by Dr. Susan Rottman | Özyeğin University
“Eat more. I know you can eat more,” Dana urges with a smile as she serves me a second helping of sautéed green, mint-shaped leaves, soaked in lemon juice and accompanied by tiny pieces of chicken. The leaves are imported dried from Syria and taste like chewy Swiss chard seasoned with lemon-y black tea. It is completely delicious, and I certainly do not mind a second helping. Dana wants me to feel welcome and therefore does not believe my polite protestations of being full. Throughout my research for RESPOND in Istanbul, I was often treated to this exceptional hospitality in Syrian homes.
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