Turkish Coffee: A Timeless Tradition and Its Unique Preparation Ritual
1. What is Turkish Coffee?
Turkish coffee is much more than just a beverage; it is a unique tradition that starts with Arabica beans. These beans are finely ground, traditionally using a Turkish coffee grinder or a pestle and mortar.
2. Serving Turkish Coffee
Turkish coffee is traditionally served in small demitasse cups, poured carefully to avoid too many grounds. Unlike an espresso, Turkish coffee is meant to be savored slowly, often over an hour, with conversations flowing in between delicate sips. It is common to be served with a glass of water and sometimes a sweet treat like Turkish delight, which helps balance the strong, intense flavor of the coffee.
3. History of Turkish Coffee
The origins of Turkish coffee date back to 1555 when it was brought to Istanbul by Syrian traders. By the mid-17th century, it had become an essential part of the Ottoman Court’s ceremonies, with the Sultan being served coffee by his coffee makers. Coffee also played a significant role in marriage traditions, where women were judged on their ability to brew the perfect cup of Turkish coffee. This custom still exists today, where the bride-to-be prepares coffee for her potential husband and his family as part of the marriage proposal process.
Coffeehouses, which first appeared in the Tahtakale neighborhood of Istanbul around five centuries ago, became central to Turkish social life. These establishments were gathering spots for men, while women typically enjoyed coffee at home. During the Ottoman Empire, coffeehouses were vital in preserving oral history and served as venues for storytelling and folklore.
By Unknown Greek watercolorist - Victoria and Albert Museum, London
4. A cup of Turkish coffee remembered for 40 years
Turks say that a cup of coffee is remembered for 40 years. According to legend, a coffee seller from Uskudar served a cup of coffee to a Greek captain during the Ottoman times. Forty years passed by, and the coffee seller was captured in a war but then saved by the Greek captain who remembered the coffee he was served 40 years earlier.
5. The Tradition and Legacy of Turkish Coffee
Turkish coffee, a method of preparation and brewing invented by the Turks, is known for its unique taste, froth, and aroma. The tradition of Turkish coffee goes beyond just a drink—it represents a cultural heritage. The technique, developed by the Turks, allowed coffee to reveal its true flavor and aroma. The drink, prepared in a cezve, was introduced to Europe by travelers and merchants passing through Istanbul, where it gained popularity and became known as Turkish coffee. Over time, coffeehouses became integral to Istanbul's social culture, offering a space for reading, games, and discussions. Today, Turkish coffee is enjoyed worldwide, with its rich flavor and long-lasting aroma making it a favorite among coffee lovers.
HOW TO MAKE TURKISH COFFEE? ☕
Turkish Coffee can be prepared in just two minutes. Traditionally, it is made using a “cezve,” a small, long-handled pot specifically designed for this purpose.
- Use a traditional Turkish coffee cup (demitasse) to measure the amount of drinking water needed, and pour it into the cezve.
- Add one teaspoon (6 g) of finely ground Turkish coffee per cup, along with sugar if desired and stir well.
- Heat the mixture slowly until the coffee begins to foam.
- Carefully spoon some of the foam into each cup.
- Bring the coffee to a gentle boil once more, then slowly pour it into each cup.
- It is customary to serve Turkish Coffee with a glass of water, which helps cleanse the palate and enhance the coffee's rich flavor.