Turkish man creates anti-hunger cookie for those fasting

A confectioner in the northwestern province of Edirne, Arif Meriç, who is famous for his offerings to U.S. President Barack Obama, sumo wrestlers, politicians and artists, has produced a special cookie for those who are fasting.

Speaking to Anatolia news agency, Meriç said he had produced cookies for people who go hungry for many hours during the long and hot days of Ramadan to provide them energy. Since the cookie, which he named “Şehr-i Ramazan,” does not contain flour, butter and salt, Meriç said it was healthy.

“In the summer, people are fasting for 16 hours a day and lose energy. This is why we have produced this cookie to give them energy. It contains saffron, honey, pistachios, sugar and egg whites. Experts warn us to stay away from butter, salt and flour. Considering that such ingredients can create health problems, especially for those fasting, we have produced these cookies that do not make people feel hungry. When you eat just one cookie during sahur [the meal eaten before starting fasting] and iftar [the fast-breaking dinner], you will not feel hungry throughout the day. Because this cookie is a source of energy,” he said, adding that the 250-gram cookies are sold for 5 Turkish Liras.

Meriç, who is known as a “volunteer tourism ambassador” by the people of Edirne, has sent Edirne almond paste and cookies to the White House via the Edirne Committee, which joined the National Prayer Breakfast hosted by Obama on Feb. 5, 2009.

He also served offerings to sumo wrestlers who came to the city for the 649th Kırkpınar Oil Wrestling competition.


/Hurriyet Daily News/