Our Story

Misafir Evi Our Story

Our Contributions to Cultural Activities

Our Contributions to Cultural Activities We organize events in order to preserve the culture of our region and to document it so that it can be passed on to future generations.

KAYAKÖY FIG DRYING AND DIPPING FESTIVAL

In our village of Kayaköy, locally marked black figs are dried throughout the summer season. Towards the end of October, after all figs have dried, a dipping process is carried out to ensure long-term preservation. Bay leaves, thyme, and myrtle branches are added into large cauldrons and boiled. These herbs provide both aroma and antiseptic properties. A portion of dried figs placed in baskets is dipped into the boiling cauldron and kept for about one minute. After being dried for one or two days on clean sheets, they are then layered again with the same herbs and packed tightly into boxes or jars.

HIDIRELLEZ FESTIVALS (5–6 MAY)

Hıdırellez, celebrated across our country, varies by region. We place great importance on documenting these traditions so that they can be passed on to future generations. It holds a special meaning for Kayaköy as well. Early in the morning of May 6th, dew collected from leaves is gathered and used to prepare dough, which is then used as bread yeast throughout the village for one year.

It is also a tradition that neighbors whose yeast has gone bad borrow from others, multiply it, and return it.

Our Voluntary Activities

The Istanbul-based association distributes meals every evening to more than 150 homeless people in Beyoğlu and surrounding areas. Meals are prepared daily by volunteers in the simple kitchen of the association’s Cihangir office. During the winter months, when I am in Istanbul, I continue to support voluntary service by cooking at the association. In the evenings, meals prepared mostly by university student volunteers are distributed to homeless people at Taksim Square. You can also support this association, which operates through volunteering and donations. Conditional donations are also possible; the meals of that day can be prepared and distributed in memory of a deceased loved one or for a dedicated wish.

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ZİRAAT KATILIM TR27 0020 9000 0065 5608 0000 01
İŞ BANKASI TR26 0006 4000 0011 1510 5783 10

Lunch meals are served every day to homeless people in London at Refettorio Felix at St Cuthbert’s, 51 Philbeach Gardens, Earl’s Court, London SW5 9EB. Vegetables, fruits, and grains that are close to or past their best-before dates are collected from supermarkets and brought to the center. A volunteer chef creates menus based on the available ingredients. This is the London branch of the “Food for Soul” project, founded by Massimo Bottura, which fights food waste and operates in various locations around the world. Every year during my holiday in London, I volunteer by helping to cook in the kitchen.