In the aftermath of the February 2023 earthquakes, food became a lifeline for communities in Gaziantep. Women from the Kırkayak Culture, Art and Nature Association (Kırkayak Kültür) took action immediately – cooking thousands of meals each day to support those in need.
As the crisis evolved, so did the challenges. While food insecurity eased, the need for stable livelihoods became more urgent. In response, Kırkayak Kültür envisioned a sustainable social enterprise that would bring communities together through food. With our support, this vision became a reality. The result was Mutfakna – a fully equipped industrial kitchen designed not only to serve the community but also to empower women.
More Than Just a Kitchen
Founded in 2011, Kırkayak Kültür has long worked to foster social cohesion and cultural diversity through arts, research, and community projects. The association has supported disadvantaged communities, refugees, and migrants, promoting integration and mutual understanding.
Its Mutfak/Matbakh initiative once provided a space where women from Türkiye and Syria could cook, collaborate, and build solidarity. However, the COVID-19 pandemic forced its closure – until it was reborn as Mutfakna, which means Our Kitchen in Arabic. Now, Mutfakna operates as a space where women prepare Middle Eastern and Gaziantep inspired vegetarian dishes, while gaining financial independence and professional skills. Through this initiative:
- Women secure stable employment, gaining professional experience and economic independence.
- Sustainability is prioritised, with ingredients sourced from local women producers and reusable containers used to reduce waste.
- Nutritious meals reach the community, with free lunches provided for children.
- Surplus food is donated to vulnerable groups, ensuring nothing goes to waste.
- Cultural exchange flourishes, as women from different backgrounds cook side by side, sharing traditions and experiences.
A Shared Future, One Meal at a Time
For the women of Mutfakna, this kitchen is more than just a workplace – it’s a space for growth, empowerment, and belonging. As Hale Hanken, one of Mutfakna’s team members, shares:
“This kitchen gave me opportunities to grow and improve myself as an 18-year-old woman. It helped me develop my Turkish and better understand Turkish culture and life.”
Each meal prepared at Mutfakna carries the story of resilience, collaboration, and hope. With every dish served, women are not just earning a livelihood – they are strengthening their communities.
Thank You to Our Donors
Mutfakna is a testament to what is possible when people come together to create change. Thanks to the generosity of our donors, we are proud to support this initiative – ensuring that women have the resources, skills, and community they need to thrive.
By investing in projects like Mutfakna, we are not only funding a kitchen – we are helping build a future where economic independence, social cohesion, and cultural richness flourish. Thank you for being a part of this journey. Discover more about Mutfakna’s inspiring work by watching our video interview.
