Turkish scientists recreate 3000-year-old bread recipe

Specialists from the Hasankeyf Vocational School at Batman University have reconstructed one of the most ancient recipes for honey-barley bread dating back 3000 years.

As BAKU.WS reports, Phys.org published the research results.

Scientists based their work on cuneiform tablets from Mesopotamia, which preserved economic records, ritual descriptions, and information about bread rations from the era of the Third Dynasty of Ur and the time of Hammurabi.

The ancient texts mentioned different types of bread: those given to workers as part of their daily ration, and large honey breads used in temples. Analysis of the sources showed that recipes for such bread were known not only in Mesopotamia but also in Ancient Greece and Rome, which emphasizes its widespread use and cultural significance.

After studying historical data, the team began the reconstruction. Researchers used simple and accessible ingredients from the Bronze and Iron Ages - barley flour, water, honey, and sea salt. After a series of trials, they managed to achieve the right dough consistency and bake bread on heated stones, as ancient bakers did.

According to the project authors, reproducing the dish helps to better understand the daily life of ancient Mesopotamian inhabitants. Batman University Rector Idris Demir believes that the reconstructed recipe is important for preserving the cultural heritage of the region and can be used in tourism and educational programs. The university plans to present the ancient bread at festivals and events to familiarize the public with culinary traditions of the past.