Turkish Airlines, known for flying to more destinations than any other airline, has introduced an extraordinary new addition to its in-flight dining experience: ‘The Oldest Bread’. This unique bread, made from Einkorn and Emmer wheats, are considered to be some of the oldest grains from Anatolia—a region steeped in history and home to ancient civilisations. By incorporating this traditional bread into its menu, Turkish Airlines bridges the gap between its rich cultural heritage and modern air travel, offering passengers a taste of history in the sky.
A Taste of History in the Sky
Officially launched on Sept. 22, 2024, this historical bread debuted aboard flight TK3 from Istanbul to New York, alongside a premiere of a short film highlighting significant archeological sites of Türkiye such Göbeklitepe, Karahan Tepe and Euphrates River regions. With the support of Türkiye’s Ministry of Culture and Tourism, the bread is a symbol of Turkish Airlines’ efforts to showcase the country’s deep-rooted history and culinary traditions. The bread is served warm in a bespoke pouch, accompanied by butter and olive oil, enhancing the experience for Business Class travellers on long-haul intercontinental flights.
Ancient Grains Meet Modern Travel
The creation of ‘The Oldest Bread’ was a collaborative effort with Turkish culinary historians Ömür Akkor and Çetin Şenkul. Their expertise helped revive ancient Anatolian grains which were key components of a pivotal time in human history, where the transition from hunter-gatherer communities transitioned into more settled agricultural civilisations. The bread is baked fresh by Turkish DO&CO, Turkish Airlines’ award-winning catering company, offering Business passengers an exclusive opportunity to engage with Türkiye’s ancient agricultural heritage with a few bites.
Turkish Airlines Chairman, Prof. Ahmet Bolat underscores this:
As the flag carrier that offers the world’s finest flavours to its guests and receiving numerous accolades for it from world renowned organisations […] this bread, traditional to Turkish cuisine and significant to global culinary history, blends past and present together on our inflight guest experiences.
Innovation in the Air
The introduction of ‘The Oldest Bread’ is another step forward for Turkish Airlines’ award-winning in-flight dining experience, renowned for its locally sourced ingredients and fresh, daily-prepared meals from both Turkish and international cuisines. By expanding their menu, Turkish Airlines highlights to us how something as simple as bread can be a fundamental staple to Turkish culinary culture and its celebrated heritage. Business Class passengers will have the opportunity to enjoy this taste of ancient history on intercontinental flights, further enhancing the airline’s reputation for offering a world-class, culturally rich dining experience in the skies.
For more information about Turkish Airlines and its offerings, visit their website
Does a taste of ancient Anatolia intrigue you? We’d love to hear your thoughts!
This article beautifully highlights the rich heritage of the oldest grains used in bread-making! It’s fascinating to see how these ancient ingredients contribute to creating such a wonderful dining experience with Turkish Airlines. The connection between tradition and modern cuisine is truly inspiring. Can’t wait to taste that delicious bread on my next flight! Such a lovely article to read.