Diyarbakır Ekşili Dolma

Diyarbakır ekşili dolması is a traditional stuffed dish unique to the city of Diyarbakır in Türkiye’s Southeastern Anatolia Region. This dish was officially registered with a geographical indication on 24 January 2022 and represents one of the deep-rooted and distinctive examples of Diyarbakır’s culinary culture. The registration process was carried out by the Diyarbakır Chamber of Commerce and Industry under Law No. 6769 on Industrial Property.

The main components of the dish include fatty minced meat from lambs under one year of age, Karacadağ Rice bearing a geographical indication, and sumac infusion prepared by steeping in hot water. The stuffing is prepared by mixing onion, parsley, tomato paste, chili peppers, and various spices. This mixture is then stuffed into vegetables such as eggplant, zucchini, and bell peppers. The sumac infusion, which imparts the dish’s characteristic sour flavor, is added both to the stuffing and to the cooking liquid. The stuffed vegetables are arranged horizontally in a pot and covered with a perforated stuffed vegetable weight during cooking. When served, the dolmas are presented hot, accompanied by the cooking liquid served separately in a bowl.

The preparation of the dish follows techniques specific to Diyarbakır. Key elements of this method include hollowing out the vegetables, preparing the stuffing, using sumac infusion, and the cooking arrangement. The meat, sumac, and basil used are sourced from within the defined geographical area. The production process is shaped by traditional knowledge and local ingredients.

The reputation of Diyarbakır ekşili dolması, its production method, and the ingredients used are directly tied to Diyarbakır Province. Therefore, all stages of production must be carried out exclusively within this geographical boundary. In this context, the product’s name and geographical indication emblem must appear directly on the product or its packaging; if not, they must be visibly displayed at the production facility.

The monitoring of the product is conducted under the coordination of the Diyarbakır Chamber of Commerce and Industry, in collaboration with the Diyarbakır Provincial Directorate of Agriculture and Forestry. The monitoring authority verifies the suitability of the ingredients used, adherence to the production method, and correct use of the indication. Inspections are carried out at least once a year; additional inspections may be conducted as needed or upon complaint. When non-compliance is detected, relevant individuals or institutions are notified and appropriate measures are taken.