The Oldest Kitchen in the World: 4,000 Years of Middle Eastern Cooking Passed Down Through Generations is set to debut in English markets on September 24, 2024. This new cookbook, authored by Matay de Mayee in honor of his mother, Smuni Turan, is a unique blend of historical and culinary insights. Turan, who grew up in a time and place where girls did not learn to read or write, is essentially the author of this cookbook, with her son taking on the task of compiling and writing it.
The cookbook traces the world's oldest recorded cuneiform recipes, dating back 4,000 years. These recipes originate from the Suryoye people, also known as Assyrians or Arameans. Despite being scattered across the globe, the Suryoye continue to speak dialects of Aramaic and honor the culinary traditions that have shaped Middle Eastern cuisine. The book explores the history, traditions, celebrations, language, and customs of these people, making it a valuable resource for both history buffs and food enthusiasts.
Presented in their original Aramaic names, the recipes range from classic dishes and soups to proteins, vegetables, and sweets. Some of the oldest recorded recipes, such as labiniyeh, are featured alongside beloved classics like baklava. Throughout the book, de Mayee and his mother share time-honored cooking secrets, versatile uses for often-overlooked ingredients, and seemingly forgotten traditions, offering a rare and fascinating insight into an ancient and delicious cuisine.
The significance of this cookbook extends beyond the kitchen. By preserving and sharing these ancient recipes, The Oldest Kitchen in the World serves as a cultural bridge, connecting modern readers with the rich heritage of the Assyrian people. It highlights the resilience and adaptability of a community that has maintained its identity through millennia of change and dispersion.
Hailed by food critic Nigel Slater as "a rare and fascinating insight into an ancient and delicious cuisine," the cookbook is poised to become an essential addition to any culinary library. Published for English markets by Tra Publishing and distributed worldwide through Simon & Schuster, it will be available at major bookstores, online retailers, and through Tra Publishing's official website.
Matay de Mayee, who was born in Hengelo to one of the first Suryoye families established in the Netherlands, makes his debut as a cookbook author with this publication. In 2020, he opened De Stijlkamer Amsterdam, a high-end B&B in a historic canal house, which he also uses for culinary events and as a photo and film location.
Tra Publishing is known for creating beautifully crafted books that inspire social, cultural, and environmental awareness. The Oldest Kitchen in the World continues this tradition, offering readers not just a collection of recipes, but a journey through time and culture.
