Syrian refugee women in Gaziantep launched Mutfakna after the earthquakes—reviving a community kitchen with TPF support to create jobs, nourish families, and unite cultures.

The day after the earthquake, a group of incredible Syrian refugee women connected with Kırkayak Kültür with a heartwarming idea. Their homes were intact, and thankfully, their families were not severely affected by the disaster. Seeing the immense needs of earthquake survivors, they rolled up their sleeves to address one of the region’s most urgent crises—food. Volunteering from their own kitchens, they managed to cook 4,000 meals daily, reaching as many people as they could. After a month, food was no longer scarce, but Gaziantep faced new challenges. Those who stayed behind needed jobs to support their families, and Kırkayak Kültür came up with a solution. 

Kırkayak Kültür, renowned for its work on gender equality and support for disadvantaged communities, once operated a small yet impactful kitchen in Gaziantep. This space brought together Turkish and Syrian women to connect and create, cooking and bonding over shared recipes. However, the kitchen was forced to close during the pandemic. In the aftermath of the earthquake, it was re-established with a renewed purpose: to support the local economy and sustainability while continuing to emphasize gender equality. This vision gave birth to Mutfakna, or “Our Kitchen.”

“Mutfak” means “kitchen” in Turkish, and “-na” translates to “our” in Arabic. With support from TPF and another institution, Mutfakna opened in Gaziantep as a small industrial kitchen. It operates with a team of six, serving freshly made Middle Eastern vegetarian dishes. Betül, a 26-year-old chef who had previously volunteered in the region, leads the kitchen. Kırkayak Kültür had met her while she was studying gastronomy and invited her to join the team. Betul crafted a unique menu that blends traditional Anatolian and Middle Eastern recipes, making Mutfakna a perfect example of the fusion between two rich culinary traditions and cultures, united under one roof.

Every day, Mutfakna contributes to the local economy by employing local staff, offering delicious food to those who remain in the region, and continuing to bridge different cultures. The kitchen also provides free lunch boxes for children and donates any leftovers to disadvantaged communities. Mutfakna stands as a testament to the power of unity and solidarity in the earthquake region, embodying the spirit of togetherness that has been so vital in these challenging times.

Thank you for being a part of this journey and for making Mutfakna and many other projects possible. Your support continues to make a lasting impact.

To have more information about Mutfakna, please click.