Analysis of gastronomy cities and geographically products evaulated in the creative network of UNESCO Creative Cities

In Turkey, Gaziantep, Hatay and Afyonkarahisar are the cities that have the title of gastronomy city. The main purpose of the thesis study is to closely examine the gastronomic cities (Gaziantep, Hatay and Afyonkarahisar) that are currently included in the 'Creative Cities Network' in Turkey, specifically for geographically indicated products. In this context, firstly, it was desired to draw attention to the food and beverages of the relevant cities, which are waiting to receive geographical indication registration. In the next stage, it was desired to examine these products in depth, taking into account the unique characteristics and production styles of registered food and beverages. Finally, it is aimed to draw attention to the leading institutions or the institutions that are in the background by examining the applications/registered products of the gastronomy cities in terms of the applicants/registering institutions. In order to achieve the relevant purpose, Turkish gastronomy cities have been evaluated within the framework of their own characteristics, by making use of secondary sources such as websites, books, magazines, articles and the like. Based on the relevant evaluation, the gastronomic characteristics of the cities of Gaziantep, Hatay and Afyonkarahisar are discussed and general information about the prominent traditional dishes is given. Afterwards, the concept of geographical indication was defined and a detailed examination of the application stages and geographical indication products in these cities was made. At the last stage, the products that are in the application stage and that have been registered were evaluated on the basis of institution/s, taking into account the institutions that applied. It is thought that the study is important because it examines the gastronomy cities of Turkey together and therefore has a holistic quality. At the same time, it is anticipated that the study will contribute to the literature in terms of having a conceptual structure for the relevant cities.