Ancient oven unearthed in Arslantepe, Türkiye, reveals insights into long-lost culinary customs of the past.
In the heart of Malatya, Turkey (Türkiye), archaeologists led by Professor Francesca Balossi Restelli are unearthing fascinating discoveries at Arslantepe Hoyuk. These findings serve as a testament to the enduring cultural connections between the past and present in the region.
One of the most intriguing discoveries is a series of ancient ovens, dating back to the Late Hittite world. These ovens, made of clay, were found embedded beneath the floor level, a stark contrast to standard tandir-style ovens, which are typically above ground.
The team believes that these ovens were used for slow-cooking meat, a method that closely resembles today's kagit kebabi, a traditional Turkish dish where meat is slow-cooked in parchment. Professor Restelli notes that the meat was likely covered with a baked clay lid and cooked for hours, possibly overnight.
Two similar ovens had been discovered in earlier excavations, and this year, a third oven, dated to around 1,100-1,000 B.C., was identified. The archaeologist emphasizes the remarkable continuity between ancient and modern food traditions at Arslantepe Hoyuk.
The excavation is focusing on the northern section of the settlement, and the team found clay-built hearth structures alongside a significant number of animal bones within these installations. These findings provide insight into the practical aspects of food preparation in the Late Hittite world.
Professor Restelli expresses interest in contemporary chefs from the region experiencing these findings firsthand due to the striking similarities. He believes that the ancient ovens were designed for slow cooking, similar to the method used in kagit kebabi.
Arslantepe Hoyuk, with its deep cultural layers spanning millennia, continues to reveal aspects of the daily lives of its inhabitants. The discoveries at Arslantepe Hoyuk highlight the enduring cultural threads that connect the past with modern life in Turkey (Türkiye). The ancient ovens offer a unique perspective on the food culture of the Late Hittite period, providing a fascinating glimpse into the culinary practices of the time.
