By using sugar,which was newly available in Turkey, and cornflour (cornstarch), Haci Bekir transformed the sweetmeat into Lokum. The ingredients are melted together, boiled, then poured in a pan and allowed to cool. Lokum has a soft, gelatin-like texture, often with chopped nuts inside, and is its flavoring is very subtle. It is cut into bite-sized cubes and covered with confectioners’ sugar. Through the years the original recipe for Lokum has changed very little.

Lokum became extremely popular among Turks and soon Haci Bekir was appointed chief confectioner for the Ottoman Court and awarded a medal of honor by the Sultan. The chief confectioner title remained in Haci Bekir’s family for generations to come. Ottoman Sultans enjoyed Lokum after meals to counteract the bitter taste of Turkish coffee. Janissaries gave Lokum to the to highly ranked court officials as a sign of loyalty to the saltan.

During Seker Bayrami ("Candy Holiday"), which is a three day holiday following the month of Ramazan, Lokum is always in high demand. Lokum is also served on the 40th and 52nd day after a person’s death and on the anniversary of a funeral in a ceremony called mevlit. This religious gathering is either held at a home or a mosque.

Lokum was soon discovered by an unknown English traveler who deemed the candy as “Turkish Delight” and introduced it to Europe. The name stuck, and in many countries around the world, Lokum is known as Turkish Delight. In France and the Balkan countries, Lokum was known as "Lokoum." Lokum, called Turkish Delight, plays an interesting role in CS Lewis’ novel The Chronicles of Narnia and its Hollywood counterpart The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe, which was released in 2005. The film in particular introduced Americans to the age old Turkish candy. The White Witch of Narnia tempts young Edmund to bring his siblings to the ice castle with Turkish Delight. The irresistible temptation peeked the interest of many American viewers, and Turkish Delight sales hit a sudden high. The owner of the Turkish Taste company in Greenland reported that his sales increased by 400% after the release of the film.

Lokum has travelled from a small candy factory in Turkey to countries all around the world. Whether imported or made at home, the unique treat has left an impact that stretches far beyond its founding country.