Skip to main content

Turkey's Hatay kanafeh delicacy granted EU special status

Turkey’s earthquake-hit multicultural Hatay province receives recognition for its renowned Mesopotamian dessert. 

A chef holds a platter of kanafe during Hatay kanafe festival, July 23, 2019.
A chef holds a platter of kanafe during Hatay kanafe festival, July 23, 2019. — TWITTER/docdrlutfusavas

ANKARA — In a tribute to the multicultural cuisine of Turkey's quake-hit Hatay province, the European Union on Monday granted protection status to the province's famous sweet treat, kanafeh (or kunefe) — a Mesopotamian dessert made with thin strings of crispy, golden-colored dough held together by unsalted gooey cheese and drizzled with thick sugar syrup.

The EU announced it included “Antakya Kunefesi” on its list of some 1,600 protected cuisine delights from across the world by granting it the status of Protected Geographical Indication (PGI). The status is a recognition of the link between a certain food, agricultural product or wine with a particular geographical origin in a boost to its reputation. 

Related Topics

Subscribe for unlimited access

All news, events, memos, reports, and analysis, and access all 10 of our newsletters. Learn more

$14 monthly or $100 annually ($8.33/month)
OR

Continue reading this article for free

All news, events, memos, reports, and analysis, and access all 10 of our newsletters. Learn more.

By signing up, you agree to Al-Monitor’s Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy. Already have an account? Log in