02.12.2025 21:24
In a century-old bakery in Bursa, a unique type of tahini pide made with black sesame paste imported from South America has garnered great interest. The geographically certified Bursa tahini pide is also notable for its health benefits.
The "Bursa tahinli pide," which received geographical indication registration from the Turkish Patent and Trademark Office (TÜRKPATENT) in 2021, is among the most beloved products consumed, especially at breakfast in Bursa. Those who want to reach the true flavor of tahinli pide particularly demand those made in historical stone ovens and over a wood fire.
Bülent Mertyürek, the operator of a century-old bakery in Bursa, stated that the bakery passed from its Greek owner to the İnanç family in 1928, adding that the bakery has a history and its oven has always been lit for many years. Mertyürek, who explained that his main profession is psychology and that he has a master's degree, said, "I am happy to produce products such as tahinli pide and walnut lokum, which have geographical indications, in this bakery that has become a part of history, and to serve in this beautiful place of Bursa with its tombs of saints, mosques, complexes, and museums."
"CARRYING A TRADITION OF OVER 100 YEARS"
Mertyürek noted that there used to be a helvahane (a place where halva is made) in this region years ago, saying, "In this helvahane, halva conversations were held during the Ottoman period. There is halva, tahini, and dough; tahinli pide comes out of it. This is not just a bakery; it carries a tradition of over 100 years, there is a spiritual culture, the culture of the city, and sharing. Unique flavors come on top of it," he said.
THEY PROCESSED BLACK SESAME BROUGHT FROM PERU TO MAKE TAHINI
Mertyürek expressed that they interpret tahinli pide differently compared to other places in Bursa, which is why they attract interest, and said, "We wanted to make this beloved registered flavor with black sesame tahini. Black sesame is produced in Peru, a country in South America, as well as in India and Ethiopia. We processed the black sesame we brought from about 8,800 kilometers away and made tahini. We produced tahinli pide in our century-old oven using black tahini. Those who saw it at first were hesitant due to its appearance, but those who tasted it liked it very much. It has a lighter taste compared to other tahini and leaves a different flavor on the palate."
HEALING FOR EVERY AILMENT EXCEPT DEATH
Mertyürek stated that black sesame tahini, which is very rich in calcium, fiber, magnesium, and antioxidants due to being processed with its shell, is consumed as a remedy in many countries, saying, "In Africa, they say 'healing for every ailment except death.' In Chinese medicine, it is said that if you eat black tahini continuously for 100 days, you will find healing for every disease you wish to heal. The Japanese consume it the most in the world. It is used in soups and salads. It is used more outside of pastries," he said. Mertyürek also mentioned that they sell black sesame tahini and have started trial productions of black sesame, which is not produced in Turkey, stating that they want to cultivate such a healthy product.
BENEFITS OF BLACK SESAME TAHINI
Black tahini, which contains magnesium, phosphorus, calcium, iron, high fiber, and healthy fats, is known as a food that is extremely rich in antioxidants. When used regularly, black tahini plays a supportive role in combating diseases such as stomach pain and gastritis, and thanks to its B vitamin, phosphorus, and zinc content, it also has memory-enhancing and brain development-supporting properties. With its healthy fat content, black tahini is considered beneficial for heart and vascular health, as well as for hair, nail, and skin health.