# Traditional winter food preparations in Turkey > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/traditional-winter-food-preparations-in-turkey > Updated: 2026-09-10T07:53:24.000Z. Sources: 19. Developments: 5. Traditional seasonal food preparations for winter continue across various regions in Turkey, utilizing both ancestral methods and communal labor systems. In the Buldan district of Denizli, women produce tarhana and erişte (noodles). The tarhana process involves fermenting a mixture of peppers, onions, tomatoes, and hazelnuts before drying, while erişte is made by kneading flour, water, and eggs, followed by rolling, brief cooking, and drying. In Oğuzeli, the 2026 eggplant harvest has commenced, with workers hollowing and drying eggplants for use and export. In Karapınar, families produce bulgur by boiling wheat in large cauldrons and drying it on rooftops. Communal labor remains a cornerstone of these efforts. In villages such as Büyükyıldız in Tokat and areas in Malkara, women employ the ‘imece’ system to process tomato paste, preserves, molasses from grapes and rosehips, and dried peppers. In the Midyat district of Mardin, approximately 30 women are utilizing the ‘imece’ method at a Multi-Purpose Community Center to process tomatoes, eggplants, peppers, okra, mint, and basil. This group has expanded its production to include red pepper paste, with surplus goods sold through the Midyat Women’s Cooperative to support family budgets. In Zonguldak and Eskişehir, preparations have expanded to include tomato canning and yufka dough making. In Eskişehir, market vendors report high demand for tomatoes as residents prepare winter sauces. To achieve the best consistency, experts recommend using meatier varieties like ‘oturak’ or ‘erik’ tomatoes, noting that while pink and heirloom (ata tohumu) varieties are prized for flavor, their high water content makes them less suitable for large-scale sauce production. These preparations help residents preserve cultural practices and manage household budgets by utilizing lower summer prices to mitigate rising food costs during winter. ## Claims - Bulgur preparation for winter has begun in Karapınar following the wheat harvest. (corroborated by 2 sources) - Wheat is boiled over high heat for approximately 2 to 3 hours. (corroborated by 2 sources) - The drying process takes between 3 and 4 days depending on weather conditions. (corroborated by 2 sources) - Families produce bulgur for home consumption and for sale via cargo to locations outside Karapınar. (corroborated by 2 sources) - The 2026 eggplant harvest season has begun in Oğuzeli. (single source) - The average yield is between 400 and 500 kilograms per decare. (single source) - Dried eggplants are exported throughout Turkey and to various parts of the world. (single source) - Fresh eggplant sells for 18 TL per kilogram, while 1,000 dried eggplants sell for between 3,500 and 4,000 TL. (single source) ## Timeline ### 2026-09-10: Midyat women prepare winter food supplies through collective labor Approximately 30 women in Midyat, Turkey, are using traditional collective labor to prepare winter food supplies, selling surplus goods through a local cooperative to support their family budgets. 3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/midyat-women-prepare-winter-food-supplies-through-collective-labor ### 2026-09-08: Turkey: Seasonal preparations for winter food supplies begin Residents in Turkey are preparing for winter by canning tomatoes and making dough, with a focus on selecting specific tomato varieties for optimal sauce quality. 3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/turkey-seasonal-preparations-for-winter-food-supplies-begin ### 2026-09-07: Turkish village women use communal traditions for winter food prep Women in Turkish villages are using communal 'imece' traditions to prepare winter food supplies, helping to preserve cultural heritage and manage rising household costs. 6 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/turkish-village-women-use-communal-traditions-for-winter-food-prep ### 2026-09-04: Traditional food preparation begins in Oğuzeli and Karapınar Traditional food preparation is underway in Turkey, with eggplant harvesting in Oğuzeli and seasonal bulgur production continuing in Karapınar. 7 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/traditional-food-preparation-begins-in-ouzeli-and-karapnar ### 2026-08-29: Buldan women begin traditional winter food preparations Women in Buldan, Denizli, are using traditional methods to prepare tarhana and erişte for winter storage, utilizing natural ingredients and local Buldan cloth for preservation. 4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/buldan-women-begin-traditional-winter-food-preparations --- Cite as: Traditional winter food preparations in Turkey. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/traditional-winter-food-preparations-in-turkey