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New Wave Anatolian Food in London

When: —
Venue: Birkbeck Clore Management Centre

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Morning:

Panel 1: In conversation with Melek Erdal (author of Xwê Salt: A Story of Words, Recipes, Resilience & Joy) and Ferhat Dirik (Mangal 2 owner)

Afternoon:

Film screening: documentaries on New Wave producers of traditional cheese and olive oil producers in Anatolia

Panel 2: Anatolian London and the new diasporic cuisines

In conversation with Professor Panikos Panayi (author of Spicing Up Britain: The Multicultural History of British Food)

Contact name: Laura Toffolo

Speakers
  • Ferhat Dirik —

    Ferhat Dirik is the lifelong front-of-house, founder’s son, and now owner of Dalston’s Mangal 2, the family-run Turkish restaurant he’s been working in since he was 11 in the late 1990s. Mangal 2 is one of the most well-known and cult-followed ocakbasıs in north London. Opening in 1994, it was the follow-up restaurant to the U.K.’s first ocakbası (Mangal 1) which Ferhat’s father Ali Dirik opened 1991, and has been at the centre of that community ever since. Catering first to the Turkish community of Stoke Newington High street, then through the hipster era of Dalston in the 2010s, to serving Action Bronson, Dua Lipa, Charli XCX and so many others over the course of the last half decade. 

  • Melek Erdal —

    Istanbul born Kurdish chef Melek grew up around the vibrant immigrant community of North and East London. Inspired by the food of her roots and upbringing, and the way it emboldens and brings together communities, Melek opened her own cafe in 2013. Since the success of the cafe she has moved onto teaching and writing about food, culture and identity. She runs masterclasses, pop ups and tells food stories, whether through her documentary videos or essays, believing very much in community-focused food activism.

  • Professor Panikos Panayi —

    Panikos Panayi is Professor of European History. He has worked at De Montfort University since 1990 and has held a personal Chair since 1999. He has published widely and his research fits into the following areas: the history of immigration and interethnic relations; the history of food; the First World War; German history; the history of London; and the history of the Cypriot people.

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