Lamb marinated in special spices and slowly cooked over a wood fire. This dish can be tasted in the traditional kebab restaurants of Merkezefendi.
A traditional dessert made by mixing lor cheese with flour and sugar and cooking it in a pan. It is one of Denizli's signature desserts.
Prepared by simmering lamb together with its bones for a long time. It is Denizli's best-known soup and is often eaten in the winter months.
These dishes are known throughout Denizli province; see the provincial food guide for details.
Baklava with a registered geographical indication.
Sheep's-milk yoghurt with a registered geographical indication.
Roasted chickpeas (leblebi) with a registered geographical indication.
Cherries with a registered geographical indication.
Melons with a registered geographical indication.
The district takes its name from Merkez Efendi, a 14th-century physician and mystic. Merkez Efendi is known as a disciple of Sümbül Efendi and is recognised for the tradition of healing with medicinal herbs.
With a crow lasting more than 20 seconds, the Denizli rooster is a breed unique in the world. The rooster crowing competitions held every year are among the most colourful cultural events in the region.
Merkezefendi is known for 3 local dishes, above all Denizli Kebabı (wood-fired lamb kebab), Höşmerim (fried lor cheese dessert) and Tandır Çorbası (lamb bone soup). Lamb marinated in special spices and slowly cooked over a wood fire. This dish can be tasted in the traditional kebab restaurants of Merkezefendi.
Merkezefendi is known for Denizli Kebabı (wood-fired lamb kebab), Denizli Textiles and Merkezefendi Tradition. Its best-known sights include Denizli Atatürk Ethnography Museum and Denizli Great Mosque (Ulu Cami).
Local products and souvenirs to buy in Merkezefendi include Denizli Textiles and Denizli Rooster.