Azerbaijan and Turkey recently submitted a joint proposal to UNESCO advocating for the inscription of baklava and its preparation as an intangible cultural heritage. This initiative has generated considerable reaction from neighboring nations. Baklava is a widely recognized pastry, characterized by multiple layers of filo dough filled with ingredients such as dates, figs, or honey.
It is a culinary staple across a vast geographical area, including the Middle East, Turkey, the Balkans, the Caucasus, and parts of Central and South Asia. The dish’s widespread appeal is matched by the fact that numerous countries boast their own distinct versions of baklava, each considering it a significant element of their culinary identity. The push for international recognition is not new; a previous effort occurred in 2013 when the European Commission successfully registered the baklava originating from Gaziantep, Turkey, on the list of intangible cultural heritage.
The joint submission by Azerbaijan and Turkey aims to secure global recognition for the dessert. However, the proposal has elicited responses from several neighboring countries who maintain that the preparation of baklava is integral to their own cultural heritage. The differing claims highlight the cultural significance of the pastry across diverse national boundaries.
Topics: #turkey #about #baklava
