Turkish scientists recreate 3000-year-old bread recipe
23 November 13:18
Specialists from the Hasankeyf Vocational School at Batman University have restored one of the oldest recipes for honey barley bread dating back 3000 years.
The results of the study are reported by Phys.org, "Komersant Ukrainian" reports.
Scientists relied on cuneiform tablets from Mesopotamia, which preserved economic records, ritual descriptions and information about bread standards of the III Dynasty of Ur and the time of Hammurabi.
Ancient texts mentioned different types of bread: those given to workers as part of their daily rations and large honey loaves used in temples. An analysis of the sources showed that recipes for such bread were known not only in Mesopotamia, but also in ancient Greece and Rome, which emphasizes its widespread distribution and cultural significance.
After studying historical data, the team began the reconstruction. The researchers used simple and readily available ingredients from the Bronze and Iron Ages – barley flour, water, honey, and sea salt. After a series of attempts, they managed to achieve the right consistency of dough and bake bread on a hot stone, as ancient bakers did.
According to the authors of the project, recreating the dish helps to better understand the daily life of the inhabitants of ancient Mesopotamia. Batman University Rector Idris Demir believes that the restored recipe is important for preserving the cultural heritage of the region and can be used in tourism and educational programs. The university plans to present the ancient bread at festivals and events to familiarize the public with the culinary traditions of the past.
