Culture of Sumanak/Sumalak cooking
Inscribed in 2025 (20.COM) on the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity
Sumanak is a special dish traditionally prepared during the Navruz festival. It is made from sprouted wheat, butter and flour, symbolizing the awakening of nature and rebirth. The wheat sprouts, called ‘sabza’, represent new life in spring. The process involves washing, roasting and crushing the wheat, and then boiling the juice for up to ten hours. There are several types of sumanak, each with slight variations in terms of their preparation. The making of sumanak is a communal activity, usually carried out by a group of women who take turns stirring the pot while singing traditional songs and dancing.
Men help prepare sumanak by lighting the fire and carrying heavy items. The dish is cooked in large cauldrons and is shared with many people. The knowledge and skills related to sumanak are passed down within families and through schools and cultural events. People also share recipes and recordings online, keeping the tradition alive. For the practising communities, sumanak is associated with celebration, unity, good fortune and prosperity. As a vitamin- and nutrient-rich dish, it contributes to good health and well-being, especially for children and pregnant women. By bringing people together to prepare and share the dish, sumanak also strengthens social bonds and fosters inclusion.
