Why is Turkey called Turkey?

Ever wondered how the name of a nation and bird coincide? Let’s get to some history. Turkey is known to be called in early 1300’s as ‘Land of the Turks’. Post the Ottoman Empire, it was when the Republic of Turkey came in place after WW1. How this name fell upon a bird? Rather in a very interesting way, where the Ottomans exported a bird (Fowl) from Madagascar to Europe, which made the Europeans call it Turkey Fowl (later, the fowl was dropped). As the chief distributor of this bird (not exactly turkey) and with repeated reference to Turks eventually the name came in as ‘Turkey’. Turkey is probably the only one to get it from its ‘ancestors’.

This bird (turkey) is fancied around the world for all the good reasons. It is a celebratory bird which is a feast in itself. Cooking with this one-of-a-kind bird is also a technique, stuff or slice roast it (you need good three hours of your dedicated time though). It is rare to find it, depending on the way they are reared. One of the sole reasons to find it only in the African regions is that they are reared there and exported.

Turkey (country) is also known for it’s unique spices like cinnamon and Borek. And well, Turkey cuisine is to die for! Filled with aromatic and flavorsome spice blends which can blow away your taste buds. Such treats are blessing in disguise mainly because you get to taste a little of everything in one dish.

After all the build up and immense love for Turkish cuisine, it’s time to indulge in something from the land of flavours. No, you don’t have to travel to Turkey. We have brought it on our menu today. Order Turkish Chicken which comes with juicy chicken pan-seared and baked with slices of mushroom. Topped with a tangy bell pepper sauce.