Hakkari Girara Huluga

Hakkari Girara Huluga is a traditional dish specific to Hakkari Province in Türkiye, combining sweet, sour, and salty flavors. It is prepared using dried fruits, meat stew, legumes, and cereals together. Girara Huluga has been known in Hakkari for a long time and has been passed down through generations. It has traditionally been served on festive occasions such as holidays, weddings, and communal ceremonies.

Hakkari Girara Huluga was registered as a geographical indication on 11 January 2023 under number 1313, following an application submitted on 18 July 2022. The applicant for this product, registered under the type of geographical indication, is the Hakkari Chamber of Commerce and Industry. The geographical boundary of the product is limited to Hakkari Province.

Girara Huluga is prepared using black dried plums, raisins, optionally dried apple, walnut kernels, meat stew, boiled chickpeas, rice, sunflower oil, and salt. The distinguishing feature of the dish is the variety of flavors created by the combination of dried fruits and meat in the same preparation.

• 1 liter hot water
• 300 g black dried plums
• 300 g raisins
• 300 g dried apple (optional)
• 300 g walnut kernels
• 300 g meat stew
• 200 g boiled chickpeas
• 100 g rice
• 100 ml sunflower oil
• 20 g salt

The dried fruits and rice are soaked in lukewarm water for approximately one hour, then drained. Sunflower oil is heated in a pot and the meat stew is added. Subsequently, black dried plums, raisins, dried apple, and rice are added sequentially and sautéed. Hot water is then poured over the mixture. Once it begins to boil, boiled chickpeas and walnut kernels are added, followed by salt in the final stage. The dish is cooked for an average of 15 minutes and then rested for the same duration before serving.

The selection of dried fruits and the cooking process for Girara Huluga require skill and expertise. To preserve the dish’s authentic qualities, all production stages must take place within the boundaries of Hakkari Province.

Monitoring is carried out by a minimum three-member committee coordinated by the Hakkari Chamber of Commerce and Industry, including a representative from the Hakkari Provincial Directorate of Agriculture and Forestry. Inspections are conducted at least once annually, and the results are reported to the Turkish Patent and Trademark Office.