The Diriyah Biennale Foundation is excited to announce the inaugural edition of The Research Room as part of the Islamic Arts Biennale 2025, set to take place at the Western Hajj Terminal at King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah from April 9–12, 2025. This new, multidisciplinary symposium titled Turuq: The Many Ways of Food will delve into the rich and diverse food traditions of the Arab world, offering a four-day exploration of the cultural, historical, and contemporary practices surrounding food.
As part of its ongoing commitment to bridging the arts and daily life, the Turuq symposium will highlight food as a powerful tool for memory, connection, and cultural identity. With a particular focus on the western region of Saudi Arabia and its historical spice routes, the event aims to trace how foodways shape cultures across generations and borders.
ISLAMIC ART: A Journey Through Time and Tradition
Turuq: The Many Ways of Food will explore various facets of food culture by dividing the program into different “mealtime” segments throughout the day—each designed to provide a unique perspective on food as both sustenance and art.
- Day 1 (Dawn): Opening the day with a focus on nourishment rituals and morning traditions, the Dawn sessions will feature a Makkawi breakfast and talks around how food begins the day and nurtures the soul.
- Day 2 (Midday): A deep dive into communal food practices, hospitality, and the rituals that define the Arab tradition of midday meals.
- Day 3 (Afternoon): Exploring the cultural significance of tea, rest rituals, and how food punctuates the slower pace of the afternoon.
- Day 4 (Dusk): Concluding the symposium with a celebration of the abundance and beauty of feasts, rituals, and the shared experience of food at dusk.
In addition to the rich discussions and lectures, the program invites active participation from the audience through tastings, live cooking demonstrations, recipe sharing, and storytelling sessions.
ISLAMIC ART: Key Events and Notable Speakers
This year’s symposium brings together a diverse group of culinary experts, cultural historians, and influential food figures. Some highlights include:
- Edible Lecture: Haisah and Medieval Cooking by Daniel Newman, a medieval food historian, will take participants on a journey back in time through the rich culinary history of the Arab world.
- A Talk by Nadir Nahdi: A storyteller, filmmaker, and influencer, Nahdi will explore the intersection of culture, identity, and food.
- Pop Culture and Food with Hafsa Alkhudairi: A session on the influence of food in modern pop culture, including how iconic dishes shape global culinary trends.
- Cinema Nights: A film screening in collaboration with The Red Sea Film Foundation, showcasing short films that explore the role of food in storytelling.
Other engaging activities will include food photography workshops with Canon Academy, immersive cooking demonstrations, and interactive workshops like Re-orienting Taste and Stamping Bread with Issam Kourbaj, all designed to engage attendees in hands-on exploration of food’s role in Islamic Art and culture.
A Platform for Exploration and Education
Open to all visitors of the Islamic Arts Biennale, the Turuq symposium is an inclusive space for dialogue, discovery, and cultural exchange. Whether it’s through tasting traditional recipes, learning about food through historical and modern lenses, or participating in workshops, there’s something for everyone. Participants will also gain insight into how food connects people across generations, cultures, and geographical boundaries.
How to Attend
The symposium is free to attend for those with access to the Islamic Arts Biennale. Registration is available on the official Biennale website (biennale.org.sa). Stay updated on the program and schedule through the official Biennale social media accounts at @biennale_sa.
About the Islamic Arts Biennale and Diriyah Biennale Foundation
The Islamic Arts Biennale is a transformative cultural platform that presents an opportunity to explore and experience the arts of Islamic civilizations. Held every two years at the iconic Western Hajj Terminal, a heritage site at King Abdulaziz International Airport, the Biennale showcases art, culture, and creative dialogue, bringing together artists, scholars, and audiences from around the world.
The Diriyah Biennale Foundation (DBF) is a key player in Saudi Arabia’s burgeoning art scene, committed to promoting cultural exchange and fostering lifelong learning. DBF is responsible for the development of JAX, a creative district in Diriyah, and the organization of world-class Biennales that celebrate the diverse artistic expressions within Saudi Arabia and beyond.
For more information, including a full schedule and programming updates, please visit the official Biennale website at biennale.org.sa.
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