Isot
September and October are the months of preparing various winter crops in Şanlıurfa. But the rush to produce dried isot suppresses all these preparations. During these months, the courtyards, roofs, balconies and terraces of the city's houses turn into an “isot seller's market”. There is also a bazaar called “isotçu bazaar” in the Historical City Center of Urfa. Preparing dry isot is called “Isot extraction” in Urfa. Knowing the seed, field, soil, water, fertilizer and water used in each village, Urfa locals buy fresh red peppers at the wholesale vegetable market by asking which field they come from.
In Şanlıurfa, 100-500 kg. of fresh red isot is bought depending on the number of people in the household and the estimated number of guests hosted at home. The fresh isot is washed thoroughly, the seeds and stalks are removed, the veins are separated, cut into 2-3 pieces lengthwise and left to dry in the sun so that they do not overlap. Sorting and laying in this way ensures healthy drying. Wait 1-3 days, taking into account the drying power of the sunny weather.
