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EMU Gastronomy and Culinary Arts Department Introduces Firsts in The International Arena

Eastern Mediterranean University, Tourism Faculty, Gastronomy and Culinary Arts Department has successfully been awarded the accreditation of the World Association of Chefs Societies (WACS), a highly reputable organisation established in Paris in 1928.  Upon the receival of the said accreditation, EMU Gastronomy and Culinary Arts Department boasts the quality of being the first university ever receiving the institutional membership accreditation of WACS.

Hasan Kılıç

Prof. Dr. Kılıç: EMU Gastronomy and Culinary Arts Department is among the Most Prestigious Academic Institutions

Dean of EMU Tourism Faculty Prof. Dr. Hasan Kılıç expressed their pleasure in receiving the institutional membership award of one of the largest and most prominent associations of the world. Prof. Dr. Kılıç put forth that they predicted the arrival of this important achievement at the 14th International İstanbul Gastronomy Festival, where they ranked first in the team category, and first and second in the individual category. Adding that the said competition is one of the most prestigious events of WACS, Prof. Dr. Kılıç stated that their aim is to promote Cypriot and Turkish Cuisine within other world cuisines and create a platform bringing together our local chefs with world leading chefs. Prof. Dr. Kılıç also expressed their pride in becoming the first university within the TRNC and Turkey ever gaining the accreditation of WACS.

Chef Academic Staff Members are Jury Members at WACS’ International Culinary Competitions

Within the framework of the 14th International İstanbul Gastronomy Festival, EMU Tourism Faculty, Gastronomy and Culinary Arts Department academic staff member Kurtuluş Özbaşar and Senior Chef Hakan Açıl attended the ‘International Jury Course’ delivered by the Chair of the World Association of Chefs Societies Gert Klötzke. Upon the completion of the said course, the said staff members received a certificate enabling them to participate in international gastronomy competitions as jury members.

About WACS

The World Association of Chefs' Societies (WACS), is a global network of chefs associations first founded in Paris in 1928. At the first congress there were 65 delegates from 17 countries. WACS is a non-political professional organization dedicated to maintaining and improving the culinary standards of global cuisines through education, training and professional development of its international membership. As an authority and opinion leader on food, WACS represents a global voice on all issues related to the culinary profession. Today, this global body has 93 official chefs associations as members that represent over 10 million professional chefs worldwide.

In addition to WACS accreditation, EMU Tourism Faculty, Gastronomy and Culinary Arts Department, is the only approved City & Guilds Center within the TRNC. Backed by a Royal Charter, City & Guilds, one of the most reputable training and accreditation bodies in England, evolved in 1878.

Upon the harmonisation of the relevant programs of EMU Tourism Faculty, Gastronomy and Culinary Arts Department with City & Guilds’ programs, graduates of the said department have the privilege of receiving the City & Guilds Certificate along with their diploma.