History of Turkish Delight

We are proud to produce Truede Turkish Delight using time honoured methods and recipes.

Our unique range of quality merchandise is sourced from reliable producers in Turkey. Our products, made from recipes some of which date back over 100 years, contain natural ingredients whilst being Gluten Free, GM Free, etc., are suitable for the discerning palate and can be enjoyed by all, providing the perfect blend of tradition and innovation.

An old Turkish aphorism tells one to
‘eat sweetly and speak sweetly’

Traditional Turkish Delight dates back 500 years or more to the Ottoman Empire, making it one of the oldest sweets in the world. There are many legends associated with its origins. One such legend involves the Sultan Abdul Hamid. Abdul Hamid was not considered to be a great military leader, but he did possess an understanding of women. He believed that the way to a woman’s heart was through her stomach.

Eager to woo his four wives and hundreds of mistresses he summoned to his court the greatest confectioners in the Empire and ordered them to come up with a sweet that was so delicious that the ladies of his harem would stop their arguing and peace would reign throughout the palace. And so Turkish Delight, or Lokum as it was known then, was born.

The confectioners’ efforts worked wonders. The bickering ceased and the Sultan himself found the dish so tasty and stimulating he insisted on a plate of Lokum with their daily feast. From then on, it became an institution of the Ottoman Court.

“It is dull, Son of Adam, to drink without eating,” said the Queen presently. “What would you like best to eat?” “Turkish Delight, please, your Majesty,” said Edmund. turkish-smal

The Queen let another drop fall from her bottle on to the snow, and
instantly there appeared a round box, tied with green silk ribbon,
which, when opened, turned out to contain several pounds of the
best Turkish Delight. Each piece was sweet and light to the very
centre and Edmund had never tasted anything more delicious. CS Lewis – The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe

Turkish Delight
In the West

Sometime in the 19th century, an unknown British traveller discovered Lokum. He could not remember (or perhaps could not pronounce) the name for this ‘delightful confection’, so simply called it Turkish Delight.

Traditionally offered as a treat at Christmas within the west, Turkish Delight has now become popular to enjoy year-round.

Pablo Picasso used to eat Turkish Delight on a daily basis as aides to his concentration, while Winston Churchill and Napoleon relished pistachio filled Turkish Delight.

It has also been incorporated into chocolate bars. In the UK a slab of rosewater Turkish Delight is coated in milk chocolate to make Fry’s Turkish Delight. Fry’s Turkish Delight was first launched in 1914, manufactured by J.S Fry and Sons. It is now made by Cadbury’s and has been immortalised by the slogan ‘Full of Eastern Promise’. It is still a firm favourite today.