A centuries-old dish made from bovine bellies and legs has sparked a fresh cultural dispute between Greece and Turkey, as both countries claim ownership of the traditional soup known as patsa in Greece and iskembe in Turkey, according to apnews.com
In Thessaloniki, restaurateur Dimitris Tsarouhas is seeking UNESCO recognition for patsa as part of Greece’s cultural heritage, arguing that its roots stretch back to ancient times and even appear in The Odyssey. His initiative has reignited long-standing culinary rivalries between the two nations.
Tsarouhas, supported by researchers and historical records, claims the soup is linked to ancient Greek traditions and has been passed down through generations. He points to references in Homer’s epic describing dishes resembling today’s recipe. “If this isn’t patsa, then what else could it be?” he asks.
The soup remains popular in Greece, especially as a remedy after heavy drinking, although such health claims are not scientifically proven. Preparation is labor-intensive, with chefs slowly boiling the ingredients for hours in a process described as both technical and ritualistic.
However, Turkish voices strongly reject Greece’s claim. In Istanbul, where iskembe is a staple, restaurateurs and customers insist the dish is deeply rooted in Turkish culture. “Just like with baklava and many other things, they want to claim it as their own,” one restaurateur said.
Historical records from Ottoman times are often cited by Turkish media as evidence of the dish’s long-standing presence.
Source: apnews.com
