“Creativity in the Kitchen” Event Took Place!

On December 17, 2024, the Gastronomy and Culinary Arts Department hosted an event featuring Mevlüt Özkaya, one of the leading figures in the culinary world and recipient of the Michelin Young Chef Award and Gault Millau Rising Chef Award.

Mevlüt Özkaya, who serves as Chef de Cuisine at Mürver Restaurant, recognized in the 2025 Michelin Guide “Recommended” list and awarded 2 toques in the Gault Millau Istanbul selection, shared not only the power of creativity in the kitchen but also the challenges, career paths, and key insights of kitchen management with heartfelt sincerity.

Moderated by Assoc. Prof. Dr. Nihan Yarmacı Güvenç, the event inspired aspiring young chefs while shedding light on the lesser-known aspects of the culinary world. Özkaya emphasized the importance of discipline, creativity, and problem-solving skills in addition to technical knowledge, drawing on his career experiences.

Participants had the opportunity to learn tips on pushing boundaries and opening new horizons in the world of gastronomy as they listened to the chef’s success story. The event garnered significant attention, especially for its focus on kitchen management, team spirit, and innovative thinking.

This valuable gathering provided a roadmap to inspire future gastronomy professionals and students passionate about the culinary arts.