Located in the heart of Ankara, this approximately 650 m² fine dining restaurant is not merely a place to dine—it is a space where history, architecture, and culinary culture converge into a single, immersive experience. Designed within a two-story structure that includes a lush garden, the project offers more than physical comfort;it presents a journey through time and place. The concept is rooted in the historic migration route stretching from Mesopotamia through Central Asia to the Balkans—a path shaped by movement, exchange and adaptation. This cultural trajectory brought with it not only flavors and recipes but also architectural memories, material traditions, and ways of gathering. Drawing inspiration from this narrative, the restaurant becomes a living vessel of that legacy. The façade reinterprets the humble strength of traditional Mesopotamian adobe houses through natural textures, earthy tones, and a contemporary use of the lintel system. This design approach honors vernacular wisdom—where material honesty and climatic responsiveness shaped construction—while giving it new expression in a modern urban context. Inside, softly arched transitions, textured walls, and carefully detailed structural elements recall the tactile intimacy of ancient civilizations. Curved forms and architectural gestures rooted in tradition are paired with modern materials and techniques, creating a sense of spatial continuity that connects the past to the present. Every surface and transition is designed to evoke memory and presence, encouraging guests to feel grounded yet inspired. The space includes open and enclosed dining areas, fixed seating arrangements, private dining rooms, and essential service zones such as the kitchen, bar, and storage. These functions are not isolated but interwoven to support a seamless and holistic user experience. Circulation, visual continuity, and material coherence ensure that each area contributes to a larger narrative.Rather than simply referencing history, the design embodies it—allowing guests to participate in an unfolding story. Every element, from the tactile surfaces to the warm, grounded palette, is crafted to evoke emotion, memory, and belonging. The atmosphere doesn’t just speak of heritage—it radiates a sense of presence, of being part of something enduring. It is in this spirit that the project draws on a deeper symbolic energy: alaz.
Questions and Answers
What inspired the creation of MYK Alaz, and how did the collaboration between MasterChef judge Mehmet Yalçınkaya and Neowe Studio come about?
Alaz is not merely a place offering just food service; it aims to be a contemporary reflection of cultural heritage. The interior design and the objects used are inspired by migratory routes. The music, lighting arrangements, and other details are carefully crafted to align with this theme.
What inspired the creation of MYK Alaz, and how did the collaboration between MasterChef judge Mehmet Yalçınkaya and Neowe Studio come about?
Alaz is not merely a place offering just food service; it aims to be a contemporary reflection of cultural heritage. The interior design and the objects used are inspired by migratory routes. The music, lighting arrangements, and other details are carefully crafted to align with this theme.
How does MYK Alaz differentiate itself in the fine dining scene, and what culinary philosophies does it embody?
Alaz is the feast of those who speak the language of fire. Every taste here leaves a trace of a journey. It is the drop of fire, buried deep in the hearts of those who migrated, a centuries-old ember fallen onto the soil of Anatolia.
This kitchen extends from tents whose smoke rises to the sky, to stone ovens, to prayers cooked over hot coals, and to silent stories served at the table.
Every plate holds a memory, every aroma captures a moment, and every bite conceals a journey.
In the hands of Chef Mehmet Yalçınkaya, fire does more than cook; it reminds, heals, and unites. Alaz is a spark that brings the past closer to the present. Each guest is a witness around this spark, a reflection of the spirit of time.
In the heart of Ankara, we are igniting a fire once again—not from ashes, but from its essence…
Can you describe the design elements and ambiance of MYK Alaz? How do these aspects enhance the dining experience?
The concept draws its inspiration from the historic migration route extending from Mesopotamia through Central Asia to the Balkans—a route characterized by movement, exchange, and adaptation. This cultural trajectory has conveyed not only culinary traditions and recipes but also architectural memories, material customs, and social practices pertaining to communal gathering. Informed by this narrative, the architectural design transforms the restaurant into a dynamic vessel of that cultural legacy. The façade reinterprets the modest strength of traditional Mesopotamian adobe houses through the use of natural textures, earthy color palettes, and a contemporary adaptation of the lintel system. This design approach pays homage to vernacular wisdom—where material honesty and climate responsiveness dictated construction techniques—while rendering it anew within a modern urban context. Internally, softly arched transitions, textured wall surfaces, and meticulously detailed structural elements evoke the tactile intimacy associated with ancient civilizations. The integration of curved forms and architectural gestures rooted in historical tradition, combined with modern materials and techniques, fosters a sense of spatial continuity that effectively bridges the historical and contemporary, linking the past with the present in a cohesive architectural narrative.
What were some of the challenges faced during the development of MYK Alaz, and how were they overcome?
The concept of Mykalaz and its reflection in the architecture primarily aimed to effectively transfer memory to an existing building. Ensuring that this transfer process is balanced and progresses in harmony with the narrative was the most important aspect of the design. Certainly, the most challenging aspect was implementing this memory transfer within a standalone villa situated on a site. The goal was to achieve a balanced integration of the desired elements with the existing architecture. To attain harmony in the proportions, openings and architectural elements were carefully designed to be cohesive and harmonious with each other, ensuring a seamless and unified relationship between the new design and the original structure.
What are the future goals for MYK Alaz, and how do you plan to evolve the restaurant in the coming years?
Despite the evolving global landscape, advancements in artificial intelligence and technology, the only constants remain the value of production and products. The decreasing availability of land and diminishing yields underscore the importance of zero waste practices in the kitchen, as well as the necessity of supporting local producers. Alaz, committed to a sustainable global order within the gastronomic field, champions zero waste principles to preserve and value each product.