KUPASONLINE.COM — Apart from its rich natural, cultural and historical tourism which makes it interesting to visit, TurkeyTurkey also has another attraction in the form of special food which often makes tourists curious.
Turkish specialties have influenced dishes in other parts of the world, such as Central Asia, the Middle East and the Balkans. The name of TurkishTurkish cuisine often uses the name of the city or region of origin of the dish, which can be identified from the method of cooking and the use of ingredients typical of that area.
However, before discussing further what Turkish specialties are, it’s good to know a little about this country led by President Recep Tayyip Erdogan.
Overview of TurkeyTurkey
Historically, this 783,562 km2 country inherited Roman civilization in Anatolia, Islamic, Arab and Persian civilizations. As a legacy from the Ottoman Empire, the influence of modern western countries is also felt in Turk.
Turkey is known as a country that has historical traces of great empires, such as the Romans, Byzantines, Seljuks and Ottomans. This transition of power made Turkey rich in civilization. It is not surprising that Turkey has a diverse ethnicity with an abundant culture.
Citing the book “Secular Turkey” by Tim Spirit Turki, as a party whose founders came from the Milli Gorus movement (religious political movement embodied in Turkey in the political struggle of Islamic groups), the actions of the AKP (Adalet ve Kalkinma Partisi, Partai Justice and Development) and Erdoğan are often seen as movements for the revival of political Islam in Turkey.
Islamic-sounding policies, such as raising taxes on alcoholic beverages and getting closer to Arab countries, strengthened the perception of the AKP as an Islamic party and suddenly skyrocketed when Erdogan dared to confront Israeli President Simon Peres in 2009.
In addition, Erdogan is considered successful in making Turkey better than when he served as prime minister. With so much of what he accomplished, it’s no wonder that he is ranked fifth in a row of 500 influential Muslims in 2018 (The Royal Islamic Strategic Studies Centre, 2018).
Typical TurkishTurkish Food
Compiled from various sources, here are some typical Turkish dishes that are worth tasting if you have the opportunity to visit Turkey.
1. Dondurma
This Turkish ice cream is not only popular for its unique taste, but also for its sellers who usually sell it with a little attraction to attract customers. Besides that, its sticky texture like chewing gum is the uniqueness of Dondurma ice cream.
This typical Turkish food that is loved by children and adults alike is mixed with an ointment made from young orchid root flour and mastic plant sap.
2. Baklavas
Baklava is a typical Turkish food in the form of sweet bread covered with nuts. This bread is usually served with honey and syrup to add to the delicacy.
Historically, Baklava has been a dish for Turkish citizens since the Ottoman Empire. This was proven by the discovery of a recipe from the 14th century in China where at that time Baklava was called gullach.
3. Kumpir
Kumpir can easily be found in night markets or on the side of the road sold by street vendors. This street food is widely sold in Ortakoy, Istanbul.
Kumpir is a dish of baked potatoes together with a variety of toppings such as vegetables, sausages, and this sauce has a delicious savory taste.
4. Simit
At first glance, this Turkish food has a shape resembling a donut, round with a hole in the middle and topped with sesame seeds. Simit is often used as a breakfast menu and is sometimes served in combination with cheese, sausages and various other toppings.
This typical Turkish food is legendary, because it is said that Simit was first created in the 16th century.
5. Pide
Pide resembles a pizza with a variety of toppings. Even this typical food has earned the nickname ‘Turkish Pizza’. However, the difference can be immediately seen from the unique shape of the Pide bread, which is folded and elongated so that it is shaped like a leaf.
Pide is a flatbread that is baked in an oven with the traditional cooking process using wood fire. Pide also comes with a variety of toppings, ranging from eggs, minced lamb, pastrami, vegetables and cheese.
6. Coffee
Kofte is a main dish that is often served with rice. This dish is often served at a banquet with family or friends.
Kofte is similar to a small steak made from ground chicken, beef or goat mixed with various spices and then grilled, boiled or fried.
At the beginning of its spread, this food came from immigrants from Turkey to Western Europe and the Netherlands. Because the taste is considered delicious, this food is also s increasingly mushrooming and spreading in many other countries.(*)
