Rise of ‘Maras Tarhanasi’ from Fatih Sultan Mehmet to global kitchens

Once rooted in Ottoman culinary traditions, Maras Tarhanasi now meets modern health trends, expanding its reach from Türkiye to tables worldwide

Maras Tarhanasi, a traditional Turkish culinary product recognized under the European Union’s Protected Designation of Origin, continues to delight taste buds globally, finding its place from the United States to Europe and beyond.

With its rich heritage and health benefits, this Turkish delicacy is growing in international demand. Mustafa Narli, the President of the Kahramanmaras Commodity Exchange, is enthusiastic about the product’s increasing popularity.

“Maras Tarhanasi is now the second most sought-after item in our region, following ice cream,” Narli stated. He noted locals consume it as a grain dish in summer and as a soup or snack in winter.

The historical journey of Maras Tarhanasi stretches back to the time of Yavuz Sultan Selim.

“The first recorded mention of Maras Tarhanasi dates back to Yavuz Sultan Selim’s era, who requested his mother Gulbahar Hatun to prepare food for his soldiers before his expedition to Egypt,” explained Emine Uzun, a food engineer.

This creation, a blend of wheat and yogurt, became a staple because of its longevity and nutritional value, enhanced through natural fermentation processes.

“The fermentation process and sun drying not only ensure its long shelf life but also enrich it with probiotics and Vitamin D, making it a source of protein and fiber which supports gut health,” Uzun elaborated on its health benefits.

Samet Ciftaslan, the operator of a company that produces and exports Maras Tarhanasi, spoke about its acceptance on the international front. “Post-COVID-19, there’s been a notable shift toward healthier dietary choices globally and Maras Tarhanasi has become a preferred product,” Ciftaslan said.

“We export to every European country and handle significant exports from our warehouse in the Netherlands to Canada and the USA,” he added.

Despite the setbacks from the 2023 earthquakes, which disrupted production and damaged facilities, Ciftaslan’s business witnessed substantial financial growth.

“Last year, despite three months of halted production and the destruction of 800 stores in 11 provinces, we still managed to increase our revenue from $1.23 million in 2022 to nearly $1.7 million,” he reported.

Source: Newsroom