Assoc. Prof. REHA KILIÇHAN

Reha Kılıçhan was born in Istanbul (1986) and grew up in Alanya (1993-2003). He received his bachelor’s degree from Erciyes University (2005-2009), his master's degree from Nevşehir University (2010-2012), and his Ph.D. in Tourism and Hotel Management from Mersin University (2012-2016). His interest in tourism and gastronomy stems from his work in the tourism industry since childhood. After gaining experience in Turkey, he worked in the United States at Cactus Pete’s Resort Casino in Nevada (2007), Four Seasons Resort Jackson Hole in Wyoming (2008), and Spectrum Fine Jewelry Exotic Gems in Alaska (2011). Following his work in the tourism sector, he joined Erciyes University Faculty of Tourism as a Research Assistant. Kılıçhan has worked in various departments within the same institution. He became an Assistant Professor in the Tourism Guidance Department in 2017, an Assistant Professor in the Gastronomy and Culinary Arts Department in 2019, and an Associate Professor in 2021. He was the Department Head of the Tourism Guidance Department (2018-2019) and the Gastronomy and Culinary Arts Department (2020-2023). Additionally, he has been involved in many academic and administrative commissions within Erciyes University and served as a Senate Member from 2017 to 2023. Kılıçhan has also lectured at institutions such as Cappadocia University and Nuh Naci Yazgan University. In addition to teaching, he has supervised and served on the jury of many theses. He has published numerous book chapters, articles, and conference papers, most related to tourism and gastronomy. Kılıçhan also served as the Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Kayseri Gastronomy and Culinary Arts Association (KAGAD) from 2021 to 2023. Currently, he serves as the Chairman of the Academic Board and a Member of the Board of Directors of the Türkiye Chefs Federation (TAFED). He is married and has two children.