Flia, also called fliya, fli or flija by different ethnicities in Kosovo, is one of the country's most important dishes.
Now, Istanbul will have a Fliyafest the city's Göktürk Bayrampaşa picnic area on May 13. The delicious Kosovar dish, which takes four hours to prepare, will be the main feature of the Flityafest. It will also feature local folk dances, live music and some other entertaining activities.
The festival is organized every year by the Cultural and Beneficial Association of People from Prizren, Kosovo - at the beginning of spring when the seeds of friendship and togetherness are sowed.
Firewood is brought to the festival site on a donkey and men make the fire. Women then prepare the dough and cook the dish for nearly four hours.
President of the Cultural and Beneficial Association of People from Prizren Gülen Aksu Türker said: "A society's culture develops with customs and traditions. As an association, we want to introduce Kosovar culture in Turkey and to younger generations. At Fliyafest, people - especially from Istanbul's Rumelia region - come together, experience Kosovar traditions and taste some great food."
About flia
Flia does not take a lot of ingredients but takes a lot of time to prepare, nearly four hours. The baking process is different though. The dough is placed in a big pan before it is placed on a fire while the top is covered with a hot metal sheet.
The ingredients are not cooked in crepe-like layers rather they are placed in layers and baked. Flia is served with honey.
