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Dishes you should try in Oltu: Oltu Cağ Kebabı (Oltu horizontal spit-roasted lamb), Oltu Taşı (Oltu jet stone) and Cağ kebabı (horizontal spit-roasted lamb). This guide also covers the local products to buy and what Oltu is famous for.

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Famous Dishes of Oltu

  • Oltu Cağ Kebabı (Oltu horizontal spit-roasted lamb)

    Oltu Cağ Kebabı was registered as a protected geographical indication on 22 February 2010 (TÜRKPATENT registration no. 127). Product group: dishes and soups. Registered by: Oltu Chamber of Commerce and Industry.

  • Oltu Taşı (Oltu jet stone)

    Oltu Taşı was registered as a protected geographical indication on 27 November 2015 (TÜRKPATENT registration no. 192). Product group: other products. Registered by: Oltu Chamber of Commerce and Industry.

  • Cağ kebabı (horizontal spit-roasted lamb)

    Oltu's famous dish, the cağ kebabı most closely associated with the district.

Dishes from Erzurum Cuisine

What to eat in Erzurum →

These dishes are known throughout Erzurum province; see the provincial food guide for details.

  • Erzurum Kadayıf Dolması (walnut-filled kadayıf)

    Shredded kadayıf filled with walnuts and soaked in syrup; it has a registered geographical indication.

  • Erzurum Su Böreği (boiled-pastry börek)

    A registered börek made with layers of boiled yufka and cheese.

  • Ayran Aşı Çorbası (yoghurt and wheat soup)

    A registered soup made with yoghurt, wheat and herbs.

  • Erzurum Hurma Tatlısı (syrupy dough dessert)

    A syrupy dough dessert with a registered geographical indication.

  • Hasıta

    A registered traditional dessert made with flour, butter and sugar.

What to Buy in Oltu: Local Products

  • Oltu Taşı (Oltu jet stone) A black semi-precious stone mined only in the Oltu district of Erzurum in the world. It is an organic mineral used to make prayer beads, necklaces, rings and bracelets, and it is a registered geographical indication.
  • Oltu Honey Flower honey gathered on the district's high plateaus. The rich flora gives it an aromatic and high-quality character.

What Oltu Is Famous For: Culture and Traditions

  • Oltu Stone Craftsmanship Tradition

    Oltu stone craftsmanship is a traditional craft that has continued for centuries. Craftsmen cut the stone from the mine and shape it with hand tools to make prayer beads, jewellery and ornaments. This craft is an inseparable part of the district's cultural identity.

  • Multi-layered History

    Oltu was an important settlement centre in the Urartian, Roman, Byzantine, Seljuk and Ottoman periods. The district, under Russian control for a short time until 1918, joined Türkiye after the War of Independence.

Frequently Asked Questions

What should I eat in Oltu?

Oltu is known for 3 local dishes, above all Oltu Cağ Kebabı (Oltu horizontal spit-roasted lamb), Oltu Taşı (Oltu jet stone) and Cağ kebabı (horizontal spit-roasted lamb). Oltu Cağ Kebabı was registered as a protected geographical indication on 22 February 2010 (TÜRKPATENT registration no. 127). Product group: dishes and soups. Registered by: Oltu Chamber of Commerce and Industry.

What is Oltu famous for?

Oltu is known for Oltu Cağ Kebabı (Oltu horizontal spit-roasted lamb), Oltu Taşı (Oltu jet stone) and Oltu Stone Craftsmanship Tradition. Its best-known sights include Oltu Castle and Oltu Taşı Mines.

What to buy in Oltu?

Local products and souvenirs to buy in Oltu include Oltu Taşı (Oltu jet stone) and Oltu Honey.

Oltu Travel Guide

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