Turkish village women use communal traditions for winter food prep

In various Turkish villages, including Büyükyıldız in Tokat and areas in Malkara, women are gathering to prepare traditional winter food supplies. Utilizing the 'imece' system—a method of communal labor and solidarity—women work together to process seasonal produce.

Activities include making tomato paste, preserves, and molasses from grapes and rosehips. Other preparations involve drying peppers and eggplants, as well as making dough for soups and dumplings. This communal approach allows tasks that would take an individual a long time to be completed more efficiently.

Local residents note that these preparations serve two main purposes: preserving traditional cultural practices and managing household budgets. By purchasing vegetables like tomatoes, peppers, and eggplants during the summer when prices are lower, families aim to mitigate the impact of rising food costs during the winter months.