A Tradition That Was Not Beaten By Modern Life: The Tandoori Houses of Mus

Abstract

From the past to the present, no doubt bread is one of the oldest and most important basic food for people. Bread is baked in small furnaces that are dug in earth after plastered with clay especially in the countryside although it is not as old as the ones in Eastern and South-Eastern Anatolian Regions. Tandoori was common in many areas including the city centers; however, the use of it decreased with the development of industrial-type ovens when technology developed and with the influence of urban culture in the countryside. However, for some people, the smell, taste and look of the bread baked in tandoori distinguish it from other bread types. It is observed that tangible cultural works that required dexterity and that was difficult to build under harsh geographical conditions are slowly becoming extinct with the modern cultural works which are more easily obtained and do the same job. We also observe that some traditional cultural products resist to modern life conditions and still survive today. One of these cultural assets is the bread baked in Mus, which is called as “Tandoori Bread” since it is baked in tandoori. The bread that is called as Tandoori Bread in Mus is baked in places that are called as ‘Tandir Dami’, and as ‘Tandir Evi’ in city center. The existence of Tandoori Bread, which was more common in the past, is decreasing day by day with the influence of technology and modern life. However, with the help of Tandoori Houses, which were opened in recent years, people find the opportunity of purchasing Tandoori Bread, which they long for. Tandoori Bread, which has a special place in Mus, which is baked in Tandoori Houses, becomes stale late, is demanded by people from different areas of Turkey, and is sent to different areas with intercity coaches or through cargo companies. In this study of ours, the Tandoori Houses, which are not put an end by the modern life, will be studied in terms of their historical adventure, status in the society, production and contribution to the economy of the city by interviewing with the business owners and employees.

Key words: Mus, bread, Tandoori House, tradition