The Earliest Literary Reference to Baklava One of the earliest known written references to baklava appears in a poem by the 15th-century Turkish mystic and poet Kaygusuz Abdal . Although the specific poem is not widely known outside specialist studies, its significance lies in demonstrating that the word " baklava " was already in use in Anatolia during the early Ottoman period. This literary reference suggests that baklava had become an established part of Ottoman culinary culture by the 15th century, long before the dessert spread throughout the Balkans and the wider Mediterranean region. Kaygusuz Abdal (c. 1341–1444) was a Sufi dervish whose works blended mystical themes with humor, social commentary, and observations of everyday life. His poetry frequently mentioned ordinary objects and foods, providing valuable insights into the language and culture of his era. The appear...