The history of the Turkish delight dates back to 15th century.   Lokum ( Turkish delight ) was derived from the Ottoman word rahat ul-hulkum meaning soothing the throat.   Lokum became widespread in turkey especially in 17 th century , moved to Europe by an English merchant  and started to be called  “Turkish Delight”  in 18th century.

Haci Bekir Efendi known as one of the first leading  producers of turkish delight . He started to produce Turkish delight in a small shop Istanbul1777 .  His Turkish delights gained a right reputation in a very short time and Haci Bekir Efendi  was awarded by the Ottoman Sultan  and started to work in Sultan’s saray ( palace) .

Turkish delight was used to made by honey and molesses in the beginning.   Discovery of refined sugar and starch have developed the produce and  taste of Turkish Delight.

The tale of  Turkish Delight.

Once upon a time, there was a very famous Sultan who ordered his dessert maker to create a unique dessert. As the candy maker was eager to satisfy his Sultan, he blended a concoction of sugar syrup, various flavorings, nuts and dried fruits, then held them together with mastic (gum Arabic). After several attempts, a most tasty sweet candy came into existence. The Sultan was so pleased with these delicious little yummy pieces. So the very famous , popular and delicious Turkish delight was produced upon request of Ottoman Sultan.

The Popularity of the Turkish delight has been increasing mainly England , Holland, france, Russia, Usa, China, Korea and Canada.

All the visitors who are travelling to Turkey buy at least  a box of Turkish delight on the way back to their country so this uniqe taste is  started to widely known by many foreigners.

Turkish delight became very popular and started to be sold in big supermarkets and malls in Uk after appeared in a scene from a fantasy movie ; The chronicles of Narnia The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe from 2005  based on  a fantasy novel for children by C. S. Lewis .

You can find many varieties and flavours of Turkish delight ( lokum ): plain, rose, pistachio, hazelnut, walnut, almond, coconut and almond, cream, cream with cinnamon (winter season), mint, mastic, fruit flavoured (sourcherry, strawberry, orange, apricot, lemon) date, cinnamon, ginger, clove and coffee.