Türkiye’s Hatay revives culinary tradition as 6 dishes gain official status after earthquake
A display showcasing Hatay’s newly recognized delicacies, including Hatay thyme salad (Hatay zahter salad) and Hatay shredded wheat dessert (Hatay tel kadayif), Hatay, Türkiye, October 9, 2024. (IHA Photo)
Hatay, a city renowned for its culinary tradition and history, recently saw six of its regional dishes officially recognized by the Turkish Patent Institute.
The dishes include:
- Antakya bagel (Antakya simidi)
- Belen casserole (Belen tava)
- Antakya cake (Antakya kulcesi)
- Hatay thyme salad (Hatay zahter salatasi)
- Hatay shredded wheat dessert (Hatay tel kadayif)
- Hatay tandoor biscuit (Hatay tandir kahkesi)
These delicacies were presented in a program held at Antakya’s Gastronomy Bazaar, confirming their authentic origins and boosting their cultural significance.
Mustafa Orgut, head of Hatay’s Planning and Coordination Directorate, emphasized, “Our goal is to promote these unique products and Hatay’s culinary tradition to Türkiye and the world.”
Hatay plans to lead Türkiye in recognized culinary products by next year
Hatay Governor Mustafa Masatli announced the city’s ambitious plans to increase its list of geographically registered products.
He said, “We have raised our number of geographically indicated products from 25 to 37. With 87 additional applications in progress, we expect to reach 124 recognized products by next year, putting Hatay at the top of Türkiye’s gastronomic landscape.”
This expansion is a key part of the region’s recovery efforts following the Kahramanmaras earthquakes, and it shows the importance of preserving local traditions through food.
Reviving culture and heritage through culinary tradition in Hatay
Hatay’s rich culinary tradition, dating back centuries, is a symbol of its cultural identity. Mayor Mehmet Onturk emphasized the city’s commitment to revitalizing both its infrastructure and its cultural activities.
He explained, “We’re not only rebuilding the physical structures of our city but also our cultural practices, which include our extensive food heritage.” Hatay, with its 600 distinct dishes, stands as a culinary beacon in Türkiye, representing the resilience of its people and local businesses.
