History of Turkish delight

Turkish delight, also known as lokum, is a popular sweet confection that originated in Turkey. The exact origin of Turkish delight is not known, but it is believed to have been created in the early 1700s in Istanbul.

According to one legend, the sultan of the Ottoman Empire, Abdul Hamid I, had a particularly sweet tooth and asked his chief confectioner to create a new dessert that was both delicious and unique. The confectioner experimented with various ingredients, eventually settling on a mixture of sugar, cornstarch, and gelatin, which was then flavored with rosewater and dusted with powdered sugar.

Turkish delight became a popular treat in Turkey and the surrounding areas, and its popularity spread to other parts of the world in the 19th century. In 1776, an English traveler named James Justinian Morier wrote about his experience of trying Turkish delight in his book "A Journey Through Persia, Armenia, and Asia Minor."

In the early 20th century, a Turkish man named Hacı Bekir Efendi opened a confectionery shop in Istanbul that became famous for its Turkish delight. Today, Hacı Bekir is still considered one of the best places to buy Turkish delight in Istanbul, and the shop continues to make the confection using traditional methods.

Turkish delight has become a popular treat around the world and is often associated with Turkish culture and cuisine. It is available in a variety of flavors, including rose, lemon, orange, and mint, and is often enjoyed with tea or coffee.

Here are some of the most popular types of Turkish delight:

Rose: Rose-flavored Turkish delight is one of the most traditional and popular varieties. It is made with rosewater and has a floral, sweet flavor.

Pistachio: Pistachio Turkish delight is made with chopped pistachios and has a nutty, slightly crunchy texture.

Lemon: Lemon-flavored Turkish delight is made with lemon juice and zest, giving it a tangy, refreshing taste.

Orange: Orange-flavored Turkish delight is made with orange juice and zest, giving it a bright, citrusy flavor.

Mint: Mint-flavored Turkish delight is made with mint extract or fresh mint leaves, giving it a cool, refreshing taste.

Pomegranate: Pomegranate-flavored Turkish delight is made with pomegranate juice, giving it a sweet and slightly tart taste.

Honey: Honey-flavored Turkish delight is made with honey and has a rich, sweet flavor.

Coconut: Coconut Turkish delight is made with shredded coconut and has a slightly tropical flavor.

These are just a few examples of the many different flavors and varieties of Turkish delight that are available. Some Turkish delight makers also create unique flavors using ingredients such as chocolate, coffee, and spices.