Cultural Appropriation and Culinary Culture: Theoretical Framework and Case Analyses

Gülhan YALIN

doi:10.63556/jotags.2026.1879

Authors

Gülhan YALIN

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.63556/jotags.2026.1879

Keywords:

Cultural appropriation, Gastronomy, Culinary culture, Cultural heritage, Ethics, Globalization

Abstract

With the acceleration of globalization, culinary cultures are transcending borders and being reinterpreted by different societies. While this process is sometimes seen as cultural sharing and appreciation, it frequently brings up discussions of “cultural appropriation”. Cultural appropriation refers to the commercialization and reinterpretation of cultural elements without the permission or economic benefit of the originating community. This study examines the economic, symbolic, ethical, and political impacts of cultural appropriation in the context of gastronomy. A qualitative survey method was used in the research, and national and international literature, media content, and UNESCO reports were analyzed. The findings show that appropriation often has negative consequences for the source communities. The study offers recommendations for ethical sharing and the preservation of cultural heritage.

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