We are so happy to observe the deepened friendship and cooperation between the Muslims, Christians, Jews and others, as a result of another traditional intercultural event that Burç Intercultural Centre has organized. We will join together again to celebrate the landing of Noah’s ark by distributing Noah’s Pudding for free. 

 As a proactive intercultural organization, we distribute Noah’s Pudding every year. The making of Noah’s Pudding is a common practice among Muslims and Christians in the Middle East. It is the symbol of sharing joy – the joy of Noah’s landing, the joy of Moses’ crossing the Red Sea, and God’s gifts to the many prophets. 

In Turkey, people cook Noah’s Pudding every year. Christian communities throughout the Middle East prepare a similar sweet dish, called hedik, amah or qamhiyyi. Having cooked Noah’s Pudding at home, they send a bowl of it to each of their neighbours, because one has the responsibility to maintain good relationships with their neighbors regardless of their religion or beliefs. The Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) said: “The Archangel Gabriel counseled me so frequently regarding the rights of neighbours that I was afraid the neighbour would be declared an heir as well.” 

We cordially invite you to be part of this blessed tradition by letting us serve Noah’s Pudding in your church, office, class etc. any time you choose during January. If you would like to join us in this tradition, just email us at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it , stating that where and when you would like us to visit you and how many cups of pudding we should bring. (Our volunteers will serve the pudding any time that you invite them. They are also ready to give a short speech about Noah’s Pudding. They will distribute a brochure that explains the history and significance of this tradition as well. 

A day of fasting among the Muslims is observed on the tenth day of the first month of the Islamic calendar, Muharram, and is derived from the Jewish Day of Atonement.

When the Prophet Muhammad arrived in Medinah in 622 CE, he found that the Jews of this city fasted on Muharram 10th (In 2008, Muharram 10 falls on January 19.), and asked them the reason for this. They said, “This is a blessed day. On this day, God saved the Children of Israel from their enemy (in Egypt). Therefore, the Prophet Moses fasted on this day in gratitude to God.” Then Muhammad also fasted and encouraged the Muslims to fast on that day and the day before in gratitude to God, just as Moses had done.

It was thousands of years ago that a community was again on the threshold of a catastrophe. This community had ceased worshipping one God and had started to commit all kinds of sins, including adultery. 

The Prophet Noah called this community back to the true way of believing in one God which they had practised for 950 years, but they teased him and called him crazy. Later, even his wife joined the unbelievers in their betrayal. Noah suffered with his people for many years, but he remained sincere in his faith in the Lord. Then one day, God sent the Angel Gabriel to Noah to warn about a coming flood and to order him to build a ship. Noah built the ship and God ordered him to take a pair of each of the creatures and his family (all of them believers) with the exception of his wife. Once again, Noah warned his people and told them about the flood, but they ignored his message.

Finally, the supplies were loaded and the believers and animals boarded the ship. Then God ordered the sky, "O sky! Let your water pour down." And He ordered the earth, "O earth, hold your water." The water began to rise. As all of the nonbelievers were drowning along with their vices, a long and tumultuous journey started for Noah and the believers.

Days passed. Food became scarce. They were facing starvation. No one had enough of the remaining food ingredients to make a decent meal on their own, so Noah gathered all of them and mixed the foods producing a delicious meal.

As a result, the believers survived the famine, and the very next day the flood receded. Today we call the meal that Noah prepared "Noah's Pudding." Every year, people cook Noah’s Pudding in remembrance of Noah and God's mercy on him and on the believers.

 

 

This is a day of great historical significance because it is traditionally believed that God granted His special offerings to 10 prophets on this day:

• God created heavens and worlds.

• God accepted the repentance of Adam after his exile from Paradise.

• God saved Noah and his companions.

• God spoke directly to Moses and gave him the Commandments.

• Jonah was saved from the stomach of the fish.

• The sea split apart to let the children of Israel pass and joined back to destroy Pharaoh’s army.

• Jesus was born and raised to the heavens.

• Job was restored to health.

• Fire did not burn Abraham.

• Solomon was granted his kingdom.

• Joseph was rescued from the well.

• Jacob and Joseph were reunited.

• God raised Enoch to the heavens.

Here is a recipe for Noah's Pudding that is thousands of years old. It makes 30 servings for you and your neighbours.

1 cup wheat

1 cup white beans

1 cup chickpeas

1 cup raisins

1 cup almonds

3/4 cup peanuts

12 dried apricots

5 1/2 cups sugar

Water (enough to cover) 

Topping: walnuts, cinnamon 

1. Soak wheat, white beans, chickpeas and almonds in water overnight.

2. Boil the ingredients from step 1 and remove their outer shells or skin.

3. Soak the raisins in boiling water until they soften.

4. Put the ingredients from steps 1-3 in a large pot and boil. Add peanuts and almonds (peeled and cut in half) at this point.

5. Chop the apricots into small pieces and add to the mixture along with the sugar.

6. Boil for 10-15 minutes. 

7. Enjoy your pudding!

* These are the ingredients we chose. Feel free to experiment with other grains, fruits and nuts.