Mudurnu Printed Halva

Mudurnu stamped halva is a wheat halva produced in the Mudurnu district of Bolu province in Türkiye using traditional methods and registered with a geographical indication. It was officially registered as a geographical indication on 23 December 2020 under Law No. 6769 on Industrial Property, with the registration carried out by the Mudurnu District Governorship.

Definition and Distinctive Characteristics

Mudurnu stamped halva is a dessert made by roasting special-purpose wheat flour in sunflower oil, then adding a syrup prepared from white sugar, water and egg. It is served with walnut kernels placed on top. One of its distinctive features is the use of egg in the syrup, which is a key component determining the halva’s unique color, taste and texture.

Historically, butter and kaymak were used instead of sunflower oil in its production. In Mudurnu’s culinary culture, this halva is widely recognized as a traditional product prepared using time-honored methods.

Production Method

The production of Mudurnu stamped halva is a skilled process. Its main ingredients are special-purpose wheat flour, drinking water, white granulated sugar, sunflower oil, egg and walnut kernels. The production process proceeds as follows:

• Sunflower oil is heated in a suitable container.
• Wheat flour is added and stirred continuously over low heat for 15 to 20 minutes until roasted.
• A syrup is prepared separately using white sugar, egg and water.
• The syrup is added to the browned flour-oil mixture, and stirring continues for an additional 8 to 10 minutes.
• Once the mixture reaches a consistency that does not stick to a wooden spoon, it is removed from heat and allowed to rest for approximately 10 minutes.
• The halva is shaped into oval portions using a spoon, placed on plates, and served with walnut kernels on top.

All stages of production must be carried out within the boundaries of the Mudurnu district.

Geographical Indication and Usage

Mudurnu stamped halva is registered as a geographical indication. The label “Mudurnu Basma Helvası” and the official geographical indication emblem must appear on the product or its packaging. If this is not feasible, the emblem must be prominently displayed at the production facility.

Monitoring Process

A monitoring body consisting of at least three members has been established under the coordination of the Mudurnu District Governorship to verify compliance with the geographical indication criteria. This body includes representatives from the Mudurnu District Governorship, the Mudurnu District Directorate of Agriculture and Forestry, the Mudurnu Municipality and the Mudurnu Public Education Directorate. Inspections are conducted at least once a year; additional inspections may be carried out upon complaint or need.

During inspections, the product’s ingredient list, production method and use of the indication emblem are reviewed. If non-compliance is detected, the relevant party or institution is notified of the necessary corrective measures. Inspection reports are submitted annually to the Turkish Patent and Trademark Office.