Siirt Varak Keek Sweet

Siirt Varak Keek Sweet is a traditional dessert made by rolling dough prepared with special-purpose wheat flour, salt, and water into thin sheets, cutting it into small square pieces, drying them, then cooking them in a syrup made from grape molasses, and serving with walnuts. The product is closely associated with the culinary culture of Siirt province and has been registered as a geographical indication.

Siirt Varak Keek Sweet is protected as a geographical indication under Law No. 6769 on Industrial Property. Its geographical boundary is limited to Siirt province, as registered by the Turkish Patent and Trademark Office. The product’s name and geographical indication emblem are used on the product itself or its packaging^【1】.

The dessert is prepared by cutting the dough into approximately 4 × 4 cm squares, drying them, and then cooking them in a syrup made from grape molasses, water, and butter. At the serving stage, crushed walnuts are sprinkled on top. The distinctive features of the product are the use of grape molasses instead of refined sugar as a sweetener and the method of cooking the dough after drying.

Siirt province has historically been home to various civilizations, a legacy reflected in its culinary culture. The widespread cultivation of grapes in the region has led to the prominent use of grape molasses in local desserts. Siirt Varak Keek Sweet has long been a part of Siirt cuisine as a product of this local production tradition.

The dough is made by kneading special-purpose wheat flour, salt, and water. After resting, the dough is rolled out to a thickness of approximately half a centimeter, cut into squares, and dried.

The syrup is prepared by boiling grape molasses, water, and butter. The dried dough pieces are added to the syrup and cooked over low heat.

The cooked dessert is served with its syrup and topped with crushed walnuts. Under appropriate conditions, the product can be stored at a temperature of 20–22 °C for a specified period.

All stages of production, processing, and preparation of Siirt Varak Keek Sweet are carried out within the boundaries of Siirt province. The product’s flour and distinctive characteristics are directly linked to its geographical origin.

Monitoring of the product is conducted by a monitoring authority established under the coordination of the Siirt Provincial Directorate of Agriculture and Forestry. Inspections are carried out based on criteria such as the ingredients used in production, compliance with production methods, and correct use of the geographical indication label.