Turkish Cooking Classes and Interfaith Conversation for Women
presented by GAPP, Heritage UU Church, and Lutheran Church of the Resurrection

Who’s Cooking?
GAPP and two Anderson area churches are teaming up with a group of Turkish Muslim women from West Chester and Dayton to cook, eat, and build friendships. On four Saturdays in October, the Turkish women will teach participants how to prepare typical Turkish dishes. Each 4-hour session will include a cooking class, a shared meal of the food prepared that day, and the opportunity to enjoy interfaith and intercultural conversation.

During the classes, Muslim and non-Muslim women alike gain insights into their neighbors. Women are often surprised at the many things they share in common. As one woman said, “The more we share ideas, the more we learn about each other and the more we love each other.”

Class Details

• A different menu will be prepared at each class, including such typical Turkish dishes as Dolma (stuffed grape leaves), Lentil soup, Maklube (rice with eggplant and meat) and, of course, Baklava.
• Each class will include some vegetarian dishes.
• Attendance at multiple classes is encouraged but not required.
• All classes are for women only.

Dates, Locations and Times

• October 1 and October 8, Heritage UU Church, 2710 Newtown Rd.
• October 15 and 22, Lutheran Church of the Resurrection, 1950 Nagel Rd.
• All classes: 1:00 – 5:00 PM

Our Reservations are Currently Closed
Due to an overwhelmingly positive response, we are currently unable to accept any additional reservations. However, if you send an email to GAPP (info@gappeace.org) indicating which date you are interested in, we will put you on our waiting list.

The Back-Story
The first series of cooking classes these Turkish women offered was held at Mt. Auburn Presbyterian Church in early 2011. It was an immediate success and drew requests for similar programs in other parts of Cincinnati. Women the world over know that food brings people together. The classes showed these Muslim ladies that when you bring women together in the kitchen, strangers quickly become friends. And friendship among people from different countries and religions goes a long way toward dispelling misunderstandings and building trust.

These women draw their inspiration from the vision of Fethullah Gulen, a Turkish scholar who founded the Hizmet Movement which encourages selfless service for the common good, for peace and global harmony. His leadership has inspired the creation of the Niagara Foundation. Through a number of initiatives, such as cooking classes, the Niagara Foundation promotes societal peace, love, and friendship.

About The Local Sponsors
“This program is a perfect idea for GAPP,” says Executive Director Louise Lawarre. “Food begets friendship,” says Lawarre. “This series is exciting for GAPP because women love to create international meals in their own kitchens, and they’ll be learning techniques and recipes from experts. In the process, we will have a chance to exchange stories, talk about faith, eat together and learn from each other.”

Heritage Universalist Unitarian Church and Lutheran Church of the Resurrection are regular partners with GAPP’s projects.