Hasenik Pestili

Hasenik Pestili is a traditional type of pestil unique to Ovacık Village in the Hilvan district of Şanlıurfa Province, Türkiye, produced using traditional methods and officially registered as a "geographical indication." This geographical indication was registered on 29 April 2024 for protection, effective from 15 September 2021. The registering body is the Hilvan Local Action Group Association.

Hasenik Pestili is made from the local Azezi grape, which is oval-shaped, yellow-green in color, has a thin skin, and is juicy and sweet. The name "Hasenik" derives from the former name of Ovacık Village. Pestil holds a significant place in the culinary culture and economy of the geographical area and is strongly associated with regional identity.

The production of Hasenik Pestili begins with Azezi grapes grown within the defined geographical boundary and known locally as şıralık. Harvesting takes place during September and October, when the grapes reach full ripeness. To obtain the grape must, a clay-carbonate pekmez soil is used to clarify the must, reduce its acidity, and enhance its flavor. This pekmez soil is a white-yellow, alkaline mixture containing 78% limestone (CaCO₃ + Ca(HCO₃)₂ + MgCO₃).

Average of 1.5 kg of pekmez soil is added to the must and boiled for 5 to 15 minutes. During this process, sediments settle and the acidity of the must is neutralized while its sweetness is improved. After filtration, 10% starch and wheat flour are added, mixed, boiled, and thickened. The resulting paste is spread in a layer 2 to 3 mm thick onto clean cotton cloths and left to dry for one day and one night in a well-ventilated area exposed to sunlight. Once the moisture content reaches 11.5%, the pestil is separated from the cloth, folded and cut on wooden racks, and further air-dried.

^{Şanlıurfa Hasenik Pestili (}Anadolu Agency⁾

All stages of Hasenik Pestili production must take place exclusively within Ovacık Village, Hilvan District, Şanlıurfa Province, the defined geographical boundary. The product is marketed in packaging suitable for direct food contact and can be stored for at least one year in a cool, dry, and sun-free environment.

Monitoring of the product is carried out periodically or as needed by a supervisory body composed of experts from the Hilvan Local Action Group Association and the Hilvan District Directorate of Agriculture and Forestry, under the coordination of the Hilvan Local Action Group Association. Inspections verify the use of Azezi grapes, compliance with the established production method, and the correct application of the Hasenik Pestili designation and geographical indication emblem.