7 unique local Turkish delicacies join global network

Seven local gastronomic products from Zonguldak, Karabuk and Bartin now feature in the Slow Food Ark of Taste Network. Their recent recognition emphasizes the unique culinary heritage of these regions and supports efforts to preserve their traditional food cultures.

Slow Food Movement, Ark of Taste Network

Carlo Petrini founded the Slow Food movement in Rome in 1986. The movement aims to preserve traditional local food cultures, support local agriculture and counteract the negative impacts of industrial food production.

The Ark of Taste Network catalogs local gastronomic treasures at risk of disappearing, promoting their preservation and awareness.

Turkish food recognized by Ark of Taste Network

The products from Zonguldak, Karabuk, and Bartin included in the Ark of Taste Network are:

1. Caycuma Buffalo Yogurt: Celebrated for its health benefits, including low lactose content, making it suitable for diabetics.
2. Karadeniz Eregli Ottoman Strawberry: A unique variety with high demand, sold at $12.15 (₺400) per kilogram.
3. Alapli Hazelnut: Known for its high quality and significant contribution to the local economy.
4. Yenice Linden Honey: Famous for its natural aroma and health benefits, it recently received geographical indication certification.
5. Safranbolu Cavus Grape: Recognized for its thin skin and pleasant aroma, also geographically registered.
6. Bartin Agar Dessert: A traditional dessert with a 150-year history, noted for its natural ingredients and distinct flavor.
7. Bartin Chestnut Honey: Renowned for its medicinal properties, with ongoing research to further validate its health benefits.

These products were selected from a total of 12 local gastronomic products submitted for inclusion in the Ark of Taste Network.

The evaluation of the remaining products — Zonguldak Malay Dish, Safranbolu Saffron, Safranbolu Maniye Tomato, and Bartin Fig Ice Cream Dessert — is ongoing.

Regional efforts to preserve Turkish gastronomy

The Western Black Sea Development Agency (BAKKA) has played a crucial role in promoting and preserving these local products. BAKKA’s General Secretary, Dr. Lutfi Altunsu, emphasized the agency’s initiatives to support local agriculture and cultural heritage.

“Safranbolu is a permanent UNESCO World Heritage Site, and Amasra is on the tentative heritage list,” Dr. Altunsu stated.

He also noted BAKKA’s significant contributions to the inclusion of Zonguldak Geopark in national networks and efforts for its international recognition.

The agency has supported the Zonguldak Mining Museum’s inclusion in the World Industrial Heritage Network and Safranbolu Yoruk Village’s recognition in the UNWTO Best Tourism Villages Network.

Türkiye’s geographical indication registrations

Efforts to secure geographical indication registrations for local products have been successful:

• Bartin has 12 registered products.
• Zonguldak and Karabuk each have 8 registered products.
• Safranbolu Saffron has received European Union geographical indication registration, and Yenice Linden Honey’s application is in progress.

Details of registered Turkish local products

Caycuma buffalo yogurt

Caycuma buffalo yogurt is known for its health benefits, including aiding in digestion and being suitable for diabetics due to its low lactose content. Aynur Cakar, working with BAKKA, said, “We have received great feedback on our promotions. Our goal is to introduce this product to the international market.”

Eregli’s Ottoman strawberries

This unique strawberry variety, grown in chestnut soil, is highly aromatic and in demand, especially internationally. Saban Cetinkaya, President of the Ottoman Strawberry Expansion and Protection Association, shared, “We aim to harvest 4 tons of strawberries this year.”

Alapli’s hazelnuts

One of Türkiye’s finest hazelnuts, rich in healthy fats and proteins, plays a vital role in the local economy. President of Alapli Chamber of Agriculture Seref Turkoglu said, “If our renewal efforts succeed, we aim to reach the production levels of Italy and America.”

Yenice’s linden honey

Produced in the linden forests of Yenice, it is famous for its distinctive aroma and health benefits, recently achieving geographical indication status. Professional beekeeper Ismet Karakirik noted, “Yenice Linden Honey is perfect for breakfast and has significant health benefits for respiratory and growth issues.”

Safranbolu’s Cavus grape

Known for its thin skin and aromatic flavor, this grape variety has also been geographically registered. Emine Ozkan, a grape grower, said, “Safranbolu’s unique conditions make Cavus Grapes particularly special.”

Bartin’s Agar dessert

The traditional dessert with a rich history of 150 years has been praised for its natural ingredients and unique taste. Yasir Bulut, a third-generation producer, stated: “Our family has been making this dessert for generations, and we are proud of its recognition.”

Bartin chestnut honey

Noted for its medicinal properties, this honey is used for various health benefits and is currently under scientific research. Resat Arslan, a local beekeeper, emphasized, “Chestnut honey is not just for breakfast; it’s a remedy for various ailments.”

Future prospects of Turkish local products

With BAKKA’s support, ongoing efforts aim to further promote and preserve these local products, enhancing their international recognition and ensuring their transmission to future generations. These initiatives protect the region’s culinary heritage and contribute to the local economy and cultural tourism.

“Our agency will continue to support the branding of our region’s settlements, tourism values, and cultural assets in line with our regional plans and national strategy documents,” Dr. Altunsu concluded.