Actually, they are supposed to have originated in Turkey. Turkey considers itself to be Eastern Europe, not Middle Eastern. But, one person's Arab is another person's Turk, I guess. Most of the stuff I had in Turkey was called "Kabab" and was a bit different because of the lack of the "shish" part, I guess. I have to say that they had the best bread I have ever had, and I have traveled a bit of the world. But, I digress....sorry.