Mert was a young traveler who wanted to see all the beauties of Europe before he turned 30. His next destination was Hungary and he was planning to spend one week there. He started his journey from İstanbul to Budapest on a lovely spring day. He arrived at Budapest very early in the morning and after having a good sleep in his hotel, he had a city tour.
While hanging around the city he stopped by a souvenir shop. His phone rang and his mother was calling. He started to talk in Turkish and after finishing his conversation the shop owner asked him if he was from Turkey. Mert was surprised. The shop owner, Martin, said he was from Bulgaria, had a lot of friends from Turkey, and that that was why he is able to recognize Turkish words very easily. They started to talk about their cultural backgrounds and found similarities between their cultures. They discovered that they both liked baklava. Martin said, ‘Let’s go and eat baklava, I know a Turkish patisserie who makes delicious baklava.’
They left the store and arrived at the patisserie. They ordered baklava and Martin asked, “Do you know the tale of the journey of Bakir and the Bee?” Mert didn’t know about this tale but was intrigued to hear it. They ordered a Turkish tea and Martin started to tell the story.
“Once upon a time, in a far away land, there lived a little bee named Bakir. He was known throughout the meadow for his adventurous spirit and his love for exploring the world beyond his beehive. One sunny morning, as he buzzed around the meadow collecting nectar, he overheard a conversation between two butterflies.
´Have you heard about the magical land of Baklava? It’s a place where the most delectable sweet treats are made,´ one butterfly said excitedly.”
Mert was surprised that the tale involved butterflies but didn’t bother Martin as he was telling the tale in an enthusiastic way.
“Fascinated by the mention of sweets and the enchanting tales that surrounded Baklava land, Bakir’s curiosity was piqued. The thought of indulging in mouth watering delicacies filled his heart with excitement and wonder. With his wings buzzing with anticipation, he decided to embark on a journey to find this legendary land, eager to experience the sweetness of adventure that lay ahead.
As Bakir flew over hills and valleys, he encountered various creatures, each eager to share their knowledge about the fabled land of Baklava. A wise old owl perched on a branch told him about the art of making the perfect baklava: layers of golden pastry filled with crushed nuts, sweetened with fragrant honey, and delicately sprinkled with aromatic spices. The owl also warned Bakir about the challenges he might face on his adventure.
Undeterred by the potential obstacles, Bakir continued his journey with unwavering determination. He navigated through dense forests, where sunlight filtered through the canopy, and crossed glistening rivers, their crystal-clear waters reflecting the sky above. Along the way, he encountered friendly animals, each providing him with valuable insights and guidance.
A helpful squirrel showed Bakir the path to the Baklava land, its tiny paws marking the way with small imprints on the ground. A graceful deer offered him directions through a treacherous mountain range, its majestic antlers serving as nature’s compass.”
Mert added, “so all the animals were doing their own part to help find the way to the land of baklava.” Martin nodded his head and he continued to tell his tale.
“After days of flying, Bakir finally arrived at the land of Baklava. The air was filled with a heavenly aroma of honey and nuts, and the bustling sounds of bakers and chefs working diligently to create the mouthwatering delicacy. The colorful stalls showcased an array of baklava, each piece more tempting than the last.
Unable to resist his curiosity any longer, Bakir approached a stall and tasted a piece of the renowned baklava. The moment the sweet, flaky pastry touched his taste buds, a warm feeling of contentment enveloped his tiny body. It was not just the taste that made him happy, but the love and dedication poured into creating each delicate piece of baklava.
Eager to learn more about the art of baklava making, Bakir sought out the master baklava maker, a wise old chef named Mustafa. Mustafa warmly welcomed Bakir into his bustling kitchen, where the tantalizing aroma of baklava lingered in the air. The chef graciously shared the secrets of baklava making with Bakir, explaining that the art required patience, precision, and a deep appreciation for the natural ingredients.
Bakir learned that the golden pastry sheets were meticulously layered, one by one, with generous amounts of finely ground nuts. Mustafa drizzled fragrant honey over the layers, allowing it to seep into the crevices and create a heavenly blend of flavors. Finally, the baklava was baked to a perfect golden brown, its aroma filling the kitchen with an irresistible allure.
Inspired by Mustafa’s passion for his craft, Bakir decided to bring a piece of this magical land back to his own beehive. He collected a jar of the finest honey from the Baklava land, carefully preserving its unique aroma and flavor.
Upon returning to his beehive, Bakir eagerly shared his incredible adventure with his fellow bees. He explained how the land of Baklava was not just a place of delicious sweets but also a place where the art of creating delicacies brought people together and spread happiness.
From that day forward, Bakir and his fellow bees worked together tirelessly to infuse their honey with the flavors of baklava. They carefully collected nectar from the most exquisite flowers, each blossom lending a distinct nuance to the honey. The bees transformed the nectar into a unique, golden honey that carried the essence of the magical land of Baklava.
Word of the bees’ baklava honey spread far and wide, and soon people from distant lands came to taste this extraordinary creation. The bees’ honey became renowned for its rich and delicate flavor, reminding everyone of the sweetness and joy found in the magical land of Baklava.
And so, Bakir the bee and his fellow bees lived happily ever after, continuing to spread the enchantment of baklava and its sweet legacy to all who tasted their extraordinary honey. Their journey had not only enriched their lives but also inspired others to embrace the beauty of exploration, the art of creation, and the joy of sharing the finest delicacies with friends and family.
As seasons passed, Bakir’s story became a beloved tale shared by generations of bees. It became a symbol of hope and camaraderie, reminding everyone that the sweetness of life is not just in the destination, but in the journey itself.
The meadow where Bakir’s hive stood became a gathering place for bees from all corners of the world. They came to taste the legendary baklava honey and to hear the enchanting tale of a brave bee.”
The tale was so cute that Mert didn’t even notice that he had finished his tea and Martin’s eyes were shining when he finished telling the story. Mert thanked him and was grateful to him for sharing such a heartwarming story, but he had something to add.
“Martin, this story is beautiful and I’m happy you have shared it with me. Did you know that Baklava was brought to Hungary by Turkish invaders in the 16th century?”
Martin replied, “Really? I had no idea!” To this Mert responded, “Yes, in fact, Hungarians made it their own by incorporating it into what is called a strudel. Next time you try one, see if you can taste it in the filling!”
Martin was astonished and assured his new friend that he would.
Extra Info:
Baklava is a delicious pastry with origins in the Middle East and South Asia. This delectable treat is made by layering thin sheets of phyllo or yufka dough with finely chopped nuts, such as pistachios, walnuts, or almonds, in between. The layers are then baked to a golden brown and generously drizzled with sweet syrup or honey, infusing the dessert with a rich and satisfying sweetness. The result is a crispy and crunchy pastry with a delightful blend of textures and flavors. Baklava is a popular dessert in various Middle Eastern countries, including Turkey, Greece, Lebanon, and beyond, and is often enjoyed during celebrations, special occasions, and gatherings.
Although baklava comes originally from Turkey, Greece, and the Middle East, it was introduced to Hungary in the 16th century by Turkish invaders. Hungary modified it and included the strudel into their culture.
