Ferah Güneri Bircan, Chairman of the Istanbul-based HORECA CORE group of companies, is a leading figure in project consulting, equipment procurement, concept development, and implementation management in Turkey, Europe, Central Asia, Africa, and the Far East with 25 years of experience in the hospitality and accommodation sectors.
She offers comprehensive solutions for food and beverage businesses, including menu and story-driven concept creation, brand strategies, interior design, project planning, and operational implementation. In tourism projects, she conducts sustainable destination development projects centered on gastronomy and designs innovative models for investors and local governments.
Bircan, who is also Chairman of the Board of the Gastronomy Professionals Association, consults for various NGOs in the HORECA sector, provides training, and prepares industry reports. She contributes intellectually to the development of the sector by moderating panels she participates in.
Bircan, a graduate of two universities, is also a traveler and writer. She shares her experiences, combined with her passion for travel, research, and reading, through articles and poetry. Her productive vision makes her a significant reference point in both the business and intellectual circles.
EDUCATION:
2025 – Nişantaşı University, Master’s Degree – Gastronomy and Culinary Arts
Zeynep Güleşci BİRCAN, who possesses extensive professional experience, has served as a Founding Partner at Horeca Architecture since 2002. During this time, she significantly contributed to the company’s strategic direction and operational success by managing supply chain management, import, export, and financial activities. Between 1999 and 2001, she served as Deputy General Manager at Teknosa A.Ş., making strategic decisions in technology retailing and increasing the company’s market share.
Previously, she served as Deputy General Manager of Sales and Marketing at Reebok Türkiye from 1997 to 1999, supporting the brand’s growth in the Turkish market. She also served in a similar role at Singer Türkiye from 1995 to 1997, developing sales and marketing strategies.
She began her career as Marketing Manager at Coats Turkey A.Ş. from 1992 to 1995, during which time she gained experience in brand management and marketing activities. Throughout his career, he has developed in-depth knowledge and skills in strategic planning, operational management, and marketing.
EDUCATION:
1991-1994: Boğaziçi University, Master’s Degree in Business Administration
1986-1991: Boğaziçi University, Bachelor’s Degree in Industrial Engineering
A professional with extensive experience in architecture and project management, he has served as a Board Member at Horeca Architecture since 2019. In this role, he plays an active role in the management of architectural projects and strategic decision-making. In particular, in 2019-2020, he oversaw the renovation of the luxurious 1,500 m² Basri Baba Restaurant in Tashkent, Uzbekistan, contributing to the innovative approaches and detailed planning throughout the architectural design and implementation process.
Between 2014 and 2018, he managed the Eminevim Kurtköy 560 mixed-use project, working on a complex comprising both residential and commercial spaces. In 2013-2014, he actively participated in the planning and implementation phases of the Akyakapark Project in Ümraniye. In 2012, he worked with Alfa İnşaat on the Palmarina and Paradise Bay projects in Bodrum, Yalıkavak, and Astaş Mandarin. These projects provided significant experience in the design and implementation of luxury accommodation and entertainment spaces. Between 2011 and 2012, he served as Project Manager at Karmod, overseeing product development and the production of the BP Baku oil terminal camp facilities in Türkiye and their assembly in Azerbaijan. This role contributed to his deep knowledge of international project management and manufacturing processes.
Furthermore, between 2007 and 2010, he served as General Manager at Nuhcontainer Limited, overseeing manufacturing planning, cost control, productivity monitoring, and product optimization. This extensive experience allowed him to gain a deep understanding of project analysis, concept implementation, energy savings, and cost efficiency. His interdisciplinary analysis and coordination skills enabled him to achieve high quality and efficiency targets at every stage of the projects. He is also proficient in AutoCAD and English, enabling him to work effectively on international projects.
EDUCATION:
1978-1985: Yıldız Technical University, Bachelor’s Degree in Civil Engineering
After completing his Architectural Restoration training at Mimar Sinan University in 1996, he completed his Industrial Product Design degree at the same university. Since 1998, HASKATAR has worked with various architectural firms on projects such as residences, offices, restaurants, cinemas, theaters, museums, hotels, and hospitals, managing all stages of the project from design to turnkey delivery. Drawing on over 25 years of experience gained in leading architectural offices in Istanbul and London, he serves as a project coordinator, handling budgeting, preparing technical specifications, procuring materials, and creating and monitoring work schedules.
As an architectural project coordinator at Horeca Architecture, he defines project objectives and plans processes, establishing timelines for smooth execution. He establishes project budgets, prepares programs aligned with these budgets, and secures the necessary resources. He identifies and mitigates potential risks, ensuring the swift resolution of any problems that arise. He maintains constant communication with the project team, clients, managers, and other relevant parties, organizing meetings when necessary to facilitate information sharing and collaboration among team members.
EDUCATION:
2007-2008: London School of Technology, Advanced English Language Training
1999-2006: Mimar Sinan University, Faculty of Architecture, Department of Industrial Product Design
1998-1999: Marmara Fine Arts University, Department of Traditional Turkish Handicrafts
1996-1998: Mimar Sinan University, Vocational School, Department of Architectural Restoration
