It Isn’t Simple as Bosa: History and Culture of the Bozadji’s Craft

The lecture by Marina Lukić Cvetić “It Isn’t Simple as Bosa: History and Culture of the Bozadji’s Craft” will be held in the Gallery of the National Museum Kraljevo, on Friday, November 7th, 2025. starting at 7 p.m.

The Museum of Spoonsweats presents a new story about the widely known fermented sweet beverage originating from the Middle East, which became rooted across the Balkans following Ottoman conquests. Although traditionally associated with Turkish communities, boza has been consumed in Serbia since the early 19th century, when craftsmen from the south – halva makers, candy makers, confectioners, pastry chefs, salep sellers, and finally boza vendors – arrived in local bazaars. Today’s boza enthusiasts recognize it from “Pelivan” pastry shops, where it is traditionally prepared by the Gorani people and served alongside sweets such as shampita, baklava, and kadaif. This drink dates back to prehistoric times, and throughout history it has refreshed, nourished, and energized Janissaries.

The question of whose boza we drink today has sparked debate between Turks and Persians.Across many Asian and European cultures, boza has been prepared and served in various ways. In Bulgaria, it has been declared a national beverage, and its most famous literary depiction appears in Orhan Pamuk’s novel “A Strangeness in My Mind” where the protagonist is a twelve-year-old boza seller named Mevlut Karataş. His childhood and life are portrayed as a metaphor for Istanbul itself. In Serbia, mischievous children once sang playful verses about boza while banging on tin drums, and even today, popular sayings use its characteristics to describe someone’s intelligence or wit.