Heat the oil in a heavy stew pan. Add the onion and saute over medium heat for about 5 minutes, until it begins to brown.
Add the garlic, pepper, cumin, tumeric and pepper flakes. Cook for one minute, stirring.
Add the eggplant to the pot. Sprinkle with salt and pepper. Cook over low heat, constantly stirring, until the eggplant is covered in the spices.
Add the tomatoes and bring the mixture to a boil.
Add the water, stir it into the mixture.
Cover, simmer over low heat, stirring often, for about 20 minutes.
Add the chickpeas and the green beans.
Simmer for 10-20 minutes more until everything is tender and the stew is thick.
Taste and adjust for seasoning.
Serve hot, sprinkled with the cilantro.
