During our visit to Southeastern Turkey, we visited “Hasankeyf” which is an ancient town located in the Batman Province. Unfortunately,despite local and international objections, this beautiful city and its archaeological sites have been flooded as part of the Ilisu Dam Project in 2020. That being said, some of the ruins were transported to the areas that remained after the dam project. Close to this site there is Sellale Cafe . It is an authentic cafe and a great place to rest especially after a long trip. We met Ahmet Agalday, a helpful guide who knows quite a lot about the history of Hasankeyf. We also had a chance to try “Hilve Kahvesi” ,Hilve Coffee at Sellale Cafe , which is specific to the region. “ Hilve” means sweet in Arabic. This special coffee is made with honey,milk and walnuts; and often served with “Turkish Delight”.
How to make Hilve Coffee:
You mix coffee with honey and milk in the coffee pot and cook over very low heat stirring continuously until boiling. Remove from the heat and pour into the small coffee cups. Sprinkle walnut pieces on top and serve with Turkish Delight.
Bon Appetit!
