Winter School: Commensality and Cultural Heritage in the Middle East and Its Diasporas

This Winter School revolves around the theme of “commensality,” which means being at the same table and eating together, with literal and metaphorical implications for respecting differences among those who share a meal. As a field of growing research in the arena of public health, scholars now connect commensality and sociability to individual and communal well-being. In this Winter School, we propose to explore the theme of commensality through an interdisciplinary lens. We will consider how we can approach the study of cultural heritage among Muslims, Christians, and Jews in the Middle East and in associated diasporas through foodways, that is, customs regarding the preparation and consumption of food.

Food holds an important position in people’s everyday lives and in the social values of individuals and groups, including communities that identify along religious, national, or ethno-linguistic lines.  In the Middle East and among Middle Eastern diasporic communities, food is also a source of pride.  People value foodways as part of their cultural heritage and are aware of illustrious culinary traditions that go back centuries or millennia, starting with ancient innovations in agriculture that benefitted human societies at large.

Application procedure:

To apply, kindly fill out the online application form. Please note that you will be asked to upload the following documents:

• Curriculum Vitae (max. 2 pages)
• Motivation letter, clearly stating why you want to join this summer school, what you will bring to the school and what you hope to learn (max. 1 page)

The application deadline is 20 December 2024 for external participants (those not associated with the University of Groningen). For UG participants, the application deadline is 10 January 2025.

For registrations, please visit: Commensality and Cultural Heritage in the Middle East and Its Diasporas | Winter Schools | University of Groningen