Turkish Delight, known as 'Lokum,' is one of the oldest sweets in the world. Its modern form was perfected by confectioner Bekir Effendi, who opened his shop in Istanbul in 1777. The candy is a gel based on starch and sugar, typically flavored with rosewater, mastic, or lemon. The secret to its unique texture is the long boiling process which creates a dense, chewy jelly. It was traditionally served with Turkish coffee to balance the bitterness of the drink. Lokum became famous in the West in the 19th century after an English traveler brought it back to Europe. Its cultural impact is so large it even plays a central role in C.S. Lewis's *The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe*, where the White Witch uses it to tempt Edmund.