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Dishes you should try in Tortum: Cağ Kebabı (horizontal spit-roasted lamb), Ayran Aşı (yoghurt and wheat soup) and Lor Dolması (cheese and herb pastry). This guide also covers the local products to buy and what Tortum is famous for.

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Famous Dishes of Tortum

  • Cağ Kebabı (horizontal spit-roasted lamb)

    Prepared by turning lamb on a horizontal spit over a wood fire, cağ kebabı has a distinctive flavour from the meat of sheep raised on Tortum's plateaus.

  • Ayran Aşı (yoghurt and wheat soup)

    A traditional soup made with yoghurt, cracked wheat and mint. It is a nourishing dish that never leaves the tables of Tortum on cold winter days.

  • Lor Dolması (cheese and herb pastry)

    A traditional pastry made by wrapping a filling of lor cheese and herbs in yufka. It is one of the distinctive flavours of Tortum cuisine.

Dishes from Erzurum Cuisine

What to eat in Erzurum →

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

  • Oltu Cağ Kebabı (horizontal spit-roasted lamb)

    A kebab with a registered geographical indication, cooked on a horizontal skewer over a wood fire and served on the cağ skewer.

  • 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 Tortum: Local Products

  • Tortum Sour Pestil (sour fruit leather) Tortum Ekşi Pestili was registered as a protected geographical indication on 29 January 2024 (TÜRKPATENT registration no. 1528). Product group: chocolate, confectionery and derivative products. Registered by: Tortum Municipality.
  • Tortum Honey Flower honey gathered from the high plateaus of the district, an aromatic and high-quality product thanks to its rich flora.
  • Civil Cheese (shredded cheese) Civil cheese, made from fresh milk and separated into strands, is produced in Tortum by traditional methods.

What Tortum Is Famous For: Culture and Traditions

  • Georgian Architectural Heritage

    Tortum came under the influence of the Georgian Kingdom in the 10th century, and important structures such as Haho Church were left from this period. This architectural heritage is concrete evidence of the region's multicultural past.

  • Historic Trade Route

    Throughout history, Tortum held a strategic position on the trade route extending from Erzurum to Artvin and Georgia. This position has shaped the cultural diversity and historical richness of the district.

Frequently Asked Questions

What should I eat in Tortum?

Tortum is known for 3 local dishes, above all Cağ Kebabı (horizontal spit-roasted lamb), Ayran Aşı (yoghurt and wheat soup) and Lor Dolması (cheese and herb pastry). Prepared by turning lamb on a horizontal spit over a wood fire, cağ kebabı has a distinctive flavour from the meat of sheep raised on Tortum's plateaus.

What is Tortum famous for?

Tortum is known for Cağ Kebabı (horizontal spit-roasted lamb), Tortum Sour Pestil (sour fruit leather) and Georgian Architectural Heritage. Its best-known sights include Hahuli Monastery and Tortum Waterfall.

What to buy in Tortum?

Local products and souvenirs to buy in Tortum include Tortum Sour Pestil (sour fruit leather), Tortum Honey and Civil Cheese (shredded cheese).

Tortum Travel Guide

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