Circassian Sirma Baklava

Çerkeş sırma baklava is a traditional dessert unique to the Çerkeş district of Çankırı, made by rolling thin sheets of dough around coarsely chopped walnut pieces and sweetening them with syrup. The dessert derives its name “sırma” from a distinctive crimping technique applied during shaping, which creates a braided appearance. The product was officially registered as a geographical indication on 9 February 2024 under registration number 1539 by the Turkish Patent and Trademark Office on behalf of the Çerkeş Municipality.

Ingredients

The following ingredients are used for a 3 kg production:

• 1 kg special-purpose wheat flour• 2 eggs• 500 ml milk• 85 ml sunflower oil (for dough)• 40 g yogurt• 12 g vinegar• 5 g Çankırı rock salt• 500 g walnut pieces• 500 g wheat starch

For greasing

• 170 ml sunflower oil• 300 g butter

For syrup

• 1 litre water• 1 kg powdered sugar• 10 g lemon juice

Çerkeş Sırma Baklava (Çankırı Provincial Directorate of Culture and Tourism)

Characteristics and Production Method

Çerkeş sırma baklava is prepared by kneading a dough made from special-purpose wheat flour, eggs, vinegar, Çankırı rock salt (geographically indicated), yogurt, milk and sunflower oil. The dough is rested and then rolled into thin sheets with the aid of wheat starch. Each sheet is stretched to a diameter of approximately 60–70 cm and made translucent.

The edge of each sheet is placed on a rolling pin so that about 20–25 cm extends beyond it. Coarsely chopped walnuts are evenly sprinkled over the remaining surface. The sheet is then rolled around the pin to form a cylinder. The two ends of the cylinder are pressed toward the center to create the characteristic “sırma” braided shape. The shaped pieces are cut and arranged on trays, then left to dry at room temperature for one full day.

The next day, the baklavas are brushed with a mixture of melted butter and sunflower oil and baked in a preheated oven at 190–200 °C for approximately 30–35 minutes. After removal from the oven, they are sweetened by pouring over them a previously prepared and cooled syrup.

Cultural Context

Çerkeş sırma baklava is a traditional dessert prepared by the local community especially during religious holidays, weddings and engagement ceremonies. The hand-rolled dough, enriched with walnut pieces and the distinctive braided shaping technique, give the dessert its unique identity. The origins of the product trace back many generations in Çerkeş district and it remains an essential element of the local culinary culture.

Geographical Indication Information

Çerkeş sırma baklava has been registered under the geographical indication system. Its link to the geographical area is tied to its traditional production method and the use of local ingredients. Monitoring and enforcement are carried out by the Çankırı Municipality in accordance with the principles established by the Turkish Patent and Trademark Office.