Greek and Turkish Debate Over Origins of “Koulouri”/”Simit”

It all started when US President Barack Obama called the “baklava” dessert “Greek” in a ceremony which took place in the White House for the March 25th National Anniversary. His statement caused a mini cultural crisis between neighboring countries.

As a national “retaliation,” the İstanbul Simit Tradesmen Chamber launched a process to get an international patent for the number one Turkish street food, the “simit” as Turks call it, same as our “koulouri.”

İstanbul Simit Tradesmen Chamber Chairman Zeki Sami Özdemir on Tuesday, April 3, filed a petition with the İstanbul Union of Craftsmen and Artisans’ Chambers (İSTESOB) and called on the chamber to take action and the necessary steps to protect Turkey’s national food, the simit.

The petition came after US President Barack Obama said he admired the taste of “Greek baklava,” which has been regarded by the Turks and the Greeks as their traditional dessert for centuries. It is widely acknowledged that “baklava” has its origins in Central Asia. Nevertheless the Turkish ISTESOB had to respond to the “inappropriate” public mistake of Obama.

“We will hold on to our simit and won’t allow Greeks to grab our simit too,” İSTESOB Chairman Faik Yılmaz said, adding that Greeks have been presenting Turkish traditional foods as their own for centuries.

“The simit is one of the most widely consumed food products in Turkey. Foreigners now know it as the national food of Turks. It sometimes serves as breakfast and even lunch for both the rich and the poor,” added Zeki Sami Özdemir.

via Greek and Turkish Debate Over Origins of “Koulouri”/”Simit” | Greek Reporter Europe.