When we hear about the Middle East, the first associations are often “1001 Nights,” Scheherazade, endless deserts, or modern-day headlines. However, there is something far more fundamental in human history that originated in this region: modern culinary art.
From Mesopotamia to the First Written Recipes
Long before the rise of major world religions, oil, or the Silk Road, the first writing systems were born in Mesopotamia. A fascinating fact is that one of the first things humanity chose to record was food recipes.
- Babylon: The city was legendary for its banquets and feasts, which were a part of daily life. It was here that the first “scripts” with culinary instructions appeared.
- Persia: Later, this knowledge moved to Persia, where it was enriched with new techniques and products from Central Asia, forming the foundation of contemporary haute cuisine.
The Path of Flavor to Europe
Culinary knowledge did not remain confined to the region. Following the campaigns of Alexander the Great, these traditions reached Greece. From there, they passed into the Roman Empire, which spread them throughout Europe and the Mediterranean.
During this historical process, one of the pillars of every dish—the onion—was distributed. Its homeland is the territory of modern-day Afghanistan, from where it literally conquered the world via Persia. The spice trade between Asia and Europe further enriched this exchange, creating countless new recipes.
The Roots of “Local” Favorites
Modern Arabic cuisine is a direct heir to this ancient knowledge. If we analyze today’s recipes, we find a strong link to antiquity. Many dishes that we consider typically Balkan today—and whose origins we often argue over with Greeks and Turks—actually came from Persia.
Among them are our favorites:
- Sarma and Moussaka;
- Kavarma and Tripe Soup;
- Banitsa, Baklava, and Revane;
- Sutliash (Rice Pudding) and many others.
The Middle East is not just a geography; it is a flavor that has shaped a large part of world culture.
What’s Next?
This is just the beginning of our journey. In our upcoming posts, we will tell you in detail about the most characteristic spices and authentic recipes that make Middle Eastern cuisine so magical..