This article was automatically translated from the original Turkish version.
+2 More
Rize Enişte Lokumu is a traditional baked product unique to the city of Rize in Türkiye’s Black Sea Region. It has been produced for many years as an integral part of local wedding customs. Registered with a geographical indication on 26 May 2021 under application number “C2020/202”, submitted to the Turkish Patent and Trademark Office on 20 July 2020. The holder of the geographical indication is the Rize Municipality, and production is permitted only within the geographical boundaries of Rize province.
Rize Enişte Lokumu (Ministry of Culture and Tourism of the Republic of Türkiye)
Rize Enişte Lokumu is a rolled biscuit measuring 15 cm in length, 2 cm in thickness, and weighing 130 (±5) grams. Structurally, its base is flat while its top surface is slightly raised due to natural baking. The upper surface has a golden brown hue, while the bottom, which browns more intensely, is darker in color. Before baking, transverse incisions approximately 1 cm apart are made on the upper surface at both ends and the center to impart a distinctive visual character. These incisions have sharp, well-defined edges.
Rize Enişte Lokumu holds a significant place in the local marriage traditions. Its history dates back to the 1800s and it is traditionally served during wedding ceremonies and in the custom of sending gift bundles to the bride’s family. This biscuit, offered to guests at weddings and placed in the groom’s gift bundle, is sent back to the groom’s home when the bride visits her parental residence. Originally produced only in households, the product is now also manufactured commercially.
The ingredients required for the production of Rize Enişte Lokumu are as follows:
Butter, powdered sugar, water, and half a lemon are gently heated at low temperature. After boiling, the mixture is cooled to room temperature. Baking powder and eggs are then added, followed by the gradual incorporation of flour to form a dough. The dough is kneaded by hand or machine for approximately 3 to 5 minutes until it reaches the consistency of an earlobe. Strips of 15 cm in length and 2 cm in thickness are cut from the dough. Two incisions are made at each end and the center, spaced 1 cm apart. The strips are baked in an oven at 170–180 °C for approximately 35 minutes. The final product weighs 130 (±5) g.
Rize Enişte Lokumu are individually wrapped in plastic film after baking and stacked for sale. The product is produced and consumed daily.
All production processes for Rize Enişte Lokumu must take place exclusively within the boundaries of Rize province. This geographical constraint is essential due to both the product’s historical origins and the requirement that the primary ingredient, butter, must be produced in Rize.
Rize Enişte Lokumu has been registered as a geographical indication by the Turkish Patent and Trademark Office. The product or its packaging must bear the inscription “Rize Enişte Lokumu” together with the official logo and geographical indication emblem. If this is not feasible, the inscription and emblem must be visibly displayed at the production site.
Monitoring activities are carried out by a four-member oversight body coordinated by the Rize Municipality, comprising one representative each from the Rize Municipality, the Rize Chamber of Commerce and Industry, the Rize Union of Craftsmen and Tradespeople, and the Rize Bakers’ Association. Inspections are conducted regularly three times per year, and additional inspections may be carried out at any time upon complaint or if deemed necessary.
The inspection criteria are as follows:
The oversight body may obtain expert support or purchase services from public or private institutions when necessary.
Characteristics
Cultural and Sociological Context
Ingredients and Production Method
Packaging and Consumption
Geographical Boundary and Production Conditions
Registration and Monitoring Process