Hikmet Tunç-Vildan Atmaca /JINHA

WAN – Traditional Kadesor (Kurdish pie) continues take its place among the indispensable delicacies of dinner table by being kneaded by women.

Women gather in the Hacıbekir Neighborhood of Van’s İpekyolu district and cook traditional Kadesor (Kurdish pie). Aysel Uysal gave information about where the name of Kadesor comes from, how it becomes traditional and how it is cooked. Aysel stated that one of the most important factors that make the Kadesor delicious is the conversation of women around the tandoor. Aysel said that women wake up early in the morning and knead dough, “The name of prepared dough is Kade and Sor means ‘salty’. We cook various pies such as with potatoes, walnuts, hazelnuts, tomatoes, mince and cheeses. We are cooking the pie with herby cheese which is special for Serhat region. We add milk and butter in the dough.

“In the past, women gathered during feasts and sheepshearing periods. One of special reason for cooking the Kadesor is women get together in communal manner for cooking it. We get up early in the morning in order to cook it. Today, we will cook Kadesor with herby cheese. Several women will shape the dough and roll out the dough on wood table and some will put the cheese in the dough and others will cook the Kadesor in the tandoor. The cheeses melt after being cooked in the tandoor.”

Aysel stated that they were trapped in the life of neighborhood by leaving their highlands due to the state’s policy of displacement. Aysel said, “As women, we will keep our tradition alive despite the state’s policy of displacement. I will keep it alive by teaching it to my daughters and daughters in law. Women should stand up for their traditions.”

(dc/fk/gd)