"YAT GEBER" dinner eaten at midnight in Konya. "Eat, Go to bed and Sleep."

The "Yat Geber Meal," which holds a special place in the culinary culture of Konya, adds a unique flavour to long winter nights.

In the past, besides breakfast, lunch and dinner meals in Konya, another meal was set before going to sleep at midnight. This tradition is applied every winter night and on special occasions. Until late hours on long winter nights, a new table would be set, adorned with food found in the pantry and kitchen of the house. This “Yat Geber Meal” used to be prepared with light dishes as it was eaten at late hours. The table was perfect for alleviating the hunger that arises close to bedtime.

In the past, during the winter months, various cheeses such as moldy cheese, and aged cheese were scraped from cubes, diced cured meats, liver, cartilage, pastrami, sausage, molasses, and all other breakfast foods were taken out of storage conditions to prepare the Yat Geber Meal. Flatbread and tandouri bread were also present on the table. The Yat Geber Meal is typically prepared with snacks, pastries, baked goods, and winter fruits. Sometimes leftovers from the evening can be reheated.

The woman who gets upset with her husband for preparing dinner requests, says that "Eat this and go to bed; you won't have any more complaints." For this reason, this tradition is called as the "Yat Geber". Tables are still set in Konya today on long winter nights around midnight.