Ottoman Sherbets Revived in Burhaniye with BUBFA
Balıkesir University Burhaniye Faculty of Applied Sciences (BUBFA) has launched a special project to revive Ottoman sherbets, one of the forgotten gems of Ottoman culinary culture.
As part of the Teamwork course taught by Prof. Dr. M. Oğuzhan İlban, students of the Department of Gastronomy and Culinary Arts — Uğur Umut Uysal, Berke Bülbül, Rabia Atik, Ayşenur Küreli, and Ceydanur Aydemir — carried out the project titled “A Journey of Sherbets with BUBFA”, aiming to bring traditional Ottoman sherbets back to modern dining tables.
Sherbets, one of the most distinctive and symbolic beverages of Ottoman Palace Cuisine, were recreated within the scope of the project. The students researched authentic recipes frequently used in the imperial kitchen, prepared them anew, and served them within the faculty. The varieties included tamarind, almond (subye), vinegar–honey (sirkencübin), cardamom, pomegranate, and several other fruit- and herb-based sherbets, offering participants both a historical and flavorful experience.
The students leading the project prepared the sherbets in the faculty’s training kitchen and presented them through a tasting event. Attendees, including Prof. Dr. M. Oğuzhan İlban, had the opportunity to rediscover these historical Ottoman beverages.
Additionally, a sherbet recipe booklet was prepared within the framework of the project, aiming to serve as a guide for those wishing to recreate these drinks at home.
This meaningful initiative by Balıkesir University Burhaniye Faculty of Applied Sciences stands out as an important step toward preserving and passing on culinary heritage to future generations.
