From a simple pleasure to a coffee after a tiring day, engagement coffee, and beyond – Turkish coffee has inspired countless expressions in our language. A significant part of Turkish culture, Turkish coffee is also a gateway that helped spread coffee to the world.
Though coffee was known in Yemen and its surrounding areas, it made its global debut in 1543 when Özdemir Pasha, the Ottoman governor of Yemen, introduced it to Istanbul. In 1554, the first coffeehouses in Tahtakale opened, bringing coffee to the masses. This new culture quickly spread across Istanbul and caught the attention of traders, travelers, and diplomats, changing coffee’s destiny. As coffee made its way to Europe and then the world, new brewing techniques and flavors began to emerge.
An Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity
What sets Turkish coffee apart is its unique brewing method, which involves brewing in a cezve (a small pot) or güğüm (a traditional water jug). Developed by Turks, this method transformed Turkish coffee from a drink into a cultural ritual. Turkish coffee is not just about the drink itself but about the entire experience – the unique cups, Turkish delights made especially for coffee, and even the ritual of coffee fortune-telling. In 2013, UNESCO added Turkish coffee culture to its Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.
How to Brew Turkish Coffee
Turkish coffee’s distinctive qualities stem from its special brewing technique. Achieving the right texture and foam requires a touch of expertise, as timing and temperature are key – overheating or underheating can result in a bitter taste.
The best way to prepare Turkish coffee is to use one teaspoon of ground coffee per cup, along with one cup of cold water. Adding water first, followed by coffee, is essential. Start on a medium-high heat, then reduce to a low heat for the final stages. Unlike other coffee methods, Turkish coffee requires a brief boil. As the coffee begins to froth, remove it from the heat to prevent bitterness. The final step for the perfect foam is pouring slowly along the edge of the cup – this is the secret to a beautifully foamy Turkish coffee.
Enjoy each sip of this rich cultural heritage, carrying with it 40 years of tradition in every cup!
