Turkish Coffee: From UNESCO Heritage to Istanbul Coffee Festival 2025
Turkish coffee is more than just a drink—it is history in a cup. Once at the heart of the Ottoman Empire, this centuries-old tradition is now making a global comeback, captivating coffee lovers far beyond Turkey’s borders.
When we think of coffee today, it might be an espresso, a latte on the go, or a cold brew. But the story of coffee begins with something older, richer, and far more ritualistic: Turkish coffee. It is not just a beverage but a 500-year-old tradition, a cultural bridge, and even honored by UNESCO as part of humanity’s living heritage.
Turkish coffee is about sharing moments. While it can be enjoyed alone, its essence lies in conversation and connection. Coffee’s story began in 15th-century Yemen among Sufi mystics, who drank it to stay awake during long prayers. The Turkish coffee method later took shape in 16th-century Istanbul, where it spread from Ottoman coffeehouses across the world.
A debate still lingers: some claim Turkish coffee is the same as Greek coffee, but many see it as an Ottoman legacy. What makes it unique is the method. It isn’t brewed but cooked slowly in a small copper pot called a cezve, then served in tiny cups alongside water and Turkish delight. The experience doesn’t end with the last sip—coffee grounds are often used for fortune readings, a playful way to share hopes and laughter.
Even today, Turkish coffee is tied to tradition. In some households, a bride-to-be serves her suitor a salty cup to test his patience before marriage. While it never reached the global fame of espresso, Turkish coffee is finding new admirers, from workshops in London to fortune readings in New York.
UNESCO Recognition
In 2013, UNESCO inscribed “Turkish coffee culture and tradition” on the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. The recognition celebrated not only the brewing method but also the rituals of hospitality, storytelling, and cultural identity associated with this practice. The listing confirmed Turkish coffee’s role as more than a drink: it is a living heritage passed down through families and communities.
Istanbul Coffee Festival 2025
This September, the conversation about Turkish coffee gains renewed momentum with the 11th Istanbul Coffee Festival, held from September 11–14, 2025, in Kadıköy on the Asian side of the city. The festival has become a landmark event in global coffee culture, bringing together roasters, baristas, brands, artists, and coffee enthusiasts from across the world.
Amid tastings, workshops, and cultural performances, Turkish coffee will take center stage. Organizers often highlight its UNESCO heritage status as part of the festival narrative, reminding visitors that this is not just a drink but a tradition recognized as part of humanity’s collective memory. From demonstrations of the cezve technique to fortune-reading sessions, the event celebrates Turkish coffee as both a timeless custom and a modern attraction.
More Than Caffeine
Ultimately, Turkish coffee is not about the caffeine kick—it is about slowing down, connecting with others, and savoring a shared ritual. As Istanbul hosts thousands of visitors this September, the festival becomes more than an exhibition: it is a living showcase of a heritage that continues to evolve while staying true to its roots.
Five centuries after its birth, Turkish coffee remains what it has always been: a story waiting to be discovered at the bottom of a cup.
