Gebole dessert, a traditional dessert unique to the Siirt province of Türkiye, is a long-established culinary product known for being prepared seven times between February 14 and March 14 during the days of wishes and abundance. With its dense consistency and unique presentation, it holds a special place among local desserts. Registered with a designation of origin, Gebole dessert reflects Siirt’s culinary culture through both its traditional production and its prevalence in out-of-home consumption.
Distinguishing Features
Gebole dessert is a pudding-like sweet prepared with flour, milk, sugar, molasses, and walnuts. The most distinctive feature of the dessert is the need for constant stirring during cooking, accompanied by various wishes. The stages of setting the consistency and cutting the dessert also require skill. Once cooled, the dessert is cut into squares or baklava-like pieces, drizzled with grape molasses, and sprinkled with crushed walnuts for serving. In Siirt culture, this dessert, regarded as a symbol of friendship, abundance, and healing, is prepared on special days known as “Gebole Day” by the local people.
Siirt Gebole Dessert (Siirt Municipality)
Production Method
Ingredients
- 50 g butter
- 300 g flour
- 200 ml milk
- 600 ml water
- 200 g granulated sugar
- 5 g salt
- 200 ml grape molasses
- 50 g crushed walnuts
Preparation
600 ml of water is boiled in a pot, and 5 g of salt is added. In another bowl, 300 g of flour and 200 ml of milk are whisked until smooth. This mixture is gradually added to the boiling water. Then, 200 g of granulated sugar and 50 g of butter are added. The mixture is stirred until it reaches the desired consistency. After it begins to boil, it is stirred for an additional 2–3 minutes and then removed from the heat.
Before cooling, the mixture is poured into a wide tray that has been wetted with cold water. The dough is allowed to rest for 30–45 minutes until it can be sliced. It is then cut into pieces, 200 ml of grape molasses is poured on top, and 50 g of crushed walnuts are sprinkled for serving. The dessert can be consumed either warm or cold.
Geographical Indication
Gebole dessert was registered on December 23, 2024, under registration number 1675 as a designation of origin. The geographical indication application was submitted by the Siirt Provincial Directorate of Agriculture and Forestry and approved by the Turkish Patent and Trademark Office (Türk Patent ve Marka Kurumu). The registration of Gebole dessert is based on the product’s association with traditional knowledge and production methods unique to Siirt province. Considering its historical background, production technique, and cultural significance in the region, a strong reputation link has been established with its geographic origin. Therefore, all stages of production of Gebole dessert must be carried out within the borders of Siirt province.
Inspection
The production and serving processes of Gebole dessert are monitored by a control body coordinated by the Siirt Provincial Directorate of Agriculture and Forestry. This control body includes at least two expert representatives from the Siirt Provincial Directorate of Agriculture and Forestry, the Siirt Provincial Directorate of Culture and Tourism, and the Siirt Chamber of Commerce and Industry. Inspections are conducted periodically and can also be carried out at any time if needed or upon complaint. During inspections, compliance with traditional production methods, accuracy of ingredient proportions, and correct use of the “Gebole Dessert” label along with the geographical indication emblem are evaluated. The control body may, when necessary, receive support from public institutions, private organizations, or experts working within these institutions and organizations.
