Boza
/ˈboʊ.zə/noun
A mildly alcoholic, fermented beverage traditionally made from millet, wheat, or other grains, especially associated with the Balkans and Turkey.
Did you know?Although boza is sometimes linked to English “booze,” that connection is debated; both words belong to the same world of historical grain fermentation and drinking culture.
Etymological Timeline
Medieval Persian
Persian
būza
“A fermented drink, commonly understood as a type of millet beer”
Medieval Turkish
Turkish
boza
“A thick, fermented grain beverage”
Ottoman Period
Ottoman Turkish
boza
“A widely consumed fermented drink sold by specialized vendors”
19th Century
English
boza
“A Balkan or Turkish fermented grain drink”
Modern English
English
boza
“A traditional mildly alcoholic beverage made from fermented grains”