Gökçeada School of Applied Sciences hosted a special Gastronomy and Culinary Arts Workshop for retirees on November 19, 2024, as part of the "2024 Year of Retirees" activities. Organized in collaboration with the Çanakkale Social Security Directorate and supported by the Gökçeada District Governor’s Office, the event aimed to promote lifelong learning and cultural exchange.

Event Highlights:

• Welcome & Introduction:

  • Retirees from Çanakkale were greeted by Dr. Hande Kandur Arslan, Director of the School, and faculty members, including Lecturer Özkan Yazar (Vice Director & Acting Head of the Department of Gastronomy and Culinary Arts), Lecturer Ufuk Ateş, Lecturer Zeynep Ceren Akkök, and Research Assistant Necati Karakaş.

  • A breakfast reception kicked off the event, followed by a presentation about the school and Gökçeada’s culinary heritage.

• Hands-On Culinary Workshop:

  • Retirees and students collaborated in the kitchen, learning practical skills in:
    ✓ Fish preparation (local seafood techniques)
    ✓ Traditional dessert-making
    ✓ Simit (Turkish sesame bread) production

  • Gökçeada Mayor Bülent Ecevit Atalay and Deputy Mayor Ali Baki Usta joined the workshop, emphasizing community engagement.

Outcomes & Appreciation:

• Bridged generations through shared culinary experiences.

• Showcased Gökçeada’s rich food culture to retirees.

• Special thanks to volunteer faculty and students for their dedication.