Consumed since 1893: The story of Kanlıca yogurt

Kanlıca yogurt, one of our traditional local delicacies, has been produced using natural methods since 1893. So, how did this unique flavor reach the distinguished Bosphorus town of Kanlıca and become a symbol of the neighborhood?

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Consumed since 1893: The story of Kanlıca yogurt

The history of yogurt in these lands dates back a very long time.

If we follow archaeological findings, ancient texts, legends, and poems, starting from Sumerian tales in the 11th century, it is evident that the consumption of yogurt and ayran was a tradition in Turkified Anatolia and especially among the Seljuks.

During the Ottoman period as well, yogurt was an indispensable element of the dining table. A French traveler who visited Istanbul before the conquest mentions that Turkmen traders offered him a bowl of curdled milk they called "yogurt." And Kanlıca yogurt became an essential product of the Ottoman palace cuisine after the conquest of Istanbul.

For example, during the reign of Sultan Bayezid II (1502), the name of Kanlıca Yogurt is mentioned among the varieties of yogurt coming from dairies entering Istanbul.

Furthermore, if we accept Evliya Çelebi's Seyahatname (Book of Travels) in the 17th century as an important source, he mentions that among the famous yogurts of Istanbul, those of Kasımpaşa, Ortaköy, Üsküdar, and Kanlıca were renowned.

Çelebi writes that the patron saints of yogurt makers were Hazrat Ibrahim and Zeyd-i Kayseri. Yogurt makers would participate in guild events held in Istanbul with their trays and unique attire.

Looking at the sources, the adventure of Kanlıca yogurt began with the conquest of Istanbul and continues to this day. Kanlıca yogurt is a value with very old, shared, and ancient roots. Kanlıca yogurt is a master and a tradition of craftsmanship.

Evliya Çelebi said, "The pure yogurt of this town is extremely delicious."

Additionally, the observer and historian İnciciyan, who rose to the rank of priest at the Mihitler monastery in Italy, uses the phrase "Kanlıca Yogurt is famous and is transported to Istanbul to be sold" in his book on 18th-century Istanbul.

News Source: 12punto