Known for its winter tourism, historical architecture, and expansive natural beauty, Erzurum has recently seen an increase in geographical indication certifications, bringing the city into the gastronomic spotlight.
In 2018, Erzurum had only six certified geographical indication products; however, through applications made by a dedicated team at the Erzurum Commodity Exchange to the Turkish Patent and Trademark Office, this number has risen to 59. Erzurum is now the third city in Turkey with the most geographical indication registrations, with ongoing projects aimed at making these local flavors more industrially widespread.
Under a project led by the Erzurum Commodity Exchange, previously certified products like su böreği (water pastry), civil peynir (civil cheese), and göğermiş peynir (molded cheese) are now also in the application process for geographical indication certification with the European Commission.
ERZURUM KNOWN FOR UNIQUE FLAVOURS SUCH AS SU BÖREĞİ, KADAYIF DOLMASI AND MANY MORE SPECIALTIES
The city, known for a variety of unique flavors such as Erzurum su böreği (water pastry), kadayıf dolması (shredded pastry dessert), demir tatlısı (iron dessert), civil and göğermiş peynir, babaanne pastası (grandmother’s cake), kara fatma çorbası (black Fatma soup), Erzurum mantısı (Erzurum-style dumplings), dut çullaması (mulberry dessert), kıtlama şeker (sugar crystal), ayran aşı (yogurt soup), pekmezli baklava (baklava with molasses), peynir helvası (cheese halva), and kesme aşı çorbası (cut noodle soup), is working to integrate gastronomy with tourism.
President of the Erzurum Commodity Exchange, explained that in 2018, they conducted a study on the potential of gastronomy and local flavors, breaking a record in the number of applications. He emphasized that obtaining certification for a product is a lengthy process, as it involves documenting its historical and endemic plant connections, preparation, and all production stages.
ERZURUM RANKS THIRD IN TURKEY FOR GEOGRAPHICAL INDICATION CERTIFICATIONS
He highlighted that Erzurum currently ranks third in Turkey for geographical indication certifications, adding, “Erzurum has seen many civilizations throughout its history, from the Saltukids, Seljuks, and Ottomans to Armenians and Russians. We have around 400 local flavors. This certification validates Erzurum as one of Turkey’s leading cities in gastronomy. It is a way to protect both our local flavors and culture, bringing nearly lost products back to life. This work is progressing quickly, with four to five applications each month, and we plan to apply for around 40 more products.”
He went on to say “Our primary sector is agriculture and animal husbandry. Developing an agriculture-based industry is important, and we aim to market these industrial products through tourism. We have several projects related to this.”
He also mentioned that culinary workshops are being organized with Atatürk University. Furthermore, Erzurum’s designation as the “2025 Tourism Capital” by the Economic Cooperation Organization (ECO) and as the “European Capital of Winter Sports” offers a significant advantage for promoting these certified products.
