The Influence of Different Civilizations on Baklava
While the exact origins of baklava are disputed, it is undeniable that baklava has been improved over time. The Middle East or Near East has seen many of the world's oldest cultures and civilizations come and go, and they have contributed to the shaping of this particular type of dessert. There is absolutely no question that baklava was improved after rumors of change in the Arab world or the Near East spread. The region has seen many of the world's oldest cultures and civilizations come and go, each of which changed the baklava according to their own preferences. The exact source of baklava may remain contentious, but it's clear that baklava was improved every occasion winds of change were felt in The Middle East or Near East. The region is a shadow of its former self, with many of the locations and peoples it housed having long since vanished.
The seafayering Greeks encountered Baklava compelling in their taste in East Mesopotamia and brought them to Greece. Greeks, who introduced this dessert to Athens, created a process by which it could be cooked like parchment paper, which is more tender and thin than the way other nations prepare it.
When the baklava was discovered by the Armenian merchants on the Eastern border of the Ottoman Empire located on Spice and Silk Routes they integrated cinnamon and cloves into the texture of baklava. This created a more sophisticated flavor that was soon adopted by the Ottomans. Armenians were also instrumental in introducing paper-thin phyllo dough to the dish. This innovation made Baklava lighter and flakier. The popularity of Baklava spread throughout the Ottoman Empire and beyond. Today, this delicious pastry can be found in bakeries all over the world thanks to the Armenian influence.
The Arabs further east furthered the spread of rose water and orange blossom water. The taste changed slightly as the recipe was transported to other countries. Of all the countries of the Middle East, Lebanon is especially renowned for producing baklava. The Arab influence in the eastern regions extended to baklava. The taste slightly varied as the dish traveled from the east to the west over centuries. Because of their effect on baklava, among the nations in the Middle East, Little Lebanon is quite honorable.
The Persian environment was renowned since antiquity for delicious food prepared by pistachio pastry specialists, who created a golden-colored Baklava that was perfumed with jasmine, and which was distributed to the court of Justinian I at Constantinople in the sixth century.
As the Ottoman Empire expanded westward toward Constantinople, they also expanded their eastern territories to cover the whole of ancient Assyria and the entire Armenian Kingdom. Cooks and pastry chefs that worked in the Ottoman palace were instrumental in bringing refinement to the culinary art and cooperation between the Empire spanning vast areas and developing a new cultural interaction.
In conclusion, the influence of different civilizations on baklava is evident in the many regional variations of the dish. From the Turks to the Greeks to the Persians, each culture has added its own unique spin on this classic dessert. So next time you're in the mood for some sweet and sticky goodness, be sure to try a few different types of baklava to get a taste of the world's rich culinary history.
