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Famagusta Gazette

News From Cyprus

Ortahisar Baklava Earns Geographic Indication, Bringing İskilip’s Total to Eight Registered Products

ByFamagusta Gazette

Sep 25, 2025

A traditional baklava made by women in the town of İskilip during religious holidays and special occasions has officially received geographic indication status from the Turkish Patent and Trademark Office (TURKPATENT).

Following a detailed review, the dessert—known as İskilip baklavası—was granted certification, recognizing its cultural and regional significance.

The baklava is made from a dough prepared with wheat flour, sunflower oil, grape vinegar, eggs, and salt, rolled into thin sheets using starch.

Crushed walnuts are layered between the sheets, which are then shaped according to one of five styles: rose, layered, “şıkırdım,” newspaper, and nightingale’s nest.

The pastry is baked with melted butter and finished with syrup.

With this addition, İskilip now boasts eight geographically registered products.

Previous certifications include İskilip dolması (stuffed dish), pickles, Ramadan keşkek (wheat stew), strawberries, the traditional “tokmaklı kağnı” cart, vinegar salad, and “yırtma yemeği,” a local stew.

Local officials say the registration helps preserve culinary heritage and promotes regional identity on a national and international scale.

Famagusta Gazette