I had planned to write a smart little tale this week about how I survived Maine’s Big Freeze of 2023 with a bowl of Ukrainian-style beetroot borsch. That’s the correct way to spell the famously restorative soup, according to chef and food writer Olia Hercules—for more information, check out her great cookbook,
What an absolutely beautiful piece. It’s a stunningly evocative, deeply moving tribute to a such a rich culture. It’s sadly all too easy to forget how life once was for the people of this region when all we see is their destruction. Thank you so much for sharing your memories. I’ll certainly be sharing it.
Somehow I missed this when you posted it, but you have indeed captured some wonderful moments, vignettes and experiences. That picnic sounds most amazing and, having been there myself, in 2010, again with dear Filiz, I could see what you saw -- the sites & sights, markets, spices, meals and people. Heart-breaking to realize how much has been destroyed, but the Gypsy Girl (Roman mosaic that is the emblem of Gaziantep) and the museum that holds the mosaics rescued from the flooding of the Euphrates were not damaged. So glad to have been in Istanbul with you when we shared more fun and the wineless extravaganza, banquet with Erdogan, to celebrate the city's formal recognition by UNESCO as a City of Gastronomy.
What a evocative piece that made me want to travel to Aleppo and that region immediately. It’s so sad what’s happening in the region now like many others have said but thank you for preserving the historic detail through this piece
Oh, Nancy, what a soulful, heart re-wrenching read about these beautiful people and ancient culture! It is a tribute to Syria in this nightmarish disaster. Your life is so rich and full, filled with friendships and experiences. Thank you for the beautiful article....and for the Ukrainian borsch. xo
Gorgeous writing Nancy! Totally evokes the place and the taste. We had 35mm slides from my parents digitized by a company called iMemories. Now we can watch them along with the old 8mm and reel to reel tapes.
Gorgeous. Thank you for this beautiful insight into this culinary culture. I grew up reading Agatha Christie mysteries as a 10 year old and always wanted to visit Turkey and Egypt and The Middle East—all the places that seemed so fascinating in her books. You bring that magic amd longing back to me as an adult. Along with the sadness that these historic places are no longer as she described.
My son in law is from Aleppo. I have two half-Syrian grandchildren. What has happened feels like the last straw but unfortunately I think there are more straws to come.
Thank you Nancy. What beautiful words to honor and share these food cultures, friendships, and memories. My mouth is watering to know these flavors and the people who cooked them.
What an absolutely beautiful piece. It’s a stunningly evocative, deeply moving tribute to a such a rich culture. It’s sadly all too easy to forget how life once was for the people of this region when all we see is their destruction. Thank you so much for sharing your memories. I’ll certainly be sharing it.
Somehow I missed this when you posted it, but you have indeed captured some wonderful moments, vignettes and experiences. That picnic sounds most amazing and, having been there myself, in 2010, again with dear Filiz, I could see what you saw -- the sites & sights, markets, spices, meals and people. Heart-breaking to realize how much has been destroyed, but the Gypsy Girl (Roman mosaic that is the emblem of Gaziantep) and the museum that holds the mosaics rescued from the flooding of the Euphrates were not damaged. So glad to have been in Istanbul with you when we shared more fun and the wineless extravaganza, banquet with Erdogan, to celebrate the city's formal recognition by UNESCO as a City of Gastronomy.
Words that open my mind and senses to a bigger world. Beautiful essay! Thank you.
Thank you very much for this touching and informative article. I know more now about the treasures and culture the world has lost so tragically.
What a evocative piece that made me want to travel to Aleppo and that region immediately. It’s so sad what’s happening in the region now like many others have said but thank you for preserving the historic detail through this piece
Oh, Nancy, what a soulful, heart re-wrenching read about these beautiful people and ancient culture! It is a tribute to Syria in this nightmarish disaster. Your life is so rich and full, filled with friendships and experiences. Thank you for the beautiful article....and for the Ukrainian borsch. xo
Gorgeous writing Nancy! Totally evokes the place and the taste. We had 35mm slides from my parents digitized by a company called iMemories. Now we can watch them along with the old 8mm and reel to reel tapes.
Thank you Nancy, for bringing that region to life in a week of unspeakable tragedy for these brave people already saddled with so much hardship. 😕
Gorgeous. Thank you for this beautiful insight into this culinary culture. I grew up reading Agatha Christie mysteries as a 10 year old and always wanted to visit Turkey and Egypt and The Middle East—all the places that seemed so fascinating in her books. You bring that magic amd longing back to me as an adult. Along with the sadness that these historic places are no longer as she described.
My son in law is from Aleppo. I have two half-Syrian grandchildren. What has happened feels like the last straw but unfortunately I think there are more straws to come.
a wonderful piece, Nancy - we're watching from London (and via friends in Istanbul) as the tragedy unfolds. Have just shared it to my own Substack.
I loved this. Thank you.
Thank you Nancy. What beautiful words to honor and share these food cultures, friendships, and memories. My mouth is watering to know these flavors and the people who cooked them.
Thank you for this story. What has happened in Turkey and Syria is devastating and your words are moving.