If proof were needed of the power of food – and cookbooks – to do good, this book is it. It's the fruit of an international, collaborative effort seeking to bring about positive change in countries and communities where positive change is much needed. The recipes themselves are a fascinating collection, from cooks from throughout the region – some of which have probably been documented for the first time. In the authors' words, the book is "a unique collection of wisdom, stories, and culinary treasures."

To address the global refugee crisis, the Center for International Private Enterprise (CIPE) and a Consortium of international partners developed the Livelihoods Innovation through Food Entrepreneurship (LIFE) Project. The LIFE Project supports and encourages entrepreneurship, job creation, and cross-cultural engagement in the food sector in Turkey. The cookbook features more than 50 recipes from 25 individuals from the region: Turkey, Syria, Iraq, Yemen, Egypt, Algeria and others. The Cuisine of LIFE is a unique collection of wisdom, stories, and culinary treasures shared by some of the leading minds in the food industry internationally and rising stars of Turkey's food scene. With short essays about the special role of food in building community and businesses, the book features recipes and stories from LIFE Project members who graduated from the LIFE Project Entrepreneur Incubation Program. All proceeds made from the sale of this cookbook benefit the LIFE Project.

Most popular

‌‌‌‌‌

Features & Stories

Behind The Cookbook: The Cuisine of Life

Through the shared language of food, the LIFE Project brings people closer and promotes a sense of understanding, compassion and unity between communities. This is the story of how the LIFE Project entrepreneurs came together to publish a cookbook.

What is gastrodiplomacy?

Johanna Mendelson Forman is a Distinguished Fellow at the Stimson Center in Washington D.C., where she leads the food security program. In her guest post, she talks about the importance of food as ‘soft power’ and its usefulness as a diplomatic tool for drawing people and societies together.