Bafra Nokul

A Festive Pastry Without Syrup

Bafra Nokul is a traditional rolled pastry unique to the Bafra district of Samsun, prepared without any sugar syrup. Following an application by the Samsun Metropolitan Municipality filed in 2012, it was registered as a protected geographical indication by the Turkish Patent and Trademark Office on 6 November 2017, under registration number 227.

Ingredients and Preparation

The filling of nokul is made from natural ingredients such as walnuts, raisins, and in some recipes, poppy seeds. Thinly rolled dough is spread with this filling, rolled up, sliced, and baked until golden. Since it is never dipped in syrup, it is noticeably lighter and less sweet than many other Turkish pastries, letting the natural sweetness of the walnuts and raisins shine through.

A Holiday Tradition in Bafra

In Bafra, nokul is closely tied to a culture of hospitality: it is baked at home, especially during Ramadan and Eid al-Adha, and shared with neighbours and relatives. Recipes are passed down through generations, and while each family adds its own small touches, the basic method remains unchanged. Today it can also be found year-round in local bakeries and pastry shops in Bafra, and it is considered a must-try regional treat for visitors to Samsun.