Millions of Syrians displaced by the civil war have rebuilt their lives abroad, often through entrepreneurship in the food industry. Yet their stories of resilience, cultural exchange, and adaptation remain largely untold, overshadowed by simplified narratives about migration. A project documenting how Syrian migrants preserve and adapt their culinary heritage could offer a deeper, more humanizing perspective on displacement and integration.

A Visual and Narrative Exploration

The project could take the form of a visually rich coffee table book profiling Syrian restaurateurs who have established eateries worldwide. It could feature:

• Portraits and restaurant scenes: High-quality photography capturing chefs, their kitchens, and signature dishes.
• Personal narratives: Structured interviews exploring their journeys, including recipe adaptations, hiring practices, and community reception.
• Geographical diversity: Highlighting restaurants in cities like Berlin, Toronto, and Istanbul to compare regional adaptations.

A digital companion—such as a microsite or social media series—could extend the project’s reach with multimedia content like recipe videos or audio clips from interviews.

Stakeholders and Incentives

The project could benefit multiple groups:

• Restaurateurs gain free publicity and a platform to share their stories.
• Publishers access a unique topic with commercial and critical appeal.
• Readers enjoy a blend of aesthetic pleasure and meaningful storytelling.
• NGOs could use the project to highlight migrant contributions.

Alignment is strong, as all parties stand to gain from elevating these narratives.

Execution Strategies

One way to begin could be with an MVP focusing on 5-10 restaurants in one region, funded via crowdfunding or grants. Partnering with local journalists or photographers could reduce travel costs while ensuring authenticity. For broader distribution, niche publishers specializing in food or cultural topics might be approached. A digital expansion, like an Instagram series or podcast, could run alongside the book launch.

By blending oral history, photography, and gastronomy, this project could offer a fresh lens on migration—celebrating resilience one dish at a time.