Together in the same kitchen 2021

For 75 years, Syrians have been celebrating Independence Day in their own way; with music, singing, and chants. On April 17, 2021, the Nation Building Movement celebrated Evacuation Day in its own way as well.

This occasion occurred with the Together in the same Kitchen event and the holy month of Ramadan, so that independence would be hosted by the diverse Syrian cuisine, and this national anniversary would bring together Syrian identity and history.

Under the roof of our kitchen, and in the presence of NBM’s friends, several Syrian women from different regions (Jarablus, Homs, and Hama) gathered to participate in preparing three popular local dishes from northern and central Syria. Mrs. Aisha Aliwi presented “Kafet El-Mostawiya” or “Kubba El-Adas” and “Ej” dish, as these dishes announce the arrival of spring in the regions of northern Syria, specifically Aleppo and its countryside.

These dishes are based on lentils, bulgur and vegetables, coinciding with their season. While the ladies (Violet Assi, Maha Zakhour and Kawkab Al-Khatib) presented the "Qamhiya" or "Harissa" dish, which is based on wheat with chicken meat. It is a traditional dish in the central and coastal regions of Syria, and in the past it was prepared over firewood because it was prepared during large gatherings. During the preparation and presentation process, the ladies exchanged with the attendees the definition of these dishes and their various names and the extent of similarity and difference in ingredients and preparation method from one region to another.

The women sang local songs from the heritage of the regions they came from. Then, the chef and heritage researcher, Suleiman Awkan, spoke about the history of these popular dishes and their ingredients, which revolve around “wheat,” the main ingredient in Syrian cuisine. He confirmed that the discovery of the oldest wheat spike dates back to 7700 BC in the Euphrates Valley in Syria, and that most of the names of these dishes have Aramaic origins, which confirms the authenticity and antiquity of Syrian cuisine.