History of Vefa Bozacisi - Why is Boza Made, What is Its Benefit? - Healthy Storage and Consumption of Boza - Is Boza Halal?
The History of Vefa Bozacısı
Vefa Bozacısı was founded by Hacı Sadık Bey and began serving in 1876. It is a family business that has witnessed the transition from the Ottoman Empire to the founding of the Republic, as well as the world wars, continuing its operations throughout these significant periods.
Located at the beginning of the Unkapanı Manufactory Bazaar and on the corner of Vefa High School, Vefa Bozacısı also opened a branch in Malatya Kanalboyu in 1999. As of 2010, it has continued to serve with its updated facilities.
Boza is made from millet semolina and similar grains, water, and sugar.
It contains four types of vitamin A and B vitamins, as well as vitamins C and E. During the fermentation process, Boza produces lactic acid, which is rare in most food products and has a valuable digestive aid effect. Due to its milk-producing properties, it is recommended for pregnant women and as a vitamin source for athletes. It is also highly effective in treating cholera.
Boza is a fermented drink that contains live food bacteria, so proper storage conditions are very important.
For this reason, it is sold in healthy glass bottles that allow air circulation. Since fermentation continues during the bottling process, Boza should be consumed quickly.
Vefa Boza is available in 2 liters, 1 liter, and 0.5 liters and is sold in special packaging at selected stores.
Boza is a must-have drink in winter, especially when enjoyed at the place where it is made. The place gets very busy on weekends and evenings. You can either drink it by the glass or take a bottle as a gift. For a perfect experience, it pairs beautifully with freshly roasted chickpeas—a popular choice for many. Freshly roasted chickpeas are sold right across from Vefa Bozacısı, and they come in special small packets designed for Boza.
Boza is not haram. It cannot be compared to beer. There is a clear distinction between the two. Here's why:
Boza does not contain alcohol, while beer does. Although beer contains a small amount of alcohol, drinking it is haram. Boza, on the other hand, can only become intoxicating if it is over-fermented and overly sour, turning it into something similar to beer, which would make it haram. However, if Boza is produced in a way that it does not intoxicate, it is considered halal, much like sherbets.
