The Cappadocia Research Center (KAM), operating within Cappadocia University, continues its work to preserve the region’s cultural and architectural heritage. The center’s latest research focuses on the traditional culinary architecture of Mustafapaşa (formerly Sinasos) in Cappadocia and its impact on the region’s food culture.
KAM examines how traditional kitchen spaces in Mustafapaşa’s stone-built and rock-carved houses—such as pantries, tandoors, and ovens—determine the preparation and storage conditions of local delicacies (Peravu Mantı, Kaymaçina, Muhacir Kapama). The role of this architectural structure in preserving the culinary heritage stemming from a multicultural past is revealed through scientific data.
Metro Gastro, a significant supporter of the gastronomy sector, combines the scientific data of KUN Gastronomy and Culinary Arts and KAM with its own vision. Gastronometro, Metro’s gastronomy platform, aims to integrate Mustafapaşa’s cultural heritage into the modern gastronomic world.
Metro Gastro representatives participate in events such as the Cappadocia Gastronomy Festival, attending panels in Mustafapaşa that promote the use of “good, clean, and fair” food, inspired by traditional cuisines. Through these efforts, the company aims to both support local producers and preserve the authenticity offered by traditional techniques and architecture.
Projects supported by Metro Gastro strengthen Cappadocia’s position in gastronomy tourism by ensuring the use of local and geographically indicated products with the correct techniques. Thanks to this collaboration, the culinary secrets hidden in Mustafapaşa’s historical kitchens are being passed on to future generations by incorporating them into the menus of modern chefs.
This collaborative work also continued in research on the food culture of Cemil and Ayvalı villages, as well as Kırşehir. Thus, research and studies were conducted within the scope of investigating the culinary cultures of Ayvalı and Cemil villages, which are affiliated with Mustafapaşa and Ürgüp, for the “From Our Regions” sections of the 107th (October-November-December, 2022) and 108th (January-February-March 2022) issues of Metro Gastro magazine.
In addition, our center collaborated with the Kırşehir Provincial Directorate of Culture to research Kırşehir cuisine and select dishes to be featured in the “From Our Regions” section of the 109th issue (April-May-June 2023) of Metro Gastro magazine.
