Dear Friends,
This cookbook gathers favorite traditional recipes and memories from Central Asia Institute’ s in-country implementing partners, meant to be cherished during the holiday of Nowruz, or the New Year. Our partners who work in the remote, mountainous communities of Afghanistan, Pakistan, and Tajikistan face many challenges every day. Even so, they lean on the resilience of their cultures and communities to keep creating opportunities and nurturing hope. These recipes are more than lists of ingredients; they are stories and embodied memories of the new year’ s hopes and traditions from each community.
Nowruz is a time of new beginnings and overcoming hardship. It is a holiday based on the spring equinox that unites families and entire communities over special dishes and unique traditions. The holiday also marks the beginning of spring and turning over a new leaf, which is the same spirit that drives participants in our Women’ s Entrepreneurship Program, who continue to improve their lives and the well-being of their wider communities.
We hope these pages bring you a glimpse into the lives of people who, in the spirit of Nowruz, are transforming difficult circumstances into the promise of new beginnings every day.
With gratitude,
The Central Asia Institute Team
4 | ROOTED IN TRADITION