East London: Food Chronicles
Explore Food, Heritage, and Community with our East London Photography Workshops.
Capturing Heritage: East London Photography Workshops Celebrate Eid and Diverse Culinary Traditions
The latest in our series of East London Photography Workshops has been a fascinating exploration of Eid Celebrations, led by Sylvie Ganachaud, a talented Muslim social photographer from East London.
Week #1: Sugar Feast — Exploring Şeker Bayramı in Turkish Culture
Our journey began in the heart of the Muslim Turkish community. We explored the architectural marvel that is Aziziye Mosque, a former cinema transformed into a stunning example of Turkish mosque architecture in 1983. With its Iznik tiles and grand design, it provided a perfect start for our participants—most of whom were not Muslim—to immerse themselves in a new cultural experience.
“Today we will be looking at the muslim community of East London, particularly the Turkish one. This week was Eid el fitr which is a celebration of the end of Ramadan. During Ramadan muslims try to renew their spiritual connection and therefore visit the mosque much more than usual. After breaking the fast at sunset, people usually attend prayers.
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Heritage Photography Walk at Ridley Road Market
“Ridley road market is one of the most vibrant market in London.
It is a reflection of the diverse communities you can find in East London.
You can find street food from Turkey, Caribbean’s, Asia and much more.
Eid Mubarak at Ridley road is an event organised to celebrate the end of Ramadan with all the neighbourhood.
We found henna stalls to apply henna tattoos. Henna has been used for thousands of years and is particularly used by muslims across the world. As a natural dye, henna is used to dye hair or be applied on hands and feet for special occasions such as Eid or weddings.
The intricate patterns and designs are a form of art and are linked to different heritage.”
Sylvie
Week 2: Eid Celebrations and Bengali Street Food in Whitechapel
The following week took us to the East London Mosque, a cornerstone for the Bengali community in London and one of the largest mosques in the United Kingdom.
The history of East London mosque is quite interesting, it is a testimony of how diverse communities came to live in East London.
Originally, Fieldgate Street Great Synagogue was established in 1899, but after the Second World War, the Jewish community moved out of the area. It was then sold to East London Mosque to allow its expansion. Some artifacts remain to commemorate the cohabitation of both communities.
The importance of Honey in islam
Here, we not only observed the architectural beauty and community spirit but also discovered the significant role of honey in Muslim culture, with a visit to the mosque’s bee hives.
Bridal Moments at East London Mosque
As we stepped outside the mosque, we were fortunate to encounter a bride elegantly making her way to her wedding.
This serendipitous moment added a beautiful, personal dimension to our exploration, vividly illustrating the community’s vibrant life and traditions.
Street Photography at Whitechapel Market
Our exploration continued at Whitechapel Market, where we indulged in a Bengali food tasting.
Three typical snacks—singara, pitha, and chotpoti—were on the menu, offering a taste of authentic Bengali cuisine right here in East London.
Kaniz, our volunteer from the Bengali community, guided us through the flavors and traditions of her homeland, making the cultural exchange both delicious and informative.
Join Us for More Culinary and Cultural Discoveries!
As our project moves forward, we invite you to join us for more East London Photography Workshops and events designed to explore and celebrate the rich tapestry of cultures in East London.
Cooking Heritage Workshops at Poplar Union:
Share your food stories and cook a culturally significant dish.
Join us on July 24 & 31, with a picnic to follow.
Collaborative Portraiture Workshop:
Be part of ‘East London: Food Chronicles’ by having your portrait taken as you grow food or herbs at home.
