Turkish coffee is not simply a drink. It is a ritual, a social bond, and a cultural heritage that dates back nearly five centuries. Recognized by UNESCO on its Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity list, the Ottoman tradition of preparing coffee in a cezve has become a symbol of identity for generations in Turkey and beyond.
From Yemen to the Ottoman Empire
As CNN reports, the story begins in 15th-century Yemen, where Sufi mystics consumed coffee to remain awake during long nights of prayer. When Sultan Süleyman the Magnificent annexed Yemen in 1538, coffee entered the Ottoman Empire and soon reached Istanbul. By the 1550s, the city witnessed the rise of its first kahvehane (coffeehouses), which quickly became central to cultural and political life.
Prepared slowly in a copper pot, Turkish coffee differs from most brewing methods: it is “cooked” in water to produce a strong, unfiltered drink topped with foam. Coffeehouses spread rapidly but often drew suspicion from rulers, who feared they encouraged dissent. Similar anxieties later emerged in England, where King Charles II tried unsuccessfully to close London’s coffeehouses in the 17th century.
A Ritual of Hospitality
CNN highlights that in Turkey, coffee represents community. Guests are traditionally offered coffee with water and lokum (Turkish delight). The drink is consumed slowly, giving grounds time to settle — setting the stage for the playful ritual of coffee-cup reading, where the shapes left behind are interpreted for fun as signs of fortune, journeys, or good news.
Turkish coffee even plays a role in marriage traditions: during courtship, a bride-to-be serves coffee to the groom’s family. As a test, she may add salt instead of sugar to his cup, with his reaction taken as a measure of patience and maturity.
From Istanbul to London and Beyond
The influence of Turkish coffee extended far beyond the empire. CNN recounts how in 1652, London’s first coffeehouse opened in St. Michael’s Alley, introduced by a merchant from İzmir and his servant Pasqua Rosée. For a penny, patrons could drink freely while debating news and politics in what became known as “penny universities.”
Despite this reach, Turkish coffee never achieved the global recognition of espresso. Some scholars, CNN notes, believe this is due to generational shifts: for many young people in Turkey, it has become a drink associated with parents rather than innovation.
Tradition and Modern Revival
Others argue that innovation is vital. Turkish coffee ambassadors are working worldwide to showcase the ritual. In London, workshops teach traditional preparation, while in New York, the “Turkish Coffee Room” blends performance, storytelling, and tasseography to captivate new audiences.
Back home in Istanbul, authentic experiences remain easy to find. CNN recommends iconic spots such as Hafız Mustafa, Mandabatmaz on İstiklal Street, and Nuri Toplar in the Egyptian Bazaar. For a modern twist, Hacı Bekir in Kadıköy offers creative interpretations.
A Living Heritage
As CNN concludes, Turkish coffee endures as a living cultural symbol — one that connects history with hospitality, ritual with storytelling. Whether served in a historic Istanbul café, a family home in Safranbolu, or a workshop abroad, every cup carries with it a taste of heritage and a story waiting to be told.
This article is adapted from a feature originally published by CNN Travel. All rights remain with the original publisher. Qahwa World republishes it here for educational and cultural purposes.
