If you are a coffee lover, you might have heard of Turkish coffee, a traditional drink that dates back to the 16th century. Turkish coffee is not just a type of coffee, but a way of preparing and serving it, with its own rituals and customs. In this blog post, I will tell you more about Turkish coffee and how it is related to the history of Istanbul, one of the most fascinating cities in the world.
Turkish coffee is made by boiling finely ground coffee beans with water and sugar in a small pot called a cezve. The cezve is usually made of copper or brass, and has a long handle to prevent burning your hand. The coffee is brewed until a layer of foam forms on the surface, which is then carefully poured into small cups called fincan. The fincan are often decorated with colorful patterns or motifs, and are served on a tray with a glass of water and sometimes a piece of Turkish delight or other sweets.
The water is used to cleanse your palate before sipping the coffee, which is very strong and bitter. The coffee is not filtered, so you should avoid drinking the grounds at the bottom of the cup. Instead, you can use them to tell your fortune by flipping the cup over and letting the grounds dry on the saucer. Then you can look for shapes and symbols in the patterns formed by the grounds, which are supposed to reveal your future.
Turkish coffee was introduced to Istanbul by the Ottoman Empire, which ruled over most of the Middle East, North Africa and Southeast Europe for over six centuries. The Ottomans were great admirers of coffee, which they called kahve, and they established coffee houses all over their capital city. These coffee houses were not just places to drink coffee, but also to socialize, read books, play games, listen to music and discuss politics and philosophy. They were also centers of cultural and intellectual exchange, where people from different backgrounds and religions could meet and mingle.
The first coffee house in Istanbul was opened in 1555 by two Syrian merchants, who brought coffee beans from Yemen. Soon after, more coffee houses sprang up in the city, especially in the Grand Bazaar, the largest covered market in the world. The Grand Bazaar was also the heart of Istanbul’s economy and commerce, where merchants from all over the world traded their goods and services. The coffee houses in the Grand Bazaar were frequented by traders, artisans, craftsmen and shopkeepers, who used them as places to network and negotiate deals.
The popularity of coffee houses also attracted the attention of the Ottoman authorities, who sometimes viewed them as potential sources of dissent and rebellion. In 1633, Sultan Murad IV banned coffee and coffee houses in Istanbul, fearing that they were spreading rumors and plots against him. He ordered his soldiers to patrol the streets and destroy any coffee pots or cups they found. He also executed anyone who was caught drinking or selling coffee. However, his ban was not very effective, as people continued to drink coffee secretly in their homes or in hidden underground cellars.
The ban was lifted in 1640 by Sultan Ibrahim I, who was himself a coffee lover. He restored the coffee houses and even built his own private one in his palace. He also appointed a royal coffee maker, who had the privilege of preparing and serving coffee to him and his guests. The royal coffee maker was also responsible for testing the quality and safety of the coffee beans, as there were cases of poisoning or adulteration by enemies or rivals.
The tradition of drinking Turkish coffee continued throughout the Ottoman era and beyond, becoming an integral part of Istanbul’s culture and identity. Today, you can still find many authentic coffee houses in Istanbul, where you can enjoy a cup of Turkish coffee and experience a slice of history. You can also visit some of the historical landmarks that are connected to the story of Turkish coffee, such as Topkapi Palace, where you can see the sultan’s private coffee house; Suleymaniye Mosque, where you can find the tomb of Suleiman the Magnificent, who was known as “the lawgiver” and “the patron of arts”; or Galata Tower, where you can enjoy a panoramic view of Istanbul’s skyline.
Turkish coffee is more than just a drink; it is a symbol of hospitality, friendship and respect. It is also a way of connecting with Istanbul’s past and present