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

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Famous Dishes of Uzundere

  • Cağ Kebabı (horizontal spit-roasted lamb)

    Prepared by roasting lamb on a horizontal spit over a wood fire, Cağ Kebabı has a special flavour thanks to the meat of sheep raised on Uzundere's highlands.

  • Ayran Aşı (yoghurt and wheat soup)

    A traditional soup made with yoghurt, bulgur and mint. It is a nourishing dish that never goes missing from Uzundere's tables on cold winter days.

  • Lor Dolması (curd cheese pastry)

    A traditional börek made by wrapping a filling of curd cheese and herbs in yufka pastry. It is one of the distinctive flavours of Uzundere 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 Uzundere: Local Products

  • Uzundere Balı Flower honey gathered from the district's high highland pastures. Thanks to the rich flora, it is aromatic and high quality.
  • Civil Peyniri Civil cheese, made from fresh milk and separated into fine strands, is produced in Uzundere by traditional methods.

What Uzundere Is Famous For: Culture and Traditions

  • Gürcü Mimari Mirası

    Uzundere was under the influence of the Georgian Kingdom in the 10th century, and important structures such as Öşkvank Church were built during that time. This architectural heritage is concrete evidence of the region's multicultural past.

  • Buz Tırmanışı Kültürü

    In recent years, Uzundere has begun to be known for its international ice climbing festivals. Waterfalls and ice formations that freeze in winter have made the district a meeting point for extreme sports enthusiasts.

Frequently Asked Questions

What should I eat in Uzundere?

Uzundere is known for 3 local dishes, above all Cağ Kebabı (horizontal spit-roasted lamb), Ayran Aşı (yoghurt and wheat soup) and Lor Dolması (curd cheese pastry). Prepared by roasting lamb on a horizontal spit over a wood fire, Cağ Kebabı has a special flavour thanks to the meat of sheep raised on Uzundere's highlands.

What is Uzundere famous for?

Uzundere is known for Cağ Kebabı (horizontal spit-roasted lamb), Uzundere Balı and Gürcü Mimari Mirası. Its best-known sights include Tortum Waterfall and Tortum Lake.

What to buy in Uzundere?

Local products and souvenirs to buy in Uzundere include Uzundere Balı and Civil Peyniri.

Uzundere Travel Guide

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