Ashure

Ashure, also known as Noah's Pudding, is a unique dessert with a rich history deeply intertwined with the legend of the Great Flood in Islamic tradition, particularly prevalent in the Middle East and the Balkan Peninsula.

Origins on Noah's Ark

According to legend, Ashure was first prepared on Noah's Ark (Noah being the builder of the colossal vessel to save humanity and animals from the Great Flood as commanded by God in the Bible). This is why the dish is often referred to as "Noah's Pudding." The legendary tale recounts that after the floodwaters receded, Noah gathered the last remaining provisions on the ark a medley of grains, dried fruits, and nuts and cooked them together to create a nourishing meal. This dish was made to express gratitude to God for saving those on board the ark, resulting in a highly nutritious pudding.

The Day of Celebration: Ashure

The name "Ashure" is an Arabic word meaning "tenth". Muslims refer to this day as Ashure Day, which falls on the 10th day of Muharram (the first month of the Islamic lunar calendar). This is believed to be the day when Noah's Ark came to rest on Mount Ararat in Turkey after the flood subsided. Thus, the Islamic Ashure Day is celebrated as a day of thanksgiving to God for saving Noah and those aboard the ark.

A Journey Across Time and Cultures

However, the historical journey of Ashure did not stop on Noah's Ark. Over time, Ashure continued to evolve and gained widespread fame in the Middle East and Balkan regions. Transcending religious boundaries, it became beloved by diverse communities, especially in Turkey, where Ashure Day is celebrated with great fervor.

On this day, Turkish communities often gather to prepare large quantities of Ashure to distribute among friends, family, and neighbors. It is also prepared in large bowls to be shared with the less fortunate as an act of charity. This tradition of sharing Ashure symbolizes goodwill, friendship, and community solidarity. Furthermore, in some regions, there is a custom of preparing Ashure with ingredients that add up to auspicious numbers, such as 7, 10, or 12, to signify good luck and abundance.

Nutritional Benefits and Diverse Ingredients

Ashure is more than just a dessert rooted in belief; it is also considered a beneficial food for the immune system, particularly during the winter months. This is because Ashure is rich in carbohydrates and calories, which help keep the body warm. Consequently, Ashure remains a popular food choice for winter in many countries.

Today, Ashure is cherished across various cultures and nations, with each region developing its unique variations while retaining its defining characteristics. Ashure is known for its diverse blend of ingredients, including grains such as wheat, barley, and rice; nuts like walnuts, hazelnuts, and almonds; and a wide array of dried fruits such as figs, apricots, raisins, and dates. It is sweetened with sugar, honey, and molasses, and often flavored with rosewater or orange blossom water for an aromatic touch. Finally, it is typically garnished with pomegranate seeds, symbolizing abundance.