Bittersweet

Bittersweet, A Story of Food and Yemen is a captivating exploration of Yemen’s rich culinary heritage. Authored by Bangladeshi photographer, Sayed Asif Mahmud, with contributions from Marta Colburn and Jessica Olney, this visually stunning book takes the readers on a soulful discovery of how food is intricately woven into the fabric of Yemeni identity, portraying everyday practices, cooking techniques, and livelihoods against the backdrop of Yemen’s unique landscapes, architecture, and heart-warming gatherings.

Through evocative photographs and meticulous research, the book delves into the origins, development and transformations of Yemeni culinary traditions. It explores the cultural significance of food in Yemen’s history, touching on factors like agriculture, trade, and identity, bringing the unique cuisine of Yemen alive for specialists, food enthusiasts and those invited to appreciate the dignity and perseverance of the Yemeni people and support them through a spirit of solidarity and respect.

Author Biography

SAYED ASIF MAHMUD is a documentary photographer, curator, and educator from Bangladesh. A graduate of Pathshala, South Asian Media Institute, Asif is currently working as a communications officer at the United Nations World Food Programme in Yemen. His work has been exhibited at Chobimela VI, Dhaka Art Summit and Bengal Art Lounge in Bangladesh, Bedales Gallery in the UK, the Noorderlicht Festival of Photography in the Netherlands, and FICA in India. His social documentary, Tobacco Tale, a five-year deep dive into the tobacco industry in Bangladesh, was awarded second prize in Non-Traditional Photojournalism Award by NPPA (2013) and Honourable Mention in the 5th Edition of Anthropographia Award 2013. In 2015, the British Journal of Photography acknowledged Asif as one of the 25 Best New Photographers of the World.

MARTA COLBURN has over 35 years of experience in the Middle East leading organisations, supporting humanitarian relief and development efforts and promoting various aspects of Yemeni culture, including 18 years working on Yemen. She has worked as a consultant and employee for a range of UN agencies, international non-governmental organizations and for local organizations in Yemen. In the region she has worked in Yemen, Jordan, Iraq, Qatar, as well as in Belfast, Northern Ireland, Kyrgyzstan and Somalia. Marta has a MSc and BA degree in Political Science from Portland State University and has a strong background in research and evidence-based knowledge products, gender, organisational accountability and transparency, youth activism, rural economic development, cultural heritage preservation, civil society strengthening and water resource management. She has published widely on a variety of topics focusing on Yemen.

JESSICA OLNEY has 18 years of experience as a consultant, researcher, educator, and author working to address human rights, conflict, and humanitarian affairs, primarily in South and Southeast Asia. She has led research for national and international organisations, governments, UN agencies, and civil society organisations. Jessica is especially passionate about collaborating with youth affected by conflict to amplify their voices through community-driven research and advocacy. She is currently based in Oakland, California.