The Turkish love their coffee, and it’s no wonder – they have a long-established coffee culture that was bestowed with the title ‘Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity’ by UNESCO in 2013. The preparation and enjoyment of Turkish coffee is unique to the country and certainly an experience to be savoured when visiting the country. Here’s our guide to Turkish coffee culture.
A Brief History of Coffee in Turkey
Modern coffee culture in Turkey is said to have been borrowed from Egypt, and evolved with the rise of the Ottoman empire. The sultanate’s love affair with coffee began in the 16th Century when the Ottomans were at war with the Mamluks. Since then, it has become a cornerstone of Turkish social life, and one of its citizens’ favourite pastimes.
The Quintessential Turkish Brew
Turkish coffee is unlike any other. Brewed in a traditional pot called a Cezve, the drink has a strong, sweet flavor that is thick and sometimes gritty from the ground beans. The Arabica beans used in traditional Turkish coffee are ground ultra-fine, which are then mixed with cold water and sugar, but not stirred. The Cezve is placed over direct heat so that the sugar caramelizes, which gives rise to its distinct thickness.
The Cezve will foam twice before it’s ready to serve, and each time, the foam must be directly spooned into the serving cup to give the drink its signature head. While Istanbul natives are sure to be divided over the topic of the best coffee house in Istanbul, our vote goes to the purists at Nuri Toplar, who continue to roast their beans under an actual wooden fire to this day.
Nuri Toplar
Address: Tahtakale, Hasırcılar Cd. No: 17, 34116 Fatih/İstanbul, Turkey
Opening Hours:
Monday - Saturday: 6:30am - 7pm
A Socio-Cultural Perspective
If it’s not already apparent, coffee is way more than a beverage in Turkey, its consumption is considered a social event, and its preparation a rite of passage. When Turkish men visit the house of a woman to seek her hand in marriage, she is expected to prepare coffee for her guest – this is said to be a testament to her housekeeping abilities. Some women even spike their suitor’s coffee with salt to test his temperament.
Drinking coffee is also a great equalizer in Turkey, and has been since its introduction to the country nearly 500 years ago. Workers and noblemen alike would gather around fires and at stalls for their daily dose, class distinctions momentarily set aside. Today, strangers strike conversations with one another regularly at the numerous coffee bars across the city, brought together by the love of a good brew.
