A Culinary Journey Through Time: Turkey’s Flavors for the Curious Japanese Traveler

In a beautiful spring time, a group of adventurous Japanese travelers, aged between 25 and 40, embarked on a three-day journey not just across a country, but across centuries of gastronomy and culture. Their destination? The heart of southeastern Turkey Kahramanmaraş, Gaziantep, and Şanlıurfa. The aim: To taste, explore, and understand the soul of Anatolia through its food, history, and traditions.

Day 1: Kahramanmaraş Where Ice Cream Tells a Story

They landed in Kahramanmaraş, where the air is filled with the scent of roasted coffee and sweet mastic. After settling into their hotel, they began their day with a traditional Turkish breakfast at Asiyenin Yeri. Wandering through the ancient Ulu Mosque and climbing the historic Kahramanmaraş Castle, they got their first taste of the region’s depth. The night ended on a sweet note at the Ice Cream Museum and, where Turkey’s famously chewy and stretchy ice cream came to life. And walk for tasting the best traditional tastes, heading to Kervanhan Restaurant. Just before midnight, the group departed for their next adventure: Gaziantep.

Day 2: Gaziantep The Kingdom of Spice and Mosaic

Waking up in Gaziantep, the travelers dived into one of the world’s richest culinary cultures. After a delightful breakfast at Hanedan Sofrası, they wandered through the spectacular Zeugma Mosaic Museum, marveling at Roman-era art that whispered tales of ancient love and myth.

In the vibrant Bedestan Bazaar, they lunched on authentic local dishes surrounded by silk, copper, and spice. As the sun dipped low, the group relaxed in the historic Naib Hamam, a traditional Turkish bath. Dinner was a warm, family-style feast at Eşgili Restaurant, before their journey took them further southeast to the mystical city of Şanlıurfa.

Day 3: Şanlıurfa Echoes of Ancient Civilizations and Sıra Night Magic

After a restful stay at the Hilton Garden Inn, the group began their day with breakfast at Süleyman Seba Breakfast Saloon, where flavors like menemen and gözleme were served with fresh herbs and warm bread.

Then came the spiritual highlight: Göbeklitepe, the world’s oldest known temple. As they stood among the T-shaped stones carved over 11,000 years ago, silence fell — a quiet reverence for a place where human history may have begun.

For lunch, they explored the Historical Grand Bazaar, with its stone arches, handwoven fabrics, and aromatic shops. Some tried lamb kebabs; others wandered and shopped, drawn in by Urfa’s rhythm.

Next, the group visited Sacred Fish Lake (Balıklıgöl) a site of legend and serenity. The fish, believed to be sacred, swam peacefully as local stories danced on the breeze.

But the true finale awaited that evening: the Traditional Sıra Night. Held in a historic mansion, the night began with songs, continued with rhythmic clapping and dancing, and featured the ritual of kneading and sharing spicy çiğ köfte. Some travelers joined in the singing, others clapped to the beat — but all were moved by the communal energy.

They returned to the hotel with full of memories, laughter, and warmth.

The Farewell

With hearts full and stomachs fuller, the group returned to their hotel, packed memories and souvenirs, and headed to the airport. At 3 PM, their plane soared back toward Japan but the warmth, taste, and rhythm of southeastern Turkey lingered long after the journey ended.

ALEYNA GUZEL 2024106712

MUSTAFA CETINOZLU 2024106975

DEMET SONAR 2024106755

The fish in this lake are considered sacred, and people do not harm or eat them. According to legend, it is believed to bring misfortune to do so. Visitors come to admire the fish and reflect on the miraculous event.

Target Audience: Japanese People

Age Range: Between 25-40 Age People

Time of the Year: May

Time Schedule: 7-8-9 May

Duration: 3 days 3 nights

Participants: 20 People

Transportation: Flight&Bus&By foot

Price: 375€