About Baklava Day

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Baklava Day celebrates the rich, nutty pastry of Eurasia.

Baklava, a rich, sweet pastry beloved in many cultures, has a history that spans several centuries and crosses numerous borders. This layered dessert, made of filo pastry, nuts, and syrup or honey, is commonly associated with the cuisines of the Middle East, the Mediterranean, and the Balkans, with each region offering its unique twist.

The origins of baklava are unknown, with multiple cultures claiming its invention. However, baklava's roots trace to ancient times. Some food historians believe that a version of baklava was present in ancient Mesopotamia, where Assyrians layered thin pieces of dough with nuts and honey and baked them in primitive wood-burning ovens.

The dish most closely resembles modern baklava that likely emerged in the Topkapi Palace kitchens during the Ottoman Empire. During this time, chefs perfected the art of layering dough to make the palace's thin sheets of filo pastry. The Ottoman Turks then spread the recipe across their empire, including the Balkans and the Middle East.

Each region adapted baklava to its taste and traditions, leading to various recipes. In Greece, baklava is made with walnuts and cinnamon and soaked in honey syrup. In contrast, the Turkish version often includes pistachios or walnuts and is lighter on the syrup. Lebanese and Syrian baklava might feature a mix of nuts like pistachios, walnuts, and almonds and sometimes include orange blossom or rosewater in the syrup.

Baklava's journey from the Ottoman Empire to today highlights its ability to transcend cultural boundaries. The dessert is a staple at many festive occasions and celebrations across the Middle East, the Mediterranean, and the Balkans. It is often prepared in large pans and cut into various shapes, such as diamonds, squares, or rolls.

In the modern era, baklava continues to be a symbol of shared culinary history in these regions despite the variations in its preparation. Its popularity has also spread globally, with variations of the pastry found in cafes and bakeries worldwide.