Turkish coffee is one of the most iconic elements of Turkish culture, known not just as a drink but as a symbol of hospitality, conversation, and long-standing traditions.
The origins of Turkish coffee date back to the 15th century when coffee traveled from Ethiopia to Yemen and eventually arrived in Istanbul.
During the reign of Sultan Suleiman the Magnificent, coffee became one of the most beloved beverages in the Ottoman court and gained prestige.
Coffeehouses began to spread as cultural centers in cities, serving as meeting places for poets, intellectuals, and the general public.
In these coffeehouses, not only was coffee served, but storytelling, poetry readings, games like backgammon, and philosophical discussions also took place.
The preparation of Turkish coffee is considered an art in itself. The beans are ground to a fine powder to create a thick and intense flavor.
It is traditionally brewed in a small copper pot called a cezve (or ibrik), slowly heated over low flame.
Creating foam on top of the coffee is a sign of mastery, and a rich foam is considered a mark of a good Turkish coffee.
Turkish coffee is usually served with cold water and a piece of Turkish delight or chocolate to cleanse the palate.
It can be ordered in three levels of sweetness: sweet, medium, or bitter, depending on how much sugar is added during brewing.
Drinking coffee in Turkey is a highly social activity. People visit cafés to chat, meet friends, or take a relaxing break.
Turkish coffee plays a significant role in marriage traditions; in many households, the bride-to-be serves coffee to the groom during the engagement visit.
A funny tradition is that if the bride makes the coffee salty instead of sweet, it can be a symbolic rejection of the proposal!
In 2013, Turkish coffee was inscribed on UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage list.
This international recognition highlights the cultural importance of Turkish coffee and its global value.
One of the most popular traditions is coffee fortune telling. After drinking, the cup is turned upside down, and the remaining grounds form patterns.
A fortune teller interprets these patterns to offer insights into love, career, or the drinker’s future.
This practice is mostly for fun but remains a beloved tradition for many people.
Some cafés even offer professional fortune-telling services, with regular customers coming just for this experience.
Turkish coffee is deeply intertwined with literature and the arts; it appears frequently in poems, stories, and Turkish films.
In the Ottoman era, the chief coffee brewer (kahvecibaşı) held a respected position within the royal court.
Today, famous brands like Kurukahveci Mehmet Efendi play a major role in exporting Turkish coffee worldwide.
It is also sold as a popular souvenir, often in beautiful traditional packaging.
Turkish coffee has influenced neighboring countries and even parts of Europe, especially in the Balkans and the Middle East.
In Iran, Turkish-style coffee is also popular and is served in many cafés.
Modern coffeehouses in Istanbul, Ankara, and Izmir offer a fusion of traditional Turkish coffee with contemporary ambiance.
Some restaurants prepare Turkish coffee using hot sand—a theatrical and visually appealing method.
There are even festivals and competitions where baristas show off their skills in brewing Turkish coffee.
Turkish coffee is more than a beverage; it is a cultural, historical, and social experience passed down through generations.
If you visit Turkey, be sure to sit in a traditional café, sip a Turkish coffee, flip your cup, and let your future be told!
