Baklava, one of the best-known desserts of Turkish cuisine, has returned to the spotlight through its Guinness World Records achievement.

Turkish pastry chef Mahmut Dolmacı has been drawing attention for his efforts to promote Turkish baklava internationally, while the giant dessert that entered the Guinness World Records has also been brought back into focus.

The record was achieved on March 22, 2018, during a gastronomy summit in Ankara. According to Guinness World Records, the world's largest baklava weighed 513 kilograms and was produced by the Ankara Governorship, Taşpakon and Mado.

Reports from the time said the giant baklava consisted of approximately 11,800 slices. It was prepared on a special tray measuring 2.5 meters in width and 7.5 meters in length. Around 18 chefs worked on the dessert, using approximately 150 kilograms of butter and 80 kilograms of walnuts.

One of the main goals of the record attempt was to promote Turkish baklava internationally. Following the event in 2018, the giant dessert was officially recognized by Guinness World Records.

The renewed attention surrounding Mahmut Dolmacı’s efforts to promote baklava has also revived interest in the international recognition and cultural identity of one of Türkiye’s most famous traditional desserts.

Baklava remains one of the most internationally recognized products of Turkish cuisine, with a growing consumer base both in Türkiye and around the world.