Turkish halva, also known as "helva" or "halawa," is a traditional sweet dessert that has been enjoyed in Turkey and various other Middle Eastern, Balkan, and Central Asian countries for centuries. It is made from simple ingredients such as tahini (sesame paste) or flour, sugar or honey, and sometimes nuts or other flavorings. The word "halva" is derived from the Arabic term "halwa," which means "sweet confection."