Definitions Deconstructed

Ba . . . lava

S. G. Lacey

Try to fill in the missing letters with a pair of words which both have origins appeasing soldiers in the region around the Black Sea. Beside this linkage, there are very few connections in time, traits, or terminology between these similarly sounding and spelled nouns. Except for modern-day snacking on a ski lift, where the two objects merge at one’s mouth.

Definition:

Baklava = A pastry made of many layers of paper-thin dough, with a filling of ground nuts, baked, then drenched in a syrup of honey, and sometimes rosewater. [REF]

Deconstruction:

As the spelling and pronunciation suggests, this term is of Middle Eastern origin. The root word “bayla”, used in both Turkish and Mongolian dialects, means “to pile, wrap, or tie”. The literary connection to this layered sweet treat are evident, in terms of both spelling and definition.

The “-va” suffix has Persian roots, suggesting some connection to this alternate language. These two simple letters can have many Farsi meanings, including “full of” and “carries”, which are definitely relevant to the dish’s stuffed format.

The present day name for this particular dessert, utilizing the specific trio of ingredients, has been around for centuries, but the culinary origin is still heavily debated. Greece and Turkey are the two main modern nations claiming this delectable dish as their own.

The oldest written record of a similar item is the “placenta”, an ancient Roman cake from the negative 2nd century, featuring pastry, cheese, and honey, in a thin lasagna layered format. One of the oldest known recipes was published in Cato’s famous “De Agri Cultura” cookbook, a tome written in Latin around 160 B.C.

Another precursor version of this tasty snack was referenced in Homer’s foundational Odyssey poem from early 7th century B.C. There’s substantial contention between ancient Greek and Roman food products, along with many other elements of everyday life. The real question is, who’s efforts informed whom?

Over time, baklava execution became refined and modified, based on available local ingredients. 9th century Persia, on the post-Christ side of the ledger, yielded a confirmed recipe using almond paste wrapped in thin pastry then coated with honey. Which certainly sounds familiar.

Ottoman Turks had a similar folded and layered bread product, dubbed “yuvvgha”, which materialized starting in 11th century A.D. However, this unleavened flatbread was cooked in a pan over open fire, rather than baked in an oven. It’s difficult for nomadic peoples to carry heavy clay structures.

The modern baklava, in both name and flavor, is clearly traced back to this evolving Ottoman Empire, specifically the mid-16th century rule of Suleiman the Magnificent. Leaders had much cooler names back in the day.

During the religious Ramadan holiday, this sultan presented trays of tasty baklava to all his troops stationed around the preeminent Topkapi Palace in Istanbul. This delicacy fueled the armies, both physically and mentally, for another year of continued conquest and expansion.

If you want to make this scrumptious snack at home, the recipes are quite broad and versatile, so may be able to whip up a batch with just the ingredients in your pantry.

Feel free to use any type of flour for the dough, any available dried nuts for the filling, and any sweet syrup for the coating. Pancake mix with pecans and maple syrup can be just as scrumptious as the original baklava execution, while still staying true to the original constituents.

Definition:

Balaclava = A close-fitting, knitted cap that covers the head, neck, and tops of the shoulders, worn especially by mountain climbers, soldiers, skiers, etc. [REF]

Deconstruction:

This somewhat niche apparel item covers the entire head, except portions of the face, often leaving only the eyes exposed. The balaclava is classified as a second skin garment, similar to tight tights, boxer briefs, sports bras, and thin gloves. This product can be made from traditional fabric materials like wool, cotton, and synthetics, with all manner of weights and warmth levels available.

While currently curated in shape to fit the human dome anatomy, and customized for various outdoor, cold weather, activities, balaclavas weren’t always this refined.

Rumor has it, this garb is named after the Battle of Balaklava, which was part of the Siege of Sebastopol, during the Crimean War. The clash was named after a nearby town, located on the north coast of the Black Sea, which aptly translates to “fishing ground” in Turkish. The letter “k” was apparently swapped for the more common “c” in the English language, sometimes used for the required hard sound.

Occurring on October 25th of 1854, the early winter weather brought unseasonable cold temperatures to the Black Sea region. Unprepared British and Irish troops needed to improvise to stay warm, since many were still sporting their originally-issued, thin, summer uniforms.

To rectify this wardrobe gaff, accommodating wives back home in the United Kingdom knitted hats and socks for their husbands abroad. Many of these gifts were quickly modified into hybrid masks and fingerless gloves by the resourceful troops. This supplemental gear proved quite productive at the battlefront, and was thus quickly adopted by all manner of soldiers.

Standard apparel production was quickly enlisted to make balaclavas for the military from then onward. By World War I, this military-issued piece of kit was prevalent on both sides of the conflict. Soldiers hunkered down in trenches, battered by the elements for days, were at least provided some modicum of warmth and camouflage.

After World War II, the balaclava started to become associated with criminal activity. The near-full-face covering allowed individuals to quickly conceal their identity without inhibiting functionality.

The 1970’s ushered in an era of increased geopolitical turmoil. Again, the anonymity provided by a balaclava proved valuable for terrorist and activists during focused attacks, events which were often televised, due to the proliferation of news media cameras. The balaclava became a signaling symbol for pro-Russian separatists throughout Eastern Europe as the U.S.S.R dissolved.

All manner of movies, ranging from comedies like Home Alone, to dramas like Patriot Games, to action films like Batman, utilize this simple wardrobe trick for burglary scenes and espionage endeavors.

Amusingly, the balaclava is now coming into vogue as a fashion statement. This movement has been further fueled by the COVID-19 pandemic, as face coverings have become much more prevalent throughout society.

Designers are incorporating high-end materials, flashy colors, and unique opening reveals for their artsy balaclava products. All manner of different styles, materials, and holes, are being explored, based on required functionality and relevant fashion. An item which used to be used to hide one’s identity, has now ironically transitioned into a unique style statement identifier.

Social media is rapidly increasing the popularity of balaclavas, especially amongst Gen Z individuals. Female punk band Pussy Riot has utilized balaclavas in their shows for years. More recently, much larger entertainment stars like Rihanna, Kanye West, Halsey, Justin Bieber, and Kim Kardashian, have been spotted sporting such face coverings.

In most instances, it’s legal to wear a balaclava in public. With the increased prevalence of CCTV cameras in public spaces, individuals are perpetually looking for ways to protect their identity. Facial recognition software has advanced significantly in the past few decades, and can work off just one’s eyes.

For true anonymity, an individual who desires to be discrete may need to wear sun glasses with their hood hat. Or just stay at home, baking savory snacks in private, then indulging in a basement cave.

Details:

Baklava dish origins and recipes. [REF]
Geological history of baklava. [REF]
Greeks and Turks continue to debate over their flakey dessert. [REF]
Tumultuous summary of balaclava as an apparel item. [REF]
Exploring the hypocrisy of modern face covering wearing in the entertainment industry. [REF]
Lots of balaclava images over time. [REF]