From Assyrian People to Pazar People
It is a very long path of this extravagant dessert that is the symbol of prestige, and, today, it is the synonym for skilfulness. The first people who made dough with chopped walnuts, covered with honey were Assyrian. This dessert was improved by the Greeks who replaced raw dough with a much finer, thinner crust. Arabs and Americans added seasonings and aromas. Finally, Turks perfected baklava by turning it into an exceptionally complex recipe, where, you could clearly see through the already thin crust, while, for its baking, only professionals – “baklavdzije” were in charge. Baklava we know dates back to the 15th century, and the tradition of its preparation and serving was passed through generations.
Then, we come to Novi Pazar, where, you may eat the best baklava in Serbia. A majority of “baklavdzija” have unique recipes they inherited from their ancestors so you can try this oriental dessert in almost every restaurant in Novi Pazar.
Strictly Kept Secret!
If you tried to define the unique baklava recipe, it would not be so simple as family tradition can interfere. Numerous families, especially the ones with pastry traditions, do not share the secrets of their baklava. One thing is sure, just the best ingredients are used starting from pistachio, walnuts, and almonds, to butter and crust used for the preparation. It is interesting to say that during Suleyman the Magnificent reign, there was a Baklava Parade where the greatest craftsmen of this desert showed their skillfulness. According to some stories, even 40 baklava crusts were as thin as rose petals and for Suleyman “baklavdzije” would prepare baklavas of 100 layers. What the taste of those baklavas would remain forever secret, but we know for sure that they resembled to baklavas we know. With Ottomans coming to the Sandzak, they left behind huge cultural inheritance including this dessert as well.
Eid: Baklava
How much baklava is an important part of Pazar’s tradition, there is the fact suggesting that it is practically impossible for the great Islamic holidays to be celebrated without it. There is no Eid without Baklava. Traditionally, every single home prepares its own baklava, with some other traditional sweets. In the past, only the richest families could afford this dessert and it was the symbol of prestige and aristocratic blood. The majority of people started preparing this dessert so they could represent the importance of the event these days.