The 22nd International Istanbul Gastronomy Festival, held between December 17-20, 2025, once again brought the world of gastronomy to Bahçelievler. Bahçelievler Municipality made a significant achievement by participating with its own chefs.
Bahçelievler Chefs Outshine Competition with Three Gold Medals
Competing in the same categories as the Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality, Bahçelievler Municipality Chefs Sena Sağlam, Hiranur Baş, and Mesut Günay emerged as one of the festival’s prominent teams, securing three gold medals in the dessert, main course, and best team categories.
The gold medals were presented at a ceremony by Bahçelievler Deputy Mayor Ali Barış Demir and the President of the Turkish Cooks and Chefs Federation (TAŞFED), Bayram Özrek.
1,500 Students Competed in This Year’s Festival
This year’s festival, which took place from December 17-20, 2025, featured dishes prepared by 1,500 students undergoing culinary training. The winners were determined based on evaluations conducted by a total of 120 international jury members, including 40 foreign judges from 26 countries.
Bahçelievler: A Hub for Culture, Arts, and Gastronomy
- Throughout the four-day festival, aspiring young chefs showcased their talents, while exquisite flavors from world cuisines were presented to visitors.
- This major international event once again highlighted Bahçelievler’s strong commitment to becoming a brand district in the fields of culture, arts, and gastronomy.
The success of the Bahçelievler Municipality chefs underscores the region’s growing importance in the culinary world and its dedication to fostering gastronomic talent. The festival not only provided a platform for young chefs to demonstrate their skills but also offered a rich cultural experience for all attendees, solidifying Bahçelievler’s reputation as a vibrant center for diverse culinary traditions.
The participation and triumph of the local chefs at such a prestigious international event are expected to further boost Bahçelievler’s profile and attract more attention to its culinary scene. This achievement is a testament to the hard work and dedication of the chefs and the support from the Bahçelievler Municipality in promoting local talent on a global stage.
The festival’s comprehensive program, featuring both competitive elements and culinary showcases, reflects the dynamic nature of Istanbul’s gastronomy landscape. The involvement of a diverse international jury ensured a high standard of evaluation, making the gold medals even more significant for the Bahçelievler team.
This event serves as a crucial platform for cultural exchange and professional development within the gastronomy sector, reinforcing Istanbul’s position as a leading city for culinary innovation and tradition.
Source: https://www.haber7.com/istanbul/3590107-bahcelievler-belediyesi-sefleri-3-altin-madalya-ile-dondu
