Flavours of the Arab Golden Age EP 3: Aleppo and the Silk Road
Briefly

Chef Fadi Kattan and historian Kotoz Ahmed explore the profound influences of the Silk Road on Arab cuisine, particularly focusing on Cairo and Aleppo. They discover how trade routes fostered cultural and culinary exchanges, notably during the Mamluk era, with Cairo emerging as a cultural nexus. Their research uncovers a 13th-century manuscript from Aleppo, emphasizing the integration of pleasure into food through the use of spices and fragrances. The episode culminates in Kattan's cooking of al Mashoka, showcasing the rich tapestry of flavors and traditions that continue to shape Arab cuisine today.
The Silk Road connected Egypt to various regions, making Cairo an influential cultural hub responsible for the spread of spices and culinary innovations during the Mamluk era.
Kotoz Ahmed and Fadi Kattan uncover how Arab cuisine evolved, influenced by trade routes and historical interactions, particularly through the significant city of Aleppo.
In this journey, they highlight a 13th-century Aleppo book that transformed perceptions of food, introducing the concept of culinary pleasure through spices and fragrances.
Fadi Kattan's finale features al Mashoka, reflecting on how ancient trade and cultural exchanges continue to enrich modern Arab cuisine.
Read at www.aljazeera.com
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