Sweetness with a Purpose:
Supporting Gaziantep's Heritage Crafts
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 CauseAbout the Cause: Preserving Gaziantep's Traditional Crafts
Gaziantep 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.
Why Preservation Matters
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.
How Antep Güneşi Baklava Contributes
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.
Stories of Impact
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 Craft of Baklava: A Tradition Worth Preserving
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.
Support the Cause with Every Bite
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:
About Antep Güneşi Baklava
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.
Contact Us & Visit Our Shop
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.
Get In Touch
Phone: +90 342 231 87 65
Email: ">info@
Address:
112 Fevzi Çakmak Bulvarı,
Şahinbey, Gaziantep, 27070,
Turkey
Business Hours:
Monday - Saturday: 08:00 - 19:00
Sunday: 10:00 - 17:00
Antep Güneşi Baklava Privacy Policy
This privacy policy explains how Antep Güneşi Baklava collects, uses, and protects your personal information when you use our online platform and services. We are committed to protecting your privacy and handling your data responsibly and in compliance with applicable data protection laws, including the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR).
Data Controller Identity
The data controller responsible for the processing of your personal data is Antep Güneşi Baklava. Our address is: Antep Güneşi Baklava 112 Fevzi Çakmak Bulvarı, Şahinbey, Gaziantep, Gaziantep, 27070 Turkey
Information We Collect
We collect personal information that you provide to us directly when you use our site or services. This may include information you provide when you register for an account, place an order, subscribe to a newsletter, fill out a form, or communicate with us. The types of personal information we may collect include: - Contact details (such as your name, address, email address - although we won't list email/phone directly here - and telephone number) - Payment information (such as credit card details, processed securely by third-party payment processors) - Order details (information about the products you purchase) - Communication content (when you send us emails or messages)
We also automatically collect certain information about your device and how you interact with our site. This information may include: - IP address - Browser type and version - Operating system - Referral URLs - Pages viewed on our site - Time and date of visits - Device identifiers
How We Use Your Information
We use the information we collect for various purposes, including: - To process and fulfill your orders, including managing payments, delivery, and returns. - To provide, operate, and maintain our online platform. - To improve, personalize, and expand our services. - To understand and analyze how you use our site. - To develop new products, services, features, and functionality. - To communicate with you, either directly or through one of our partners, including for customer service, to provide you with updates and other information relating to our site, and for marketing and promotional purposes (where you have consented). - To send you emails (if you have subscribed) regarding your orders or other updates and promotional content. - To find and prevent fraud. - To comply with legal obligations.
Legal Bases for Processing
We process your personal data based on the following legal grounds: - Performance of a contract: Processing is necessary to fulfill an order you place or provide a service you request. - Your consent: We may process your data based on your specific consent for certain activities, such as sending marketing communications. You have the right to withdraw your consent at any time. - Legal obligation: Processing is necessary for compliance with a legal obligation that applies to us. - Legitimate interests: Processing is necessary for our legitimate interests or those of a third party, provided these interests are not overridden by your data protection rights. This may include improving our services, marketing (non-direct marketing), or preventing fraud.
Data Sharing and Disclosure
We do not sell your personal data. We may share your information with third parties in the following circumstances: - Service Providers: We may share data with third-party vendors, service providers, contractors, or agents who perform services for us or on our behalf, such as payment processing, order fulfillment, data analysis, email delivery, hosting services, customer service, and marketing assistance. These third parties are required to process data in accordance with our instructions and applicable law. - Business Transfers: If we are involved in a merger, acquisition, or sale of assets, your personal data may be transferred as part of that transaction. - Legal Requirements: We may disclose your information where required to do so by law or subpoena, or if we believe that such action is necessary to comply with the law and the reasonable requests of law enforcement; to enforce our terms of service; or to protect the security or integrity of our service.
International Data Transfers
Your information, including personal data, may be transferred to — and maintained on — computers located outside of your state, province, country, or other governmental jurisdiction where the data protection laws may differ from those in your jurisdiction. If you are located outside of Turkey and choose to provide information to us, please note that we transfer the data to Turkey and process it there. We will take all steps reasonably necessary to ensure that your data is treated securely and in accordance with this privacy policy and that appropriate safeguards are in place for international transfers, such as standard contractual clauses where applicable.
Data Retention
We retain your personal information only for as long as is necessary for the purposes set out in this privacy policy and to comply with our legal obligations. We will retain and use your information to the extent necessary to comply with our legal obligations (for example, if we are required to retain your data to comply with applicable laws), resolve disputes, and enforce our legal agreements and policies.
Security of Your Information
We use appropriate technical and organizational security measures designed to protect the security of any personal information we process. However, despite our safeguards and efforts to secure your information, no electronic transmission over the Internet or information storage technology can be guaranteed to be 100% secure, so we cannot promise or guarantee that hackers, cybercriminals, or other unauthorized third parties will not be able to defeat our security and improperly collect, access, steal, or modify your information.
Your Data Protection Rights
Under applicable data protection laws, you have certain rights regarding your personal data: - The right to access: You have the right to request copies of your personal data. - The right to rectification: You have the right to request that we correct any information you believe is inaccurate or complete information you believe is incomplete. - The right to erasure: You have the right to request that we erase your personal data, under certain conditions. - The right to restrict processing: You have the right to request that we restrict the processing of your personal data, under certain conditions. - The right to object to processing: You have the right to object to our processing of your personal data, under certain conditions. - The right to data portability: You have the right to request that we transfer the data that we have collected to another organization, or directly to you, under certain conditions. - The right to withdraw consent: Where we process your data based on your consent, you have the right to withdraw that consent at any time.
To exercise any of these rights, please contact us using the information provided in the Data Controller Identity section of this policy. We may require you to provide proof of identity before responding to such requests.
Cookies and Tracking Technologies
We use cookies and similar tracking technologies to track activity on our service and hold certain information. Cookies are files with a small amount of data which may include an anonymous unique identifier. Cookies are sent to your browser from a website and stored on your device. We also use tracking technologies such as beacons, tags, and scripts to collect and track information and to improve and analyze our service. You can instruct your browser to refuse all cookies or to indicate when a cookie is being sent. However, if you do not accept cookies, you may not be able to use some portions of our service.
Children's Privacy
Our service is not intended for use by individuals under the age of 18. We do not knowingly collect personally identifiable information from anyone under the age of 18. If you are a parent or guardian and you are aware that your child has provided us with personal data, please contact us. If we become aware that we have collected personal data from anyone under the age of 18 without verification of parental consent, we take steps to remove that information from our servers.
Changes to This Privacy Policy
We may update our privacy policy from time to time. We will notify you of any changes by posting the new privacy policy on this page. You are advised to review this privacy policy periodically for any changes. Changes to this privacy policy are effective when they are posted on this page.
Contact Us
If you have any questions about this privacy policy, you can contact us: By mail at the address listed in the Data Controller Identity section above.