Akademik Veri Yönetim Sistemi
8th International Congress on Gastronomy Tourism Research, Düzce, Türkiye, 17 - 20 Eylül 2025, ss.70-76, (Tam Metin Bildiri)
INTRODUCTION In the last half century, the rapid global development of tourism has been significantly influenced by factors such as infrastructure improvement, increased individual wealth, and regulations enhancing employee leave rights. In this regard, tourism activities in Turkey have shown remarkable progress since the 1980s, driven by improvements in both infrastructure and superstructure, accelerating sectoral developments. Despite this rapid development, Van province, which had not received its deserved share until recently, has attracted attention with rising tourism statistics in recent years.Van is a rich destination with natural, historical, and cultural tourist attractions. Its favorable climate along the lake shore and its location on important transit routes have made it a settlement area since ancient times, hosting numerous civilizations dating back to around 4000 BC. Throughout its history, Van has been home to significant civilizations such as the Byzantines, Seljuks, Ilkhanids, Hurrians, Urartians, Medes, Persians, Parthians, Sasanians, Kara Koyunlu, Ak Koyunlu, Safavids, and Ottomans. Particularly notable is its long-standing role as the capital of the Urartian civilization. Geographically, Van province is strategically positioned at the crossroads of major routes. Van province is bordered to the north by Ağrı province and its districts of Doğubayazıt, Diyadin, and Hamur; to the west by Ağrı province's Patnos district, and Bitlis' Adilcevaz, Tatvan, and Hizan districts along with Lake Van; to the south by Siirt's Pervari district, Hakkâri province, and Beytüşşebap and Yüksekova districts; and to the east by the state of Iran ((Turizm Sektör Raporu, 2024; Van’ın Tarihi ve Tarihçesi, 2024; Şenol, 2016: 279-280). Van, holds significant potential in terms of history, nature, culture, and winter tourism in Eastern Anatolia Region. In recent years, the increase in alternative tourism opportunities has brought various types of tourism to the forefront. These include eco-tourism (such as Keşiş Lake, Yalınca, and Norduz Plateau), winter tourism (Abalı Ski Resort), bird watching tourism (notably Erçek Lake with its flamingos, Karasu Delta, Çarpanak and Adır Islands), hunting tourism (Mermit, Köprüler Village bird hunting, Erek and Artos Mountains), mountaineering 315 tourism (climbing Artos, Süphan, Erek, and Nemrut Mountains, paragliding), underwater diving tourism (Akdamar, Adır and Reşadiye Bays), rafting tourism (Bahçesaray District), health tourism (Erciş Doğancı Thermal Spring, Çatak Şeyh Cürüh Thermal Spring, Başkale, Kelegom Thermal Spring), and gastronomy tourism (such as Tandırda Van İnci Kefali, Van Ayran Aşı, Van Breakfast, Van Herb Cheese, etc.) (Genel Bilgiler, 2024; Duman, 2016: 403). Particularly noteworthy is Van Breakfast, Herb Cheese, the endemic species Pearl Mullet, and the orange-fleshed melon, which make Van a unique and colorful corner of Anatolia, especially in terms of gastronomy tourism. Therefore, Van province, situated along the shores of Lake Van, is a rich destination due to its natural beauty, historical and touristic sites, and its diverse gastronomic products (Turizm Sektör Raporu, 2024; Van’ın Tarihi ve Tarihçesi, 2024; Şenol, 2016: 279-280). Geographical indications have a historical lineage dating back to 17th century France. They are signs that indicate a product's association with a specific region, area, or locality renowned for its distinct quality or reputation. Products possessing unique characteristics or qualities attributable to their geographical origin can be registered as geographical indications. Unlike origin labels such as "Produced in Turkey," the primary purpose of a geographical indication is not merely to indicate where a product was grown or made, but to highlight a specific characteristic or reputation derived from its origin. The message conveyed to consumers through geographical indications emphasizes the product's distinctive qualities or reputation rooted in its geographical origin. These characteristics may include sensory attributes like taste, shape, color, texture, as well as emotional triggers such as nostalgia stemming from the product's history, culture, or tradition (Bilgiç, Tatari ve Ezgi, 2019: 6). There are fundamentally two different approaches to geographical indications (GIs) worldwide. The first approach, as seen in Turkey, involves protecting products through sui generis regulations (France, Italy, Spain, etc.). The second approach involves protection under the trademark law system (United States, Canada, Chile, etc.) (TPMK, 2024). Apart from EU countries, nations such as Bosnia and Herzegovina, Algeria, Haiti, India, Iran, Israel, Montenegro, Korea, Costa Rica, Cuba, Mexico, the Republic of Moldova, Nicaragua, Pakistan, Peru, Serbia, Slovakia, and Tunisia are among the countries that implement geographical indications. In other words, the GI system functions within different legal frameworks and practices in each country (Dokuzlu, 2016: 27; Denk and Sanalan Bilici, 2022). It is crucial to protect these products, which can be described as local, regional, or traditional, to ensure they maintain their distinct characteristics, cultural, and geographical origins, and do not lose their authenticity (Onurlubaş and Taşdan, 2017: 116; Denk and Sanalan Bilici, 2022). Consequently, as the value of such products, perceived as natural, unique, and authentic, becomes more appreciated globally, there is a trend towards protecting them through the GI registration system (Kargiglioğlu, Çetin, and Bayram, 2019: 627; Denk and Sanalan Bilici, 2022). Thus, not only food or cuisine but also cultural heritage is safeguarded through this method (Denk and Sanalan Bilici, 2022). Van, a destination that has gained attention in recent years with its alternative tourism types, boasts a variety of unique local food products. With its registered or yet-to-be-registered products, Van stands out in both Eastern Anatolia and Turkey for its diverse food and beverage offerings. Home to various religions, cultures, and civilizations for centuries, Van holds a significant position in gastronomy tourism.