Cizre Memilheva Cookie

Cizre Memilheva Kurabiyesi is a baked product made from almond kernels, sugar, and egg whites, produced in the district of Cizre, Şırnak Province. It is traditionally served during weddings, holidays, invitations, and visits in Cizre’s culinary culture. The cookie is shaped into a gear-like form with 6, 9, or 12 protrusions and approximately 1 cm in thickness. Due to the high concentration of almonds, the almond aroma is more prominent than the sweetness of the sugar. Its texture is lightly crisp, slightly textured, and melts in the mouth.

Cizre Memilheva Kurabiyesi (Cizre Subgovernorship)

Ingredients

• 1.5 kg almond kernels
• 1 kg powdered sugar
• 5 egg whites

Production Method

The almonds are boiled to remove their shells; some are set aside for decoration while the rest are ground until they reach a paste-like consistency. The egg whites and sugar are whipped together and then mixed with the ground almonds to form the dough. The dough is divided into equal portions and shaped by hand into a form with 6, 9, or 12 protrusions without using a rolling pin. Powdered sugar is sprinkled on the baking tray to prevent sticking, and the dough pieces are arranged on it. Depending on their diameter, one, two, or three whole almonds are placed in the center. The cookies are baked in a preheated oven at 180–200 °C until only the surfaces turn slightly pink.

Distinguishing Features

The cookie is distinguished from similar products by its gear-like shape, intense almond aroma, and crisp texture that melts in the mouth.

Geographical Boundary and Production Area

Production is carried out exclusively within the boundaries of the Cizre district of Şırnak Province. The preparation of the cookie requires skilled craftsmanship, and all stages of production must be conducted within this geographical boundary.

Usage Format

The term “Cizre Memilheva Kurabiyesi” and its official emblem must appear on the product or its packaging. In cases where the term and emblem cannot be placed on the product or packaging, they must be visibly displayed within the business premises.

Monitoring

The conformity of production and marketing processes is monitored by a committee composed of representatives from the Cizre Chamber of Commerce and Industry and the Cizre District Directorate of Agriculture and Forestry, under the coordination of the Cizre Governorship. Inspections are conducted at least once annually and are repeated upon complaint or as needed.