What confection is called lokum in Turkish?

The confection called lokum in Turkish is Turkish delight.

Turkish delight is a soft confection made by forming a gel from starch and sugar. Traditional varieties are often flavored with rosewater, lemon, bergamot, or mastic, while premium versions may contain pistachios, hazelnuts, walnuts, or chopped dates. The finished sweet is usually cut into small cubes and dusted with icing sugar or another powder so the pieces do not stick together.

Lokum is strongly associated with Turkey, but its exact origin is debated. Confectioner Hacı Bekir is often credited with popularizing it in Constantinople after opening a shop in 1777, yet food historians note that similar starch-and-sugar sweets existed earlier in the Persian world. The name is related to Arabic expressions meaning “morsel” or “comfort of the throat.”

Lokum is commonly served with Turkish coffee or tea and is also associated with hospitality, celebrations, and religious festivals. It should not be confused with lokma, a separate fried dough dessert soaked in syrup.