The origins of shawarma are shrouded in mystery, but it's widely believed to have originated in the Ottoman Empire in the 18th century.
The Ottoman Connection:
- Turkish Influence: Shawarma is thought to have evolved from a dish called çevirme, a Turkish dish featuring meat roasted on a vertical spit.
- Regional Variations: As the Ottoman Empire expanded, the dish evolved into different regional variations, eventually becoming the shawarma we know today.
The Journey to Modern Shawarma:
- Middle Eastern Diffusion: Shawarma spread throughout the Middle East, with each region developing its own unique flavor profiles and preparation techniques.
- Global Popularity: In the 20th century, shawarma became a global phenomenon, enjoyed in countries like Lebanon, Syria, Israel, Egypt, and beyond.
While the exact inventor of shawarma remains unknown, it's clear that the dish has a rich and fascinating history, born from the culinary traditions of the Ottoman Empire and evolving over centuries into the beloved street food we know today.
