Şanlıurfa is not just a capital of history; it is a capital of gastronomy. The city's cuisine is a testament to its location at the crossroads of civilizations, blending Turkish, Kurdish, Arab, and Armenian influences into a unique and spicy palette.
The Legend of the Kebab
Urfa kebab is famous worldwide, but tasting it in its city of origin is a different experience entirely. Made from hand-minced meat mixed with local spices and grilled over oak charcoal, it is a masterpiece of simplicity and flavor.
Isot: The Red Gold
No discussion of Urfa's food is complete without mentioning 'isot'—the famous dark, sun-dried chili pepper that gives the local dishes their distinctive smoky heat and deep purple color. It's used in everything from salads to meat dishes, and most famously in 'Çiğ Köfte' (raw meatball), a delicacy said to have originated with the prophet Abraham.
