Kilis Kırk Semseği

Kilis Kırk Semseği is a traditional pastry specific to Kilis cuisine, prepared by stuffing a filling between layers of dough and frying it in oil. The filling, made from minced meat, rice, and onions, is placed between sheets of dough prepared with grape molasses, then cut into triangular or square shapes and fried in Kilis olive oil. This dish holds a special place among charity meals offered after funerals and was registered as a geographical indication in 2022.

Description and Historical Background

Known locally as “tava semseği,” “semsek,” or “kırk semseği,” this dish has long been part of funeral traditions in Kilis as a charity food. Specifically, the variety distributed on the 20th and 40th days after a person’s death is called “kırk semseği.” According to local belief, angels are thought to travel as far as the aroma of the frying semsek reaches, and those within that area are believed to gain blessings. Kırk Semseği holds a deep-rooted place in Kilis cuisine and also serves a religious and cultural role in the city’s collective memory.

Production Method

Kilis Kırk Semseği is prepared by making dough from wheat flour, egg, grape molasses, water, salt, and a small amount of yeast, which is then rolled out into sheets. The filling is made by cooking rice, minced meat, onion, salt, black pepper, and Kilis olive oil. This filling is placed in clusters on the rolled-out dough at 15 cm intervals, covered with a second sheet, and then cut into 15x15 cm squares or triangles, ensuring the filling remains enclosed. The pieces are then fried in Kilis olive oil at 180 °C and served hot.

Ingredients (for approximately 27–30 pieces)

• 500 g all-purpose wheat flour
• 1 egg
• 14 ml grape molasses
• 300 ml water
• 16 g salt
• 80 g rice
• ½ kg lean minced meat
• 1 onion
• 6 g black pepper
• 20 ml Kilis Olive Oil (for the filling)
• Kilis Olive Oil (for frying)

Preparation Steps

1. Filling: Boil the rice. Sauté the onion and minced meat in olive oil. Then add spices and the boiled rice, mixing thoroughly and leaving it to rest.
2. Dough: Mix the egg and molasses mixture with flour to obtain a soft dough. Let the dough rest, then divide it into pieces and roll it out.
3. Shaping and Cooking: Place filling onto one sheet of dough, cover with a second sheet, cut into squares or triangles, and fry in Kilis Olive Oil.

Geographical Indication and Inspection

Kilis Kırk Semseği was registered as a geographical indication under Turkish Industrial Property Law No. 6769 on June 8, 2022 (Registration No: 1146). The product is categorized under “Bakery and pastry products, dough-based foods, sweets.” The registrant is Kilis Municipality, and the product can only be produced within the boundaries of Kilis province.

Inspection duties are carried out under the coordination of Kilis Municipality, together with the Kilis Provincial Directorate of Agriculture and Forestry and the Kilis Chamber of Tradesmen and Craftsmen. Inspections are conducted at least once a year and whenever necessary. Inspection criteria include the authenticity of production components, compliance with the production method, and correct use of registration labels.