The Breakfast
sound installation
Berlin, Germany 2016
The Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region is known for its rich and diverse culture, and one aspect of this diversity can be seen in the breakfast traditions of the different countries in the region. In this project, we explored the differences in breakfast cuisine, social behavior, and sounds of restaurants in the MENA region.
In many countries, breakfast is considered the most important meal of the day, and this is no exception in the MENA region. However, what people eat for breakfast can vary widely from country to country. For example, in Egypt, a popular breakfast dish is fava beans (ful medames) served with bread, while in Lebanon, breakfast may consist of labneh (strained yogurt) served with olive oil and herbs. In Tunisia, brik (a deep-fried pastry filled with egg and tuna) is a popular breakfast food, while in Saudi Arabia, people may have a traditional breakfast of foul (a bean dish) with bread and tea. The diversity in breakfast cuisine is a reflection of the region's history, geography, and cultural influences.
Along with the differences in cuisine, there are also differences in social behavior during breakfast. In some countries, breakfast is a time for families to gather and share a meal, while in others, people may prefer to eat alone or grab a quick bite on the go. In Morocco, for example, breakfast is often a communal affair, with families gathering around a shared platter of bread, butter, and honey, while in Iran, people may have a quick breakfast of bread and cheese before heading out to work.
Another aspect of breakfast in the MENA region is the sound of restaurants. In some countries, restaurants may be bustling and noisy, while in others, they may be more serene and peaceful. In Egypt, for example, breakfast restaurants may be loud and chaotic, with people talking and vendors selling their wares on the street outside. In contrast, in the United Arab Emirates, breakfast restaurants may be more subdued, with quiet music playing in the background and people speaking softly.
The breakfast traditions of the MENA region are diverse and reflect each country's cultural and historical influences. From the cuisine to the social behavior and the sounds of the restaurants, there are many differences to explore and appreciate. Whether you prefer a communal breakfast with the family or a quick bite on the go, there is something for everyone in the MENA region.
“The Breakfast” audio/visual art project is not restricted to one place, street, or city. Instead, this project combines the daily experiences of different artists and the experiences of the people they choose to integrate into their works.“The Breakfast” project aims at connecting people all over the world at one time doing the same thing. However, that same act is performed differently either due to different customs or traditions or even the place. Thus, the outcome is an auto-utopian mixture that trespasses borders and connects people and their traditions in one simple act. It is the act of sitting down and having a breakfast meal.
||| breakfast like an emperor
lunch like a king
supper like a beggar |||