Nevşehir Tahinli Simidi (a traditional tahini bread ring from Türkiye) is a bakery product prepared with traditional chickpea yeast, circular in form, approximately 15 cm in diameter and weighing 200 grams, with a medium brown color. The most distinctive feature of the product is the traditional yeast obtained by using chickpeas. This product, unique to the culinary culture of Nevşehir province, has been registered with a geographical indication (mahreç işareti) under Industrial Property Law No. 6769.

^{Nevşehir Tahinli Simit (Anadolu Ajansı)}

Ingredients Used in Production

For Chickpea Yeast

• 250 g chickpeas
• 0.50 L water

For First Dough

• 3.50 kg special-purpose wheat flour
• 0.50 L water
• Produced chickpea yeast

For Final Dough (150 simit)

• 45 kg special-purpose wheat flour
• 15 L water
• 3.75 kg first dough yeast
• 7.50 kg sugar
• 9.375 kg tahini

For the Topping Mixture

• 20–30 g flour
• 2 L water
• 1 egg or 1 L grape molasses

Production Method

The chickpeas are cracked and placed in a narrow-necked glass bottle, onto which 80–100°C hot water is poured. The bottle is left for 8–9 hours at a temperature of 30–40°C on the hot oven surface known as “fırın damı.” The formation of white foam on the bottle indicates that the yeast is ready. This yeast is kneaded with flour and water to prepare the first dough, which is then left to rest for 2 hours.

Water and flour are added to the first dough to form the main dough; then tahini and sugar are added, and kneading continues. The dough is divided into pieces of 110–120 grams, and these dough balls are rolled by hand on marble, forming a circular shape. To prevent excessive rising, each bagel is shaped into an oval form. After being fermented for 15–20 minutes, the mixture of flour, water, and egg or molasses is brushed onto the surface of the bagels. They are baked in wood-fired ovens at 180–200°C, 10 minutes on each side, for a total of 20 minutes.

Registration and Geographical Indication Information

Nevşehir Tahinli Simidi has been protected under Industrial Property Law No. 6769 as of June 15, 2023, and was registered with a geographical indication (mahreç işareti) on July 3, 2024. The product falls under the category of “simit / fırıncılık ve pastacılık mamulleri, hamur işleri, tatlılar” (bagels / bakery and pastry products, dough-based foods, desserts). The geographical indication application was submitted by the Nevşehir Bakers and Pastry Retailers Chamber of Tradesmen. The geographical boundary is limited to Nevşehir province.

^{Nevşehir Tahinli Simit (Anadolu Ajansı)}

The phrase “Nevşehir Tahinli Simidi” together with the geographical indication emblem must be present on the product or its packaging. If this is not possible, the sign and emblem must be prominently displayed within the business premises.

Control Mechanism

The production of the product and the use of the mark are coordinated by the Nevşehir Bakers and Pastry Retailers Chamber of Tradesmen. The inspection process is carried out at least once a year by a four-person commission consisting of representatives of the Nevşehir Provincial Directorate of Agriculture and Forestry, Nevşehir Municipality, and Nevşehir Chamber of Commerce and Industry. Inspections may also be conducted whenever necessary or upon complaint.

During inspections, the sourcing of chickpeas within the geographical boundary, the quantities of ingredients, the production method, the shape and weight of the product, as well as conformity with labeling and packaging requirements are checked.