Hopa Laz Böreği

Hopa Laz Böreği is a unique stuffed pastry native to the Hopa district of Artvin and is protected under geographical indication status. Thanks to its distinctive recipe and its geographical association with “Hopa,” it represents an important culinary heritage that reflects the region’s cultural and economic value.

Geographical Indication Status

Following a registration process initiated by the Hopa Chamber of Commerce and Industry (Hopa TSO), the product was officially applied for a “geographical indication” on 14 September 2017 and was formally registered by the Turkish Patent and Trademark Office on 8 January 2019. This document (C2017/149, Registration No. 407) defines the production and recipe criteria specific to the Hopa region, thereby strengthening the area’s gastronomic identity.

Production Process and Technical Characteristics

Hopa Laz Böreği is prepared by layering thin, hand-stretched dough with muhallebi, a creamy dessert. Traditionally made with milk and cornstarch, the muhallebi can be served either with or without syrup. The regional “black pepper recipe” distinguishes the Hopa version from other variants found throughout the Black Sea region.

Women’s Employment and Socioeconomic Impact

Following registration, approximately 15 female producers began regular production through the “Border-Responsible Hopa Women Entrepreneurs Cooperative.” Supported by a collaboration between DOKA and Hopa TSO, the project had a total budget exceeding 350,000 TL and aimed to promote women’s employment and local production.

Training, Production, and Promotion Activities

Under the umbrella of the cooperative, two-month-long courses organized by the Hopa Public Education Center trained 60 women in the geographical indication recipe for Hopa Laz Böreği. Subsequently, after the establishment of a production facility, serial production began, enabling the product to be distributed across Türkiye and introduced to gastronomy tourism.

Cultural Identity and Tourism Contribution

Hopa Laz Böreği significantly strengthens regional identity through gastronomy, as it bears the name “Hopa” and is produced using its unique recipe. According to Artvin Governor Yılmaz Doruk, geographical indication products are intended to serve as attractive elements in the tourism market. Moreover, the inclusion of this pastry within Hopa’s cultural mosaic of Laz and Hemşin heritage enriches the region’s distinctive culinary culture.