Photo: Angelo Pantazis | Unsplash
In many Western countries, it has become common in recent years for people to hand over money for an extra cup of coffee when they pay for their own, to be held at the counter for someone in need. In Turkey, this seemingly modern idea of "paying it forward" goes back centuries. It's called askida ekmek, and it relates specifically to paying it forward with bread. Askida ekmek, which means "bread on a hanger" or "suspended bread", has its roots in Islam, the dominant religion in the country. It works like this: you go to a bakery and pay for two loaves of bread, but only take one. On paying for the bread, you tell the person who takes the money that one of them is askida ekmek. Your contribution is bagged and hung with others so when people coming in throughout the day and ask, "Askida ekmek var mi?" ("Is there bread on the hook?"), they can take a loaf for free. The practice is strongly tied to the local culture and religion. The giving of ekmek (bread) is of special importance in Turkey because in Islamic belief, bread sustains life and the protection of life is sacred. At the heart of the practice is an ethos of helping people, with no expectation of reward or recognition so that recipients maintain their dignity and improve their lives.
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