A Culinary Journey Through Time: The Allure of Iskender Kebab

If you love meat, bread, sauce, and yoghurt, then you will love iskender kebab, one of Turkish cuisine's most popular and satisfying dishes. Iskender kebab is a type of döner kebab, which is a traditional Turkish dish of seasoned meat that's stacked in the shape of an inverted cone and turned on a vertical rotisserie to slowly roast. The meat is then sliced thinly and served on a bed of pieces of pita bread, called tırnak pidesi, and topped with hot tomato sauce, melted butter, and yoghurt. The combination of flavours and textures is simply irresistible.

But where did this dish come from, and who invented it? The story of iskender kebab goes back to the 19th century Ottoman Empire and to the city of Bursa, which is located in the northwest of Turkey. Bursa is the birthplace of döner kebab, which dates back to the 17th century or earlier. The first mention of iskender kebab, however, is from 1867, when a man named İskender Efendi started to serve his version of döner kebab in the Kayhan Bazaar of Bursa. He was inspired by his grandfather, who was also a kebab maker, and he decided to improve the dish by adding bread, sauce, butter, and yoghurt. He named the dish after himself, soon becoming a hit among the locals and visitors alike.

İskender Efendi's descendants continued his legacy and opened a restaurant chain called Kebapçı İskender, which is still operating today. The family trademarked the name and the recipe and claimed to be the original and authentic makers of iskender kebab. However, the dish also spread to other parts of Turkey and beyond, and many variations emerged over time. Some of the regional variations of iskender kebab are:

Uludağ kebab: This is another name for iskender kebab, which refers to the mountain near Bursa where İskender Efendi was born. It is also the name of a popular brand of mineral water and soft drink in Turkey.

Bursa kebab: This is a generic name for iskender kebab, which indicates its origin from Bursa. It is also used to avoid any trademark issues with the İskenderoğlu family.

Yozgat kebab: This is a variation of iskender kebab from the city of Yozgat in central Turkey. It is made with lamb meat and served with a spicy tomato sauce, melted butter, yoghurt, and pickles. It is also known as Çapanoğlu kebab, after a local noble family.

Antep kebab: This is a variation of iskender kebab from the city of Gaziantep in southeastern Turkey. It is made with beef or lamb meat and served with tomato sauce, melted butter, yoghurt, and crushed pistachios. It is also known as Baklava kebab, because of the resemblance to the famous Turkish dessert.

Urfa kebab: This is a variation of iskender kebab from the city of Şanlıurfa in southeastern Turkey. It is made with beef or lamb meat and served with tomato sauce, melted butter, yoghurt, and it, which is a type of dried red pepper flakes. It is also known as Sıra kebab, because it is traditionally served on a long wooden table, called sıra, with many other dishes.

As you can see, iskender kebab is not only a delicious dish but also a rich and diverse part of Turkish culture and history. If you ever have a chance to visit Turkey, make sure to try this dish and its variations, and enjoy a taste of history.

Now to the fun part

Iskender kebab Vs. Science

Iskender kebab is a product of scientific innovation and experimentation. The dish was invented by İskender Efendi, who lived in Bursa in the late 19th century. He was inspired by his grandfather, who was also a kebab maker, and he decided to improve the traditional döner kebab by adding bread, sauce, butter, and yoghurt. He also devised a special method of cooking the meat on a vertical rotisserie, which allowed the meat to be evenly roasted and sliced. He named the dish after himself, and soon it became a hit among the locals and visitors alike. İskender Efendi's invention was a result of his curiosity, creativity, and skill, which are the hallmarks of scientific inquiry and discovery.

Iskender kebab Vs.  History

Iskender kebab is a reflection of the rich and diverse history of Turkey. The dish traces its roots to the Ottoman Empire, which was one of the largest and most powerful empires in history, spanning over six centuries and three continents. The Ottoman Empire was known for its cultural, religious, and ethnic diversity, as well as its artistic, architectural, and culinary achievements. The döner kebab, which is the basis of iskender kebab, dates back to the 17th century or earlier, and it was influenced by the cuisines of the regions that the Ottomans conquered or traded with, such as the Middle East, Central Asia, and the Balkans. The dish also reflects the historical changes and challenges that Turkey faced in the 20th century, such as the collapse of the Ottoman Empire, the rise of the Turkish Republic, and the modernization and globalization of the country.

Iskender kebab Vs. Art

Iskender kebab is a manifestation of the artistic and aesthetic sensibilities of Turkish culture. The dish is not only delicious, but also visually appealing and pleasing. The colors, textures, and shapes of the ingredients create a harmonious and balanced composition, which is characteristic of Turkish art and design. The dish is also served with a flair and a show, as the tomato sauce and melted butter are poured over the dish live at the table, creating a sizzling and aromatic effect. The dish is also accompanied by music and entertainment, such as traditional Turkish folk songs and dances, which add to the festive and lively atmosphere. The dish is a celebration of the beauty and joy of life, which is a core value of Turkish art and culture.

More than just a delectable meal, iskender kebab stands as a vibrant tapestry woven from the threads of science, history, and art. It beckons us to savor not only its exquisite flavors but also the rich cultural heritage it embodies. Each bite transports us to bustling 19th-century bazaars, echoes the ingenuity of culinary visionaries, and celebrates the enduring charm of Turkish tradition. So, the next time you encounter this iconic dish, remember: you're not just indulging in a culinary delight, you're embarking on a captivating journey through the heart and soul of Turkey.

Peace Out