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Flavors · Çanakkale

Gelibolu peynir helvası

Sweet made from unsalted fresh cheese cooked with wheat flour and sugar until fibrous and glossy, served hot: the specialty of Gelibolu, on the Gallipoli peninsula on the European side of Çanakkale.

Traditional sweet from Çanakkale

Also known as: peynir helvası, Gelibolu peynir helvasi

Updated October 2026

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Gelibolu peynir helvası — Çanakkale, Turkey — Gelibolu peynir helvası

Gelibolu peynir helvası — Çanakkale, Turkey

Gelibolu peynir helvası ("cheese halva") is made with three ingredients: unsalted fresh cheese, wheat flour and sugar. The cheese is melted over low heat and the flour is added gradually; the dough is cooked until it releases its own fat and loses the raw flour smell. Then the sugar is added slowly, stirring continuously, until the dough takes on a fibrous texture that producers call "saçaklı" (with fringes).

The result is a sweet of cream to yellowish color, glossy, in which the cheese flavor comes through beneath the sweetness. It contains no flavorings. It can be served hot, as recommended, or cold, plain or with walnuts, pistachios, kaymak (cream) or ice cream.

The name "Gelibolu Peynir Helvası" has a geographical indication registration since 2024 (No. 1566), requested by the Gelibolu Chamber of Agriculture. The registration states that the sweet has been made in Gelibolu since the 1300s and that it is served during visits, celebrations and special dates in the province of Çanakkale. Tekirdağ, on the other side of the Sea of Marmara, also has a peynir helvası with its own registration.

Gelibolu is located on the Gallipoli peninsula, on the European side of the Dardanelles strait, facing the city of Çanakkale on the other side of the water.

Where it comes from

Çanakkale
Made in the Gelibolu district on the Gallipoli peninsula, and served during visits and celebrations in the province of Çanakkale.

Ingredients

Unsalted fresh cheese, wheat flour and sugar. Optional for serving: walnuts, pistachios, kaymak (cream) or ice cream.

How it is eaten

Preferably hot, in pieces or portions, plain or with walnuts, pistachios, kaymak or ice cream.

When it is eaten

All year round; served during visits, celebrations and special occasions.

Your questions

Questions about Gelibolu peynir helvası

Is Gelibolu peynir helvası salty or sweet?

It is sweet. It contains unsalted fresh cheese, wheat flour and sugar, and the cheese flavor appears subtly beneath the sweetness.

Is peynir helvası eaten hot or cold?

Both ways exist, but the Gelibolu registration recommends it hot. It can be served with walnuts, pistachios, kaymak (cream) or ice cream.

Where is Gelibolu?

On the Gallipoli peninsula, on the European side of the Dardanelles strait, in the province of Çanakkale. The city of Çanakkale is on the other side of the strait.

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