In the Sındırgı district of Balıkesir, women make tarhana using traditional methods as part of preparations for winter.
Tarhana, a healing source collaboratively prepared with all-natural products, both adorns the dining table and creates colorful scenes in the neighborhood.Women in the district gather early in the morning and knead dough in large cauldrons with yogurt, tomatoes, pepper and flour they bring from home.Tarhana, ready after days of drying, takes its place on the table as a source of nutrition and healing during the winter months.The landscapes become a riot of color with tarhanas spread across the gardens of village squares and residential areas, transporting those who see them to the past.This tradition of collective women working together is preserved as one of the finest examples of the spirit of solidarity and natural production.Drawing attention to the importance of naturalness in Sındırgı, the women said: “Everything is from our garden, from our own labor. There are no additives, it's completely natural.”“We are both preparing for winter and preserving our traditions,” he said, emphasizing that tarhana is not just a dish but also a part of the culture.Sındırgı tarhana, which has become a symbol of preparations for winter, continues to be indispensable to both dinner tables and hearts in the district.
