Çatal

Çatal is a Turkish word meaning fork. It refers to the common eating utensil with tines used to spear food. The word itself is derived from the Old Turkish word "çatal," which also means fork or split. In Turkish cuisine, the çatal is an indispensable part of the dining set, used alongside the bıçak (knife) and kaşık (spoon).

While the modern fork has a long history, evolving from earlier two-pronged implements, the çatal in Turkey became widely adopted and integrated into meal preparation and consumption. The design of the Turkish çatal is generally similar to Western forks, featuring multiple tines, though regional variations in style and ornamentation might exist. It is used for a wide array of dishes, from pilafs and kebabs to mezes and desserts. The act of eating with a çatal is a fundamental part of Turkish dining etiquette.