Discover how every piece of Antep Güneşi Baklava helps preserve the rich traditions and skilled artisans who are the heart of Gaziantep's cultural identity.
Learn About the CauseGaziantep is a city woven from history and flavor, a UNESCO Creative City renowned not only for its unparalleled culinary heritage, culminating in exquisite baklava, but also for centuries-old artisanal traditions. These crafts are not mere hobbies; they are living legacies, passed down through generations of dedicated families.
Among the most prominent are the rhythmic clang of coppersmiths shaping raw metal into intricate serving trays and decorative pieces, the delicate, patient work of mother-of-pearl inlay artists transforming simple wood into stunning furniture and boxes, and the vibrant patterns of traditional weavers keeping ancient textile methods alive. Each craft tells a story of skill, patience, and deep cultural roots.
However, like many traditional practices worldwide, these precious skills are facing significant challenges in the face of modern manufacturing, changing consumer habits, and the economic pressures of the contemporary era. Fewer young people are entering these apprenticeships, and master artisans struggle to find sustainable markets for their handcrafted goods. This poses a real threat to the continuity of these vital cultural expressions.
Our initiative is born from a deep love for Gaziantep and a recognition that its future is intrinsically linked to preserving its past. We are committed to supporting the dedicated artisans who are the keepers of these traditions. This involves providing them with direct economic support, creating platforms for their work to reach wider audiences, and fostering environments where knowledge can be successfully transferred to a new generation.
We aim to establish and support training programs and workshops specifically designed to attract and nurture young talent interested in learning coppersmithing, inlay, weaving, and other crafts. By raising awareness both locally and internationally about the beauty, value, and importance of these handmade treasures, we seek to rekindle appreciation and create sustainable demand. Our goal is not just preservation, but revitalization, ensuring the workshops of Gaziantep continue to hum with creativity and skill for centuries to come, much like the ovens baking our baklava.
The traditional crafts of Gaziantep are far more than just artisanal products; they are tangible threads connecting us to centuries of history, embodying the accumulated skill, wisdom, and artistry of countless generations. They are living history, carrying the legacy of Anatolian and Ottoman craftsmanship.
Culturally, these crafts are vital expressions of Gaziantep's unique identity. The motifs used in weaving, the patterns hammered into copper, the intricate designs inlaid with mother-of-pearl – each carries symbolism and stories specific to the region's heritage and traditions. Losing these skills would mean losing a significant part of the city's soul and cultural memory, diminishing the richness that makes Gaziantep a place of wonder.
Economically, these crafts provide livelihoods for artisans and their families, supporting local economies through the sourcing of materials and the sale of finished goods. They contribute to the city's reputation as a hub of tradition and skill, attracting tourists and visitors who seek authentic experiences and unique handmade souvenirs. Preserving these crafts means sustaining local businesses and empowering skilled individuals within the community.
Historically, the techniques and tools used in these workshops offer insights into the past, demonstrating ingenuity and mastery developed over time. The continuation of these practices ensures that this invaluable historical knowledge is not lost to time but continues to evolve while respecting its roots. Allowing these skills to disappear would be akin to letting historical records fade away, leaving future generations disconnected from their heritage. Therefore, the effort to preserve Gaziantep's traditional crafts is an investment in the city's cultural continuity, economic vitality, and historical integrity.
Antep Güneşi Baklava is more than just a business; we are a family deeply rooted in the soil and traditions of Gaziantep. Our commitment to crafting baklava with unwavering dedication and using the finest local ingredients stems from this connection to our city. We believe that the prosperity of our business is intertwined with the well-being and cultural richness of the community that has nurtured us and our craft.
That's why we are proud to dedicate a significant portion of our resources to supporting the preservation of Gaziantep's traditional crafts. A percentage of the profits from every box of Antep Güneşi Baklava sold directly contributes to the fund dedicated to this vital cause. When you savor our sweet delights, you are also making a meaningful contribution to keeping these artisanal legacies alive.
Beyond financial contributions, we actively seek collaborations with local artisans. We commission custom copper trays from master coppersmiths for our premium gift selections, recognizing the value of their artistry in presenting our own handcrafted product. We explore using beautiful, small inlaid boxes crafted by mother-of-pearl artists for special limited editions, offering them direct economic support and visibility to our customers worldwide.
Furthermore, we believe in the power of education and skill transfer. We sponsor and help organize workshops where experienced master artisans can teach their techniques to young apprentices, ensuring that the intricate knowledge is passed down effectively. We provide necessary materials, contribute to the artisans' time, and help promote these learning opportunities within the community. Our aim is to bridge the gap between generations and inspire a new wave of interest in these traditional arts.
By integrating the support for artisans into our business model and operations, we ensure that our commitment is not just a charitable gesture, but a sustainable partnership. This allows us to continuously give back to the community that provides us with the finest pistachios and the rich cultural backdrop that makes Antep Baklava so special, creating a cycle of mutual support and preservation.
Meet some of the artisans and individuals whose lives and crafts are being positively impacted by the preservation efforts supported by Antep Güneşi Baklava. Their dedication keeps Gaziantep's heritage vibrant.
"For fifty years, the sound of my hammer shaping copper has echoed in this workshop. Finding apprentices was becoming difficult. The support from initiatives like this has brought new, eager hands to learn, ensuring these intricate patterns live on. It gives me hope for the future of coppersmithing in Gaziantep."
"Learning mother-of-pearl inlay felt like uncovering a hidden treasure in my city's history. It's painstaking work, but incredibly rewarding. The workshop support and visibility have helped me develop my skills and even sell pieces, showing that traditional crafts can still have a place in modern life. I'm proud to carry it on."
"The old weaving patterns hold so much meaning. For a while, it felt like fewer and fewer people cared. Now, with renewed interest and opportunities to share my knowledge in funded workshops, I see new students excited to learn. It's like weaving new life into old traditions."
"I didn't know what I wanted to do after finishing school. Learning a traditional craft wasn't something I'd considered, but the opportunity came through a funded program. It's challenging, but I'm gaining skills I never thought I'd have. It feels good to be part of keeping our heritage alive."
"As a business owner in Gaziantep, I feel a responsibility to our city's legacy. Supporting these crafts through our baklava sales is a natural extension of who we are. We share the value of dedication and quality. Seeing the artisans thrive and new apprentices learn is incredibly rewarding."
The creation of authentic Antep Baklava is not merely cooking; it is an ancient craft, a culinary art form that demands immense skill, unwavering patience, and profound dedication – much like the traditional crafts of coppersmithing or inlay work. It is a process steeped in history, perfected over centuries within the kitchens and workshops of Gaziantep.
Our commitment at Antep Güneşi Baklava mirrors the dedication of the artisans we support. It begins with the selection of ingredients: the paper-thin dough, stretched and layered with astonishing dexterity; the rich, golden clarified butter; and most importantly, the fragrant, vibrant green pistachios, exclusively sourced from the fertile lands around Gaziantep, known globally for their unique flavor and quality.
The process involves countless delicate layers of dough, each brushed individually with butter, then generously filled with chopped pistachios. The precise cutting of the unbaked baklava into its iconic shapes – squares, diamonds, or mussels – requires a steady hand and a keen eye. Baking takes place in traditional stone ovens, where experienced bakers monitor the heat and timing meticulously to achieve that perfect golden crispness.
Finally, the warm, baked baklava is drenched with a light, aromatic syrup made from sugar, water, and lemon. The timing and temperature of this step are crucial, ensuring the syrup is absorbed just right, creating a harmonious balance of crisp texture and sweet, nutty flavor without sogginess. This entire process is a testament to the skill and artistry passed down through generations.
We believe that preserving the craft of making authentic Antep Baklava is inherently linked to the broader effort to preserve Gaziantep's cultural heritage. Both represent a commitment to excellence, tradition, and the enduring value of handmade quality. By upholding these standards in our own work, we honor the artisanal spirit that defines our city and strengthen the cultural foundation that supports all of its traditional arts.
Your decision holds power. By choosing authentic Antep Güneşi Baklava, you are doing more than simply enjoying a world-class traditional delicacy; you are actively contributing to the preservation of Gaziantep's invaluable cultural heritage and providing direct support to the skilled local artisans who keep these traditions alive. Here’s how you can make a tangible difference:
Antep Güneşi Baklava has been a cherished institution in Gaziantep's vibrant culinary landscape since its founding in 1955. Established by the Özdemir family, our roots run deep within the heart of this historic city, renowned globally as the capital of baklava.
From the beginning, our mission has been singular: to craft authentic Gaziantep baklava using only the most traditional methods and the absolute finest ingredients available. This commitment to quality is not just a business practice; it is a point of honor, a continuation of a legacy passed down through generations of skilled baklava masters.
We insist on using pistachios sourced exclusively from the Gaziantep region, celebrated for their intense flavor and vibrant green hue – the soul of our baklava. Our clarified butter is prepared meticulously, and our dough is stretched to achieve an ethereal thinness that results in that characteristic crisp, delicate crunch with every bite.
While the world has changed dramatically since 1955, our dedication to the time-honored techniques remains steadfast. We believe that preserving these traditional methods is essential to delivering the true, unparalleled taste of authentic Antep Baklava that our loyal customers expect and cherish.
Our passion for crafting the highest quality baklava is matched by our deep commitment to the community that provides us with our heritage and ingredients. We are proud to be active participants in the cultural life of Gaziantep, and this includes our dedication to supporting the preservation of the city's other invaluable traditional crafts. We see a shared spirit of craftsmanship and dedication in the work of the coppersmiths, inlay artists, and weavers.
By choosing Antep Güneşi Baklava, you are not only indulging in a delicious treat that embodies the rich culinary history of Gaziantep, but you are also supporting a business that is invested in the future of the city's cultural heritage. We invite you to taste the tradition, experience the quality, and join us in our mission to keep Gaziantep's artistic soul shining brightly.
Have questions about our artisanal baklava, our commitment to preserving Gaziantep's heritage crafts, wholesale inquiries, or simply want to share your thoughts? Please get in touch with us. We also welcome you to visit our traditional shop in Gaziantep to experience the atmosphere and taste our fresh baklava directly.
Phone: +90 342 231 87 65
Email: ">info@
Address:
112 Fevzi Çakmak Bulvarı,
Şahinbey, Gaziantep, 27070,
Turkey
Monday - Saturday: 08:00 - 19:00
Sunday: 10:00 - 17:00