Sibel Hurtas
Translated by Sibel Utku Bila
Earlier this month, a Turkish newspaper reported that a new crisis was brewing between troubled neighbors Turkey and Armenia. The disputed issue this time is a popular foodstuff called “lahmacun”
in Turkish and “lamadjo”(*) in Armenian. According to the report, the
Armenians had launched an international drive to promote it as an
Armenian dish, opening two restaurants in Russia.(**) The report sparked
indignation among Turks, who also claim ownership of the dish, which is a
thin piece of dough, topped with minced meat, vegetables and spices,
ideally baked on a wood fire. Some television programs even took it upon
themselves to explain why it was Turkish food.(***)
