Reflections of the Spices Mentioned in the Health Recipes Applied for Centuries by Ibn Sina on the Ottoman Palace Cuisine

Abstract

The relationship between diseases and nutrition, along with the practice of recommending specific foods and beverages in addition to medications, is a phenomenon that has persisted from ancient times to the present day. The utilization of meat, vegetables, herbs, and spices in the context of dietary therapy is a common approach. In Ottoman palace cuisine, the medical prescriptions administered by Ottoman physicians influenced the culinary creations of the palace. Therefore, this study aims to assess the use of spices in the preparation of dishes within Ottoman palace cuisine and their role within Ibn Sina's medicinal formulations. In essence, this research seeks to shed light on the culinary philosophy of the palace kitchen culture, which was deeply influenced by the longstanding tradition of Ottoman medicine that developed over an extensive period.