Introduction
When discussing the world's most iconic cannabis concentrates, regions like Morocco, Afghanistan, and Lebanon often come to mind. However, Turkey has a deep-rooted and often overlooked history with hashish, stretching back centuries. Known for its rich soil, ancient agricultural practices, and cultural crossroads, Turkey played a pivotal role in the production and trade of traditional hashish.

In this article, we explore the history of Turkish hash, its traditional preparation methods, cultural importance, and its role in the larger Middle Eastern and Mediterranean cannabis trade. For those interested in the roots of global hash culture, Turkey’s contribution is both significant and historically rich.

What Is Turkish Hash?

Turkish hash is a traditional form of pressed cannabis resin, often dark and pliable, made by collecting and compressing trichomes from locally grown cannabis plants. While not as widely produced or exported today as Moroccan or Afghan hash, Turkish hash was historically appreciated for its balanced potency, earthy aroma, and smooth smoke.

Traditionally, Turkish hash varied in color and texture depending on region, altitude, and preparation methods, but it commonly presented as:

• Soft and malleable or semi-hard
• Deep brown or dark green exterior
• Aromatic, with spice, wood, and earthy notes

Ancient Cannabis Use in Anatolia

Turkey's long-standing relationship with cannabis dates back to ancient Anatolia, where early civilizations, including the Hittites, Phrygians, and Greeks, are believed to have utilized hemp and cannabis for fiber, medicine, and ritualistic purposes.

Archaeological Evidence

• Hemp fibers have been found in ancient textiles from Anatolia.
• Greek and Roman texts reference cannabis use for pain relief and sedation in areas that now fall within modern-day Turkey.

Ottoman Era: Rise of Hashish Culture

During the Ottoman Empire (1299–1922), cannabis cultivation and hashish production spread throughout the empire, from Balkans to the Middle East. Hashish, along with opium and coffee, was part of a broader social and spiritual culture.

Hashish and Ottoman Cafés

• Hash was sometimes smoked in tobacco cafés (similar to hookah lounges) that also served coffee, poetry, and music.
• These cafés were frequented by artists, mystics (Sufis), and scholars, especially in urban centers like Istanbul and Bursa.

Religious Use and Sufism

• Certain Sufi sects are believed to have used hashish as a spiritual aid—though this was never mainstream or officially endorsed.
• Hash was considered by some as a tool to deepen contemplation or reach altered states of consciousness.

Traditional Turkish Hash-Making Techniques

Turkish hash was typically made using hand-rubbing or dry-sieving methods, depending on the region and climate. While not standardized across the country, common practices included:

Cultivation

• Cannabis was cultivated in Anatolia, Thrace, and the Black Sea regions, especially in warm, dry climates ideal for resin production.

Harvesting and Sieving

• Once mature, flowering tops were harvested and dried.
• Trichomes were removed by gently sifting dried cannabis through silk or cloth screens, collecting kief.
• Some producers used the hand-rubbing technique, rolling fresh flowers between palms to gather sticky resin.

Pressing

• The kief was then pressed into blocks or bricks, sometimes with the aid of heat or pressure, to form hash.
• The product was wrapped in leaves, cloth, or waxed paper, often sealed and stamped for trade.

Hash quality depended on trichome purity, absence of plant material, and curing time.

Hash in 20th Century Turkey: From Acceptance to Regulation

In the early 20th century, hashish was commonly used in various Turkish communities, especially in rural areas where it was seen as a natural medicine or recreational aid. However, changing global views on drugs in the mid-20th century began to reshape Turkey’s relationship with cannabis.

1950s–70s: Global Pressure and Decline

• Under U.S. pressure and UN treaties, Turkey began to tighten regulations on narcotics, including hashish.
• In 1971, the Turkish government outlawed cannabis cultivation for non-industrial purposes, significantly reducing hash production.

“Midnight Express” and Its Impact

• The 1978 film Midnight Express painted Turkish prisons and hash culture in a negative light, further stigmatizing the country’s role in the hashish trade.
• The film, though criticized for its inaccuracies, had a lasting influence on international perception.

Modern Legal Status and Hemp Cultivation

As of 2025, cannabis remains illegal for recreational use in Turkey, but the country has made progress in industrial hemp cultivation. The Turkish Ministry of Agriculture has authorized select provinces to grow hemp for fiber and research, contributing to eco-industrial initiatives.

Turkish Hash vs. Other Traditional Hash Types

* THC content varies by method, strain, and purity.

Conclusion

The story of Turkish hash is one of deep tradition, cultural nuance, and evolving legal landscapes. From Ottoman cafés to rural Anatolian farms, hashish was once a meaningful part of Turkish daily life and spiritual practice.

While modern regulations have curtailed its production, the legacy of Turkish hash lives on, both in the memories of older generations and the growing global interest in the roots of cannabis concentrate culture.

As legalization efforts expand worldwide, perhaps one day Turkish hash will reemerge not just as a relic of the past, but as a revived artisanal product, respected for its history, craftsmanship, and connection to the land.