A Legacy Written
in Sugar & Time
Since 1856, the name Hafız Kerim has been inseparable from the taste of Istanbul. Born in the golden age of the Ottoman Empire, our story is one of devotion, mastery, and an unwavering commitment to perfection.
Hafız Kerim Efendi
From a Small Shop in Sultanahmet
In the heart of Istanbul's historic peninsula, where the Hagia Sophia casts its shadow over cobblestone streets, a young man named Kerim opened a modest confectionery shop in 1856. Having memorized the Holy Quran — earning the honourable title of Hafız — he brought the same discipline and devotion to the art of confectionery.
His rose-scented Turkish delights quickly became the talk of the Ottoman capital. Courtiers from the Topkapı Palace, foreign ambassadors, and Istanbul's intellectual elite all found their way to his door. The secret was never the recipe alone — it was the relentless pursuit of perfection in every single piece.
Within a decade, Hafız Kerim's shop had become a landmark — a symbol of the Ottoman tradition of hospitality, where confectionery was elevated from a simple pleasure to an art form worthy of sultans.
Every piece of lokum should carry within it the soul of the confectioner, the warmth of the fire, and the sweetness of genuine love.— Hafız Kerim Efendi, circa 1870
Through the Centuries
Key moments that shaped our journey from a single shop to an international icon of Ottoman confectionery.
The First Shop Opens
Hafız Kerim opens his first confectionery shop in Istanbul's Sultanahmet district, crafting Turkish delights with Damascene roses and Chios mastic resin.
Imperial Recognition
The Ottoman Palace awards Hafız Kerim the title of "Palace Confectioner," supplying Turkish delights and baklavas for state banquets and diplomatic receptions.
The Second Generation
Kerim's son, Mehmet Ali, takes the helm. He introduces baklava to the menu using a secret 40-layer filo technique, and expands the shop to serve both sides of the Bosphorus.
A Century of Sweetness
On the 100th anniversary, the third generation renovates the historic Sultanahmet shop. The brand becomes synonymous with Istanbul itself — featured in guidebooks, documentaries, and literature.
International Expansion
The fourth generation begins exporting to Europe and the Gulf States. Temperature-controlled shipping innovations allow Hafız Kerim delights to reach 15 countries while preserving freshness.
Heritage Meets Innovation
The fifth generation carries the torch — honouring every recipe while embracing modern craft, sustainable sourcing, and global reach. Now serving 30+ countries from our Sultanahmet atelier.
Our Principles
The values that have guided every generation of our family.
Purity of Ingredients
We use only natural ingredients — no artificial colours, flavours, or preservatives. Every rose petal, pistachio, and drop of honey is sourced from the finest Anatolian producers.
Handcrafted with Devotion
Every piece is shaped, poured, layered, or cut by hand. We believe that the human touch is what transforms ingredients into artistry — a principle unchanged since 1856.
Family & Community
Five generations have poured their lives into this craft. We are not a corporation — we are a family. Our master confectioners are trained by the previous generation, preserving knowledge that cannot be written in books.
Cultural Ambassadorship
Each box of Hafız Kerim that travels abroad carries with it a piece of Istanbul — the history, the culture, the hospitality. We are proud ambassadors of Turkish confectionery heritage.
Sustainability
We partner with local farmers who practice sustainable agriculture, and our packaging is crafted from recycled and recyclable materials. Protecting the land that feeds us is non-negotiable.
Innovation in Tradition
While our recipes remain faithful to their origins, we continually explore new flavour combinations, modern presentation styles, and cutting-edge preservation techniques.
Experience Our Atelier
Walk through the same corridors where five generations of confectioners have perfected their craft. Watch our masters work. Taste flavours straight from the copper cauldrons.