Afyon Eggplant Börek

Afyon Eggplant Börek is a traditional dish unique to the province of Afyonkarahisar, prepared without flour and officially registered with a geographical indication mark. The filling is made by frying seedless, ripe eggplants, slicing them thinly, and mixing them with eggs, lean ground beef, parsley, and spices. This mixture is spread in a baking tray, topped with slices of tomato and green pepper, and baked in an oven. This type of börek is served in portions of approximately 300 grams and hot, and is especially preferred on special occasions and festive tables.

Afyon Eggplant Börek is prepared according to a specific recipe. The main ingredients used are:

• 1.5 kg ripe, seedless eggplants
• 4 eggs (±1 depending on size)
• 500 g lean ground beef
• Half a bunch of parsley
• 500 g vegetable oil (for frying)
• 8 g salt
• 5 g black pepper
• 5 g red pepper powder
• For topping: 3–4 tomatoes and 6–7 green peppers

Peel the eggplants and cut them into equal-sized pieces, then fry them in hot oil until they turn slightly pink. After draining and slicing them finely, the eggplants are mixed in a deep bowl with the ground beef, eggs, finely chopped parsley, and spices. The prepared mixture is spread in a baking dish to a thickness of approximately 3–4 cm. Slices of green pepper and tomato are placed on top and baked in an oven at approximately 180°C. The börek is served hot in portions no smaller than 300 grams.

The production of Afyon Eggplant Börek can only be carried out within the boundaries of Afyonkarahisar province. This restriction stems from the strong connection between the product’s production method, which requires local knowledge and craftsmanship, and the regional culture. A product prepared using traditional methods and regional expertise may bear the name “Afyon Eggplant Börek.” The product name and its geographical indication emblem must appear either on the packaging or directly on the product. If this is not feasible, the emblem must be visibly displayed at the production facility.

The production and post-registration use of Afyon Eggplant Börek are monitored through inspections conducted at least once a year. These inspections are carried out by a five-member monitoring body established under the coordination of Afyonkarahisar Municipality, with one representative from each of the following institutions:

• Afyonkarahisar Municipality
• Afyonkarahisar Municipal Police Directorate
• Afyonkarahisar Provincial Directorate of Agriculture and Forestry
• Afyonkarahisar Chamber of Tradesmen and Craftsmen
• Afyonkarahisar Professional Chefs Social Assistance and Solidarity Association

This team verifies compliance with the recipe, production method, portion sizes, and correct use of the geographical indication emblem. Expert support may be obtained from public or private institutions when necessary. Legal procedures and protection of rights are managed by the entity that registered the product.