Ancient Bread Recipe: Turkey’s 5,000-Year-Old Revival
- An ancient bread recipe, approximately 5,000 years old, has been unearthed in Eskisehir, Turkey, leading to a surge in demand at a local bakery.
- Murat Turkteki, an archaeologist and excavation director, noted the find is the oldest baked bread discovered during an excavation, retaining much of its original form.
- Intrigued by the possibility of recreating the recipe, local officials contacted Halk Ekmek, a bakery in Eskisehir.
Unearth a culinary revelation: A 5,000-year-old bread recipe from Turkey is captivating teh world.Discovered during an excavation in Eskisehir, this ancient bread recipe has sparked an insatiable demand. A local bakery recreated the ancient recipe, and the resulting “kulluoba bread” sells out daily, offering a delicious taste of history for a surprisingly accessible price. The remarkable find, made with coarsely ground emmer flour and lentils, highlights the potential of resilient ancient grains. This discovery also showcases the importance of drought-resistant farming and may reshape farming practices in Turkey, influencing a shift toward less water-intensive crops and sustainable agriculture. Read more about this interesting Turkish food story on News Directory 3. The implications are vast, and a deeper understanding of the ancient bread recipe could revolutionize farming. discover what’s next in this ancient tale…
Ancient Bread Recipe Rediscovered in Turkey Sparks High Demand
Updated June 1, 2025
An ancient bread recipe, approximately 5,000 years old, has been unearthed in Eskisehir, Turkey, leading to a surge in demand at a local bakery. Archaeologists discovered the charred bread in September 2024 during excavations at Kulluoba Hoyuk, a Bronze Age settlement. the remarkably preserved bread has been on display at the Eskişehir archaeological Museum since March 28, showcasing a unique glimpse into ancient culinary practices and ancient grains.
Murat Turkteki, an archaeologist and excavation director, noted the find is the oldest baked bread discovered during an excavation, retaining much of its original form. Analysis revealed the ancient bread recipe included coarsely ground emmer flour, lentil seeds, and a plant leaf used as a natural leavening agent. The bread, flat and disc-shaped, measures about 5 inches in diameter.
Intrigued by the possibility of recreating the recipe, local officials contacted Halk Ekmek, a bakery in Eskisehir. Due to the unavailability of ancient emmer seeds in Turkey, the bakers substituted Kavilca wheat—a closely related variety—along with bulgur and lentils to approximate the original ingredients. The resulting “kulluoba bread” quickly became a local sensation, selling out within hours. The bakery now sells around 300 loaves daily, priced at 50 turkish lira (about $1.30) thanks to municipal subsidies,making it an accessible taste of history and a popular Turkish food.
The bread’s composition, featuring drought-resistant crops, has garnered attention from archaeologists and local officials alike. With Turkey currently focused on water-intensive crops, the use of Kavilca wheat, known for its resilience to drought and disease, presents a compelling alternative.
“Our ancestors are teaching us a lesson. Like them, we shoudl be moving toward less thirsty crops,” ayse Unluce, the mayor of Eskisehir, told AFP.
What’s next
The rediscovery of this ancient bread recipe may influence agricultural practices in the region, promoting the cultivation of drought-resistant crops.Further research into ancient grains could provide valuable insights for sustainable farming.