In 1453 AD, the Ottoman Empire under Mehmed II, also known as Mehmed the conqueror, invaded the Byzantine Empire or the Eastern Roman Empire, located in the areas surrounding the Mediterranean Sea. 
After the invasion, most of the Byzantine empire citizens decided to stay put in the Ottoman Empire and convert to Islam which the Ottomans followed.
Being a follower of Islam in the Ottoman empire gave one many advantages in the society, including being able to dodge the Jizya tax which was imposed on non-muslims in the empire.
However, followers of Islam were also not allowed to drink alcohol, which was widely used in the Byzantine empire as a celebratory treat and luxury. In the absence of alcohol, the Ottoman empire was united by sweet treats.
Hence, the Ottomans invented what is now recognized as modern Baklava, and also popularized many Baklava flavours, including pistachio Baklava, walnut Baklava, cream Baklava dry Baklava and even carrot Baklava.
Baklava soon became an expensive treat for the rich and royal, and thus the quote “I am not rich enough to eat baklava every day”.
In the 15th century, the Topkapi Palace in Istanbul was said to have produced giant trays of Baklava for the Sultan (ruler of the Ottoman empire).
Baklava was eaten along with a variety of different toppings. Now, the most famous is a large scoop of vanilla ice cream.
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