Erzurum Grandmother's Cake (Erzurum Cake)

Erzurum Babaanne Pastası, also known as Erzurum Pastası, is one of the local culinary products of Erzurum province and has been granted geographical indication protection by the Turkish Patent and Trademark Office effective 1 October 2024. This certification formally recognizes the product’s local origin, historical traditions, and distinctive characteristics.

Erzurum Babaanne Pastası / Erzurum Pastası was applied for as a geographical indication by the Erzurum Chamber of Commerce on 12 April 2021 and was officially registered on 1 October 2024. During this process, the product was classified under the category “Bakery and confectionery products, dough-based items, sweets.” The product, registered under number 1642, is officially protected under the name of Erzurum province.

According to the TÜRKPATENT portal, the technical definition section documents both the traditional structure and distinctive features of the product. Under the geographical indication framework, the direct connection of the product to local culinary traditions is one of the fundamental criteria for registration. Technical specifications such as dough properties, ingredient composition, baking method, and presentation style were submitted to TÜRKPATENT with supporting documentation during the application. The product’s association with the Erzurum region and its unique recipe were decisive factors in its recognition as a geographical indication.

The application submitted by the Erzurum Chamber of Commerce has established this product as an official reference in terms of both recipe and production practices. As a result, traditional recipes long prepared by households and local bakeries in Erzurum cuisine have been formally defined at an official level. With the registration certificate, the product’s preservation as part of the regional culinary heritage is ensured. It can also be noted that the geographical indication certificate holds significant value for Erzurum in terms of gastronomic tourism, as emphasized in the 2025 records of its ceremonial distribution.

With its registration as a geographical indication, the product has gained legal protection for both producers and consumers. This certification is critically important for preventing imitation products, supporting local producers, and ensuring that consumers receive authentic goods. Erzurum’s position among the top three cities in Türkiye with registered geographical indication products has a direct impact on the visibility and recognition of local products.