Prof. Dr. Mehmet Haberal, a figure respected worldwide for his scientific contributions, has once again showcased his dedication to cultural preservation and dissemination. Known for his international successes in education and health, and his advocacy for self-sufficiency in agriculture and animal husbandry with the motto “those who do not produce will starve,” Haberal is now bringing an innovative touch to his ancestral profession of baking.
A Multifaceted Leader
Haberal has initiated the production of two traditional Turkish baked goods at Başkent University: the unique “Pazar Simit,” native to Rize’s Pazar district, and wood-fired “Ramazan Pide.” These items, deeply embedded in Ankara’s morning culture and Ramadan traditions, are more than just food; they represent history, culture, and warmth. Prof. Dr. Haberal’s personal involvement in baking these items at Başkent University symbolizes a blend of tradition and effort, coming from an academic, a surgeon, and a community leader.
Through this initiative, Prof. Dr. Mehmet Haberal demonstrates that he is not just a scientist but also a guardian of cultural heritage. His interest extends beyond education, health, agriculture, and animal husbandry to gastronomy, reinforcing his community-oriented leadership.
This endeavor by Prof. Dr. Haberal is seen as a significant step towards promoting local delicacies on national and international platforms.
A Tradition Kneaded with Mastery
The sight of a university founder kneading simit in the university kitchen and ensuring Ramadan pide is ready for Iftar goes beyond mere baking. At Başkent University, not just sesame, but humility, effort, value, memory, and belonging are being kneaded. Prof. Dr. Haberal handles the fresh simit and warm pide – the crispy outside, soft inside, caramelized ring – with the meticulousness of a craftsman and the sensitivity of a physician. Every detail, from the consistency and sesame to the baking time and the aroma of the stone oven, reflects a desire not for perfection, but for doing justice to the craft and the pride in his family’s profession. These baked goods are not just food; they are a brand value of Başkent.
A New Culinary Tradition at Başkent Campus
At Başkent, pide and simit symbolize not just hunger, but conversation, sharing, anticipation, hard work, and even friendship. The pide and simit from Prof. Dr. Haberal’s hands are a tribute to these meanings, a simple yet powerful way of embracing Başkent’s culture, people, and flavors. The nobility of Başkent is now infused with the naturalness of the Black Sea. The Başkent University kitchen metaphorically kneads the warmth of Turkey. For an educator, sharing one’s culture is as instructive as imparting knowledge to students. Prof. Dr. Mehmet Haberal’s pide and simit are beyond food; they are a language of communication: “I am here, at the same table with my people. Başkent simit and pide are our brand values. But these values are sustained not just by bakeries, but by those who understand, live, and share their spirit.” At Başkent University, simit and pide were not merely re-kneaded; perhaps the memory, warmth, and grace of Başkent were re-kneaded.
