In ancient Greece and Rome, sweets similar to halva were prepared with honey, nuts, and sesame seeds, and traded in the Mediterranean area. During the reign of the Ottoman Empire (14th-17th centuries), halva became a widely consumed sweet, popular among the elite, and the commoners.
Halva has a long tradition in Central Asian countries, such as Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan, and is commonly consumed during important family gatherings. In Jewish tradition, it is known as a confectionery typically served during Hanukkah or Passover (Pesach). Ingredients and the process of production depend on the region.
