Legends about the origin of Turkish delight

The origin of the name of this Turkish dessert is no less mysterious than the origin of the product itself - no one knows exactly where this word came from. Most historians, however, believe that the name "Turkish delight" comes from the Arabic words "rahat-al-hulkum", which translated from Arabic means "satisfaction, or throat gratification", and translated from Turkish means "morsel of pleasure". But today the name "Turkish delight" is known by itself, and everyone associates it with pleasure.

Turkish delight is considered one of the oldest oriental sweets. This airy dessert was served even to the table of Turkish sultans, and initially only high-ranking persons could taste it.

The history of the origin of this oriental sweetness has overgrown with many legends. According to one of them, Turkish delight appeared thanks to one voluptuous Turkish sultan, who used the most original exotic dishes to seduce beautiful girls. Once this eastern ruler, wishing to once again surprise his beloved in a special way, ordered the cook to come up with a previously unknown special dessert, from the taste of which you can melt. This is how an airy oriental delicacy appeared - Turkish delight.

According to another legend, Turkish delight appeared as a result of the competition of Turkish chefs to create the most original dessert. The winner of this culinary competition was to get a job as a chef in the Sultan's kitchen. One of the participants in the competition prepared an extraordinary dessert that conquered the Sultan with its exquisite taste and airiness. This dessert was Turkish delight, which later began to be served at the table of the rulers as an exquisite oriental sweet that could melt the heart of everyone who tasted it. Perhaps that is why Turkish delight cubes, wrapped in a lace handkerchief, were one of the most valuable romantic gifts, and they were given as a sign of great and pure love.