Urfa (Şanlıurfa) Pumpkin Dish

Urfa (Şanlıurfa) squash dish is a regional dish that has been passed down through generations, deeply associated with Şanlıurfa province and rooted in a long-standing cultural heritage. It was officially registered on 21.02.2018 as a geographical indication. The dish is prepared without water, using only the juice of tomatoes and the squash that gives the dish its name, along with meat and vegetables. This product, registered by the Şanlıurfa Chamber of Commerce and Industry, is an essential component of the city’s rich and distinctive culinary culture.

Product Characteristics

The preparation of Urfa (Şanlıurfa) squash dish involves specific ingredients:

• The squash that gives the dish its name (Lagenaria siceraria), specifically the unripe fruits of genotypes cultivated in Şanlıurfa.
• Unripe grape juice (koruk juice) or pomegranate juice is used to balance the flavor.
• The meat used is sourced from İvesi breed sheep raised in the Urfa region.
• Tomato juice is used instead of water in the preparation.

The dish is served with pilaf, aya köftesi, or iri yuvalak (yuvalah), accompanied by fresh isot (pepper).

Production Method

Preparing Urfa (Şanlıurfa) squash dish requires skill and follows these steps:

• The squash is cleaned, the stem is removed, the body is sliced, the seeds are cleared, and after peeling the green outer skin, it is cut into cubes.
• The lamb meat is prepared in bite-sized pieces.
• If pomegranate juice or koruk juice is used for flavor balancing, the fruits are strained to extract their juices.
• Tomatoes are crushed to extract their juice, which is then set aside for cooking.
• The bite-sized meat, bone-in pieces, pre-soaked chickpeas, tomato juice, and tomato paste are combined in a pot and cooked.
• The cut squash, along with pomegranate/koruk juice, sugar, and salt, are added to the boiling mixture.
• The dish is cooked over low heat until the squash becomes tender and fully cooked.

Geographical Boundary

The geographical boundary for Urfa (Şanlıurfa) squash dish is defined as Şanlıurfa province. The production of this distinctive product, long associated with the region, must take place within Şanlıurfa province, particularly requiring the use of meat from İvesi breed sheep raised locally.

Monitoring

Compliance with the specified standards is monitored by a four-member oversight body coordinated by the Şanlıurfa Chamber of Commerce and Industry, comprising one expert each from Şanlıurfa Municipality, Şanlıurfa Restaurant, Kebab and Dessert Traders’ Guild, Şanlıurfa Directorate of Food, Agriculture and Livestock, and Şanlıurfa Chamber of Commerce and Industry. Monitoring may be conducted periodically, upon request, or following complaints. The oversight body verifies the composition of ingredients and ensures that production, cooking, and serving methods conform to the defined standards, and initiates legal proceedings against unauthorized use.