21 January 2023 - Preparation of traditional Syrian dish "molokhiya"

Shopping at a Syrian market for traditional ingredients of molokhiya before cooking

Preparation of a Syrian-Turkmen vegetable patty dish called al-aje ( العجة)

Gathering with friends at a Syrian şamiyat restaurant serving falafel, hummus, and foul.

A Syrian restaurant serving kebse and kibbeh labaniyah in Fatih

Gathering with a Syrian family and eating Fried Kibbeh, Chicken Maqlubeh (rice with vegetables), and Kibbeh Labaniyeh (Kibbeh in yoghurt sauce, mint, and garlic).

Project team members and their families came together at the Suleymaniye Mosque's Yard

Müceddere, ma'ruk, salads, kuru patlican dolma, börek, cheesecake, Iraqi kibbeh, and cholocate chip cookies

Kunafeh (or Knafeh) is a popular dessert in Syria and the Middle East in general. It is consumed especially during Ramadan. The photo was taken in a Syrian house in Istanbul during Ramadan and shows two different kinds of Knafeh.

A traditional Syrian dessert that contains milk, sugar, short grain rice, stratch, mastic crystals, and vanilla.

Garnished with pistachios and served cold on special occasions. This delicious recipe was offered during the team members' visit to the house of a Syrian woman in Istanbul on April 28, 2023.

Food made with love at the Iftar gathering of the research team with a Syrian woman in Istanbul during Ramadan on April 07, 2023.

Freekeh grain is popular in Syria, Lebanon, Jordan, and Egypt. Therefore, there are many ways of cooking and serving Freekeh dish in Syria. The pictures show the method of serving (Mansaf Freekeh) according to Aleppo cuisine.

Qatayef Asafiri is a popular dessert in Syria and many parts of the Middle East during Ramadan. It is a mini pancake filled with cream, dipped in pistachios, and served with syrup.

Qatayef is a crunchy and sweet dish served during Ramadan in Syria and the Middle East. It is a pancake filled with cream or nuts, fried, then dipped in syrup. The photo was taken during a team member's iftar visit to her Syrian friends in Istanbul.

Grilled Kibbeh is kibbeh dough stuffed with minced lamb and nuts, then cooked by grilling. It is a delicious and traditional Syrian dish.

Grilled Kibbeh with Tabbouleh (Mediterranean herb and bulgur salad) as a side dish, served in a Syrian restaurant.

In this field visit to a Syrian woman in Fatih district in Istanbul, she made Harak Osbao حراق اصبعو. The dish name is so funny; it literally means "burned his finger". It is a traditional Syrian dish and is particularly famous in Damascus. It is a delicious, sweet, and sour stew made of lentils, dough, or Eriste, and garnished with coriander, garlic, crispy onions, crispy pieces of bread, and pomegranate seeds.

Mouneh is a traditional Syrian practice of storing large quantities of food at home, and one of the methods of preparing Mouneh is pickling. Bottles of pickles, an essential part of the Syrian Mouneh were found in a Syrian woman’s house during our fieldwork in Istanbul.

In Syria, Fridays are holidays, and families come together to enjoy a special breakfast. It’s a cherished tradition, a time for togetherness, where families gather around the table to share and connect.

Falafel and hummus are two iconic dishes representing Middle Eastern cuisine's heart. Together, they embody a tradition of shared meals, rich history, and simple ingredients transformed into something truly special.

Enjoy a plate of fresh tabbouleh, crispy kibbeh, and sambusek . Plus, a sweet treat to finish it off with various cookies, including delicious sesame berazig!

“İsot şerbeti” is a delightful traditional beverage from southeastern Turkey, particularly Şanlıurfa. Made from isot (dried Urfa pepper), water, and sweetened with sugar or honey, this unique drink has a smoky and slightly spicy flavor. Often enhanced with lemon juice or pomegranate molasses, it’s the perfect balance of sweetness and heat!

Traditionally consumed during special occasions and family gatherings, şerbeti is especially popular in the summertime and is believed to help cool the body down. It’s not just a drink; it’s a cultural experience rich in flavor and tradition! We were a bit shocked as it tasted as hot and spicy şerbet.

Yuvalama is a comforting dish from Gaziantep, known for its rich culinary heritage. Often prepared for special occasions and family gatherings, the dish features tiny hand-rolled meatballs made from ground lamb or beef and rice, combined with chickpeas in a creamy yogurt-based broth. A touch of lemon juice, mint, and melted butter adds the perfect finish. Making yuvalama is a family affair, with each meatball rolled with care—keeping tradition alive with every bite.

Sarımsak Kebabı, or Garlic Kebab, is a unique and aromatic dish from Gaziantep, famous for its rich culinary traditions. This dish is made with whole garlic cloves and spiced lamb or beef, perfectly grilled to blend the softened garlic beautifully with the juicy meat.

Also, Sarımsak Kebabı is a social experience in Gaziantep, where families and friends gather around the grill, sharing stories and laughter. It reflects the region’s warmth, hospitality, and deep connection to tradition. Each bite is a celebration of flavor, family, and culture. We can confidently say that it is more than just a meal.