Lokum

Lokum originated in the Ottoman Empire during the 14th and 15th centuries, first appearing in royal kitchens as a luxurious treat reserved for the elite. Before refined sugar became widespread, artisans prepared early versions using honey and grape molasses mixed with starch. Mass production began around 1777, transforming lokum from palace delicacy into a widely available confection. The candy gained international prominence during the Victorian era when it was introduced to European sweets shops, earning the name Turkish delight. Bekir Efendi, a confectioner who opened a shop in Istanbul's city center, helped standardize and popularize the recipe. By the late 18th century, lokum production had spread across the Ottoman Empire, Greece, and Persia. Its integration into perfumery came later, as perfumers recognized that the candy's signature blend of rose, sugar, and powdery warmth translated beautifully into aromatic form.