Culinary Culture and Local Food Practices in Post-Earthquake Temporary Living Spaces: A Qualitative Evaluation in Hatay

This study aims to understand the changes in culinary culture and the transformation of local food practices among individuals living in temporary settlements, such as tents and containers, in Hatay province following the earthquakes of February 2023. A qualitative research method was employed, adopting a phenomenological approach that seeks to uncover the meanings behind individuals' lived experiences. The study population consisted of individuals residing in temporary living spaces in Hatay after the earthquake. The sample included 20 female participants, selected through purposive sampling, who actively participated in food preparation and possessed knowledge of local culinary traditions. Data were collected through in-depth interviews and analyzed using thematic analysis. The findings were categorized into six main themes: economic hardship, difficulties in accessing traditional ingredients, loss of kitchen equipment, changes in cooking practices, weakening of communal dining culture, and emotional impacts. The study demonstrates that disasters not only affect physical environments but also deeply disrupt cultural structures. Based on the findings, several recommendations have been proposed for the preservation of culinary culture in post-disaster contexts.