Frequently used by local people living in the Ağırnas Neighborhood of the Koramaz Valley, which is on the UNESCO World Heritage Temporary List, the dorak stone stands out by adding a different aroma to the yoghurt.
75-year-old dorak stone master İsmail Yıldız, who continues this tradition he learned from his father, collects stones from the valley in the spring months, processes them in his garden and prepares them. Yıldız states that dorak stone is valuable because it strains the yogurt, absorbs its water and increases the consistency of the yogurt.
According to Yıldız, yogurt made with dorak stones is more delicious. Dorak stones, which used to be found in every home, are rare today. As Yıldız also stated, these traditional stones were used to store and process yogurt.
ÇEKÜL Foundation Kayseri Representative Prof. Dr. Osman Özsoy, who touched upon the importance of the dorak stone in Ağırnas Neighborhood, emphasized that the dorak stone has a symbolic importance for Ağırnas. The fact that the structure of the stone strains the yoghurt and allows the yoghurt to reach a thicker consistency increases the importance of this tradition.
Özsoy stated that the dorak stone should be protected today, adding that Mimar Sinan was also identified with this neighborhood and that various studies were carried out to raise awareness for the protection of the dorak stone.
Continuing the tradition of dorak stone in Ağırnas District and preserving the importance of this precious stone will continue to contribute to the cultural richness of the region.
