Akyurt's Wedding Soup: Toyga Aşı

Have you ever had a soup that is both satisfying and yogurt-based, served steaming hot? In the Akyurt district of Ankara, there is a special soup known as “Toyga Aşı.” This soup is not only renowned for its flavor but also for being the star of Akyurt’s happiest and most cherished moments. It is so beloved that the local people have even given it the name “wedding soup.” Let us dip our spoons together into this creamy, traditional delicacy and discover its story.

Toyga Aşı is a creamy soup made with yogurt, “yarma”—whole wheat grains with their husks removed—and sometimes chickpeas. Its texture resembles that of a thick cream. The taste is characterized by a mild sourness and refreshing quality derived from the yogurt. What truly makes it unforgettable, however, is the aromatic topping of mint-infused butter sauce, drizzled over the soup just before serving. This sauce creates a stunning visual effect and awakens the appetite. This flavor is considered one of the most important elements of Akyurt’s culinary culture.

Preparing this flavorful soup requires patience and skill. First, the yarma (wheat grains) are soaked overnight and then gently boiled until soft. In a separate bowl, strained yogurt, eggs, and a small amount of flour are whisked together until smooth. This mixture, called “terbiye,” is essential to prevent the soup from curdling. The hot broth from the boiled wheat is slowly stirred into the yogurt-based terbiye, which is then added to the pot. The soup is continuously stirred until it reaches a boil and develops its signature creamy consistency. Making this soup is, in essence, cooking a wisdom passed down through generations in Akyurt.

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Do you know why Toyga Aşı is called “wedding soup”? Because in Akyurt, during the largest and most special gatherings—such as weddings, mevlit ceremonies, holidays, or farewells for pilgrims—this soup is always prepared in large cauldrons. This soup is the most delicious way to share happiness and sometimes even sorrow. A bowl of hot Toyga Aşı has become a symbol of saying “welcome” to everyone present and of collectively embracing the moment. Therefore, Akyurt Toyga Aşı is not merely a dish; it is an integral part of Akyurt’s unifying culture and hospitality.

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