Urfa Eşkili

Urfa Eşkili is a traditional pickled vegetable specialty from the Şanlıurfa region, made by combining locally grown green peppers with eşkili juice extracted from grapes using traditional methods. This regional product is known for being served alongside meals along with its brine. Şanlıurfa’s historical production tradition distinguishes it from other pickles through the exclusive use of local green peppers and the ability to reuse the eşkili juice repeatedly in subsequent batches. Traditionally, families in Şanlıurfa with grape vineyards prepared large quantities before winter and distributed them; pressing the grapes to extract eşkili juice required specialized skill.

Urfa Eşkili is a regional pickle produced using various grape varieties cultivated in Şanlıurfa’s hot climate and fertile soil, with the Oğlak Karası black grape being the preferred type. Oğlak Karası Black Grape is a small, round, dark-colored variety with thick skin and a sweet aroma. The local green pepper used in its preparation is the İnan 3363 variety, grown in the region and known for its mild, non-pungent heat. The distinguishing feature of the product is the eşkili juice, produced through traditional methods. This juice should be clear, dark in color, and have a sharp, tangy taste.

The production of Urfa Eşkili consists of two stages: first, the preparation of the eşkili juice, followed by the addition of local green peppers to this juice.

The product is served alongside meals, with the peppers intended for eating and the brine for drinking.

The geographical boundary of Urfa Eşkili is limited to Şanlıurfa province. The product must be produced within the boundaries of Şanlıurfa. The region’s unique soil and climate conditions enable the cultivation of high-quality grape varieties, while the traditional and skilled method of converting grape juice into eşkili brine, followed by the addition of local green peppers, constitutes the essential characteristics of the product rooted in its origin.

Compliance of Urfa Eşkili with its registered characteristics is monitored by a control commission established under the coordination of the Şanlıurfa Chamber of Commerce and Industry. The commission includes representatives from the Şanlıurfa Municipality, the Şanlıurfa Restaurant, Kebab and Dessert Traders’ Guild, and the Şanlıurfa Directorate of Food, Agriculture and Livestock, Food and Feed Branch. The commission oversees the production, storage, transportation, and marketing of the product to ensure adherence to the specified technical standards and hygienic conditions.

Inspections are conducted annually on a regular basis and may also be carried out at any time in response to complaints or specific needs. In cases deemed necessary, samples are collected and analyzed by independent laboratories. Reports on inspections are submitted by the Şanlıurfa Chamber of Commerce and Industry to the Turkish Patent and Trademark Office (formerly known as the Turkish Patent Institute). Legal action is taken and procedures followed against any parties found to be misusing the geographical indication.