14.04.2026 23:57
In Manisa, the production of 10 tons of mesir paste, which will be scattered to citizens ahead of the 486th International Mesir Paste Festival to be held this year, continues using traditional methods. The medicinal pastes, prepared by 12 female workers blending 41 types of spices, are packaged in adherence to the centuries-old recipe.
The 486th International Manisa Mesir Paste Festival to be held this year is preparing the mesir paste to be scattered using traditional methods by women.
THEY TOOK OVER THE CAULDRONS
Twelve women working at the workshop of the Manisa Mesir Promotion and Tourism Association are putting in long hours to keep the centuries-old tradition alive. The women who have taken over the cauldrons for the 10 tons of mesir paste to be scattered this year start production by boiling water, sugar, and citric acid.
41 TYPES OF SPICES
After the mixture reaching the consistency of honey is taken off the heat, it is rested for one day. The rested paste is blended by women on counters containing 41 types of spices.
The women cut the obtained mesir with scissors into firecracker and stick shapes, then package it to make it ready for the scattering ceremony.
“NOT JUST A CONFECTIONERY...”
Ufuk Tanık, President of the Manisa Mesir Promotion and Tourism Association, stated that preparations are nearly complete, saying that mesir paste is not just a confectionery, that the product contains 41 types of spices, and that no additives are used.
Tanık expressed that mesir holds significant promotional value for Manisa and Turkey, while also symbolizing healing, love, brotherhood, and peace, reminding that mesir paste and its festival are on the UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage List and that the product has a European Union geographical indication registration.
22 YEARS IN THE WORKSHOP
Birgül Arga, a 56-year-old female worker preparing the mesir paste, explained that she has been working in the workshop for 22 years, expressing that they work hard to distribute healing to the public.