Changes in the culinary culture of migrants following the February 2023 earthquakes: A case study of Hatay residents

Abstract

Objective: The present study aimed to investigate the impact of forced migration on the culinary cultures of individuals displaced from Hatay to various provinces following the February 6, 2023 earthquakes. The text places particular emphasis on the experiences of women and the transformations in their food-related practices.

Material and Method: A qualitative research design was employed. The data presented herein were collected through semi-structured in-depth interviews with 25 women who migrated from Hatay following the earthquakes. Thematic analysis was conducted to examine changes in food preparation, access to ingredients, communal practices, and emotional meanings attached to culinary traditions.

Results: The findings indicate that participants encountered substantial disruptions to their culinary routines. The key challenges experienced by the subjects of this study included limited access to traditional ingredients, economic difficulties, a lack of proper kitchen equipment, and the loss of communal environments. The absence of shared ovens and hospitality traditions resulted in a simplification of meals and a reduction in social gatherings. A significant proportion of respondents reported a decline in both taste and satisfaction, attributed to the incorporation of unfamiliar ingredients. Notwithstanding the adversity faced by these communities, a notable resilience was exhibited by a proportion of the female population. This resilience manifested itself in the continuation of the preparation of traditional culinary dishes, which were regarded as cultural preservations and vehicles for the articulation of identity.

Conclusion: Following the earthquakes, women who migrated from Hatay experienced significant changes in their culinary practices. Economic hardships, lack of ingredients and equipment, and the loss of social environments made it difficult to prepare traditional dishes. The decline of communal cooking and hospitality traditions led to simpler meals. Nevertheless, some women continued to prepare traditional foods as a way to preserve their cultural identity; food functioned not only as nourishment but also as a means of maintaining a sense of belonging and resilience.