Page 43 - KTUDELL E-LIT | Issue 4 - January 2025

2025 ARTICLES

A Ritual in Every Sip:

Turkish Coffee and the

Art of Connection

by Zeynep ÖTER

To me, coffee is like a wake-up call; it’s an inspiring
companion for my productivity, a peaceful break during
busy moments, a pleasure to share, and an irreplaceable
taste. Although I’m passionate about all kinds of coffee,
there’s one that is more than just a drink—it’s a ritual:
Turkish Coffee. It’s not the type you grab on the way to
work; it deserves a special moment to be enjoyed. As a
Turkish proverb says, “A cup of coffee commits one to
forty years of friendship.” In Turkish culture, where coffee
is served at the start of any visit, there’s a sense of grace and
splendor that accompanies every cup. This simple act
fosters friendship and happiness, turning each coffee
moment into a cherished memory. Shall we take a look at
the story of Turkish coffee, which lets you feel traces of the
past and the thrill of the future in every sip?

The history of coffee dates back to the early 14th century. It
was first discovered in Ethiopia (then known as
Habeshistan), where it was initially consumed as food. Over
time, it gained medicinal properties and became known as
"the magical fruit." By the beginning of the 15th century,
this fruit was widely recognized in Yemen, and in the 16th
century, it made its way to Mecca and Cairo, eventually
reaching Istanbul in the 17th century. In Turkish, coffee is
referred to as kahve, a term of Arabic origin. Once it was
discovered that coffee beans helped keep people awake,
refreshed, and energized, these brown beans were named
kahveh, which means "stimulant" in Arabic. The name
kahveh quickly spread around the world, becoming coffee
in English, café in French, and kahve in Turkish.
As we dive into the colourful world of coffee, we encounter
a variety of brewing methods, each with its own unique
character and story. From the strong, intense flavor of
espresso to the smooth, refreshing qualities of cold brew
that reveal subtle notes through a slow brewing process,
each method offers a different sensory journey. This
variety reflects the innovation and flexibility within
modern coffee culture, catering to different tastes.
However, amidst all this variety, Turkish coffee remains a
cherished tradition, a connection to history that continues
to thrive in the modern world. While these new brewing
methods bring excitement and innovation, they also
highlight the timeless appeal of Turkish coffee, which is
brewed with patience and shared as an intimate experience
that carries cultural heritage in every sip. Rather than
overshadowing the experience of Turkish coffee, these
trends enrich it, blending tradition with modernity.
Ultimately, whether choosing the convenience of an
Americano or the reflective pause brought by a cup of
Turkish coffee, each style holds a special place in the hearts
of coffee lovers worldwide. Together, they remind us of
coffee’s universal charm and its ability to connect us
through shared moments, diverse flavors, and a deep
respect for its rich history.

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