Gaziantep Yenidünya Kebabı

Gaziantep Yenidünya Kebabı is a traditional kebab specialty unique to the Gaziantep region, made by combining lamb meat and Yenidünya fruit. It is protected as a geographical indication under Law No. 6769 on Industrial Property and was registered on 30 April 2021. The registration application was submitted by the Gaziantep Development Foundation, and the geographical boundary of the product is defined as Gaziantep Province.

The history of Gaziantep Yenidünya Kebabı dates back to antiquity. In particular, the method of cooking the fruit without burning it requires a specialized skill unique to the region. This technique establishes a distinctive link between the product and its geographical origin. All production stages must be carried out within the boundaries of Gaziantep Province.

Gaziantep Yenidünya Kebabı is prepared by cooking together finely ground lamb meat, processed through zırht (a traditional grinding method), and a thin-skinned, sweet-tasting Yenidünya fruit. Production is carried out using two distinct methods:

• Grill cooking: Yenidünya fruits are halved lengthwise and their seeds removed. The inner surfaces are coated with salt and black pepper. Meatballs the size of walnuts are threaded onto skewers, placed between two fruit halves. The skewers are rotated continuously over a charcoal fire until fully cooked. They are served alongside charred peppers, tomatoes, and onion salad. Optionally, the dish may be presented with the geographically designated Antep finger pastry.

• Oven baking: The prepared Yenidünya fruits and meatballs are arranged horizontally on a baking tray. A glass of water is sprinkled over them. They are baked for 45 minutes in a preheated oven at 180–200 °C with the lid closed. The oven lid is opened during the final five minutes. Serving is again accompanied by onion salad and charred vegetables.

The meat used in the kebab must consist exclusively of lamb and must be processed through zırht. The Yenidünya fruit must be large, fleshy, thin-skinned, and sweet. The product is produced only during the harvest season of the Yenidünya fruit, from early May to mid-June.

The production and service processes of the product are monitored under the coordination of the Gaziantep Development Foundation. The monitoring body consists of expert representatives from the Foundation, the Gaziantep Provincial Directorate of Agriculture and Forestry, the Gaziantep Metropolitan Municipality, the Gaziantep Chamber of Tradesmen and Artisans, and the Gastronomy Department of Gaziantep University. Monitoring inspections are conducted at least once annually and may be carried out at any time upon complaint or need.

During inspections, the suitability of ingredients, adherence to production methods, skewer arrangement, cooking technique, serving style, and the visible presence on the product or establishment of the designation “Gaziantep Yenidünya Kebabı,” its logo, and the geographical indication emblem are verified.