehensive and meaningful project. The fact that our students stand out with their cultural background, sense of responsibility, and their stance that conveys our university’s core values and our city’s cultural richness in the best way possible in every setting is a clear sign of our university’s vision and educational approach. I wholeheartedly congratulate particularly İbrahim Akgün and Yazgı Çalışkan and all students and academic staff who contributed to the project.”
