Antalya’s 81‑year‑old baker Tevfik Ekizler keeps 70‑year serpme börek tradition alive

Tevfik Ekizler, an 81‑year‑old baker in Antalya, has been making the city’s geographically‑protected serpme börek for 69 years. He began the trade at age 12 under the guidance of his uncle and continues to work from 05:00 a.m. each day, using a 70‑year‑old cast‑iron oven to bake the delicately layered pastries.

Ekizler says the family recipe originates from his grandfather, Tevfik Çalışkaner, who first produced the style in 1930. He hopes to pass the craft to his son, emphasizing the need for love of the trade and careful preparation of the dough. Thanks to modern technology, Ekizler now receives orders from customers worldwide and claims his börek is listed among the top results when people search for “where to eat serpme börek.”