Turkish Coffee

 

Turkish coffee, a brew so fine
Connecting East and West, a divine
From Istanbul to Rome, it's served with pride
A comforting taste that's hard to hide


It's a tradition that's been around for centuries
A symbol of hospitality, a way to please
Brewed slowly over heat, the aroma fills the air
A treat to be savoured, with friends or solo, with care


From the grind of the beans to the pouring of the cup
The process is a ritual, a way to lift you up
So sit back, relax, and savour the taste
Of Turkish coffee, a blend of East and West, in one cup embraced

Culture

n Turkey, coffee is an integral part of the culture and is deeply ingrained in daily life. It is considered a symbol of hospitality and is often served to guests as a sign of goodwill.

In Turkish culture, coffee is traditionally brewed in a cezve, a small pot with a long handle, over an open flame. The coffee is ground finely and mixed with water and sugar before being placed in the cezve to boil. It is then poured into small cups and served with a glass of water.

Coffee is not only enjoyed in homes and cafes, but it is also an important part of business meetings and social gatherings. It is not uncommon for Turkish people to take a break from their work day to sit down and have a cup of coffee with colleagues or friends.

In Turkey, coffee is also seen as a form of art. Baristas take pride in their craft and spend years perfecting the art of brewing the perfect cup of coffee. They are often highly skilled in the traditional Turkish brewing methods and use only the finest beans to create a unique and flavourful coffee experience.

Overall, coffee plays a central role in Turkish culture and is an integral part of daily life and social interactions.

To prepare Turkish coffee, you will need the following ingredients and equipment:

 

Ingredients:

  • finely ground coffee beans
  • water
  • sugar (optional)

Equipment:

  • A Turkish coffee pot (cezve)
  • A heat source (such as a stove or hot plate)


Here is a step-by-step guide on how to prepare Turkish coffee:

 

  1. Fill the Turkish coffee pot with cold water and add the desired amount of finely ground coffee beans. For a traditional Turkish coffee, you will want to use about 1 tablespoon of coffee per 3 ounces (90 ml) of water.
  2. If you prefer sweetened coffee, add sugar to the pot at this time. The amount of sugar you use is a matter of personal preference, but a good starting point is 1 teaspoon per 3 ounces (90 ml) of water.
  3. Place the Turkish coffee pot on the heat source and bring the water to a boil. As the water heats up, the coffee grounds will begin to sink to the bottom of the pot.
  4. Once the water reaches a boil, remove the pot from the heat and let it sit for a few seconds to allow the foam to settle.
  5. Return the pot to the heat and bring the coffee to a boil a second time. As the coffee comes to a boil, a thick foam will form on top.
  6. Once the foam has reached the top of the pot, remove the pot from the heat and let it sit for a few seconds to allow the foam to settle.
  7. Return the pot to the heat and bring the coffee to a boil a third time. As the coffee comes to a boil, the foam will rise to the top of the pot again.
  8. Once the foam has reached the top of the pot for the third time, remove the pot from the heat and let it sit for a few seconds to allow the foam to settle.
  9. Pour the Turkish coffee into small cups, taking care to evenly distribute the foam among the cups. Let the coffee sit for a minute or two to allow the grounds to settle to the bottom of the cups.
  10. Enjoy your Turkish coffee! It is traditionally served with a glass of cold water on the side.

Rumi the poet

One interesting story about coffee in Turkey involves the famous Turkish coffee houses, known as "kahvehaneler." These were social gathering places where people would come to drink coffee, play games, and discuss politics and other topics.

One of the most famous coffee houses in Turkey was the Çemberlitaş Kahvehanesi, located in Istanbul. This coffee house was a popular hangout for intellectuals and artists, and it was rumoured that the famous Turkish poet, Rumi, used to visit regularly.

Drink coffee like a local

Drinking Turkish coffee is not just about the taste but also about the experience and cultural significance. To drink Turkish coffee like a local, follow these steps:

  1. Choose your coffee: Turkish coffee is finely ground and typically roasted dark. Look for Turkish coffee specifically labeled as such, or ask for recommendations at a local Turkish or Middle Eastern grocery store. You can also buy a traditional Turkish coffee grinder and grind the beans yourself for the freshest flavor.

  2. Prepare the coffee pot: Turkish coffee is traditionally prepared in a small copper or brass pot called a "cezve." Measure one demitasse cup of cold water for each serving into the cezve. Add one heaping teaspoon of coffee for each serving, along with sugar according to your preference (Turkish coffee is often served sweet).

  3. Mix and heat: Stir the mixture of water, coffee, and sugar until the coffee grounds dissolve. Place the cezve on low heat, and slowly bring it to a boil while continuing to stir. Watch carefully to prevent it from boiling over.

  4. Foam and serve: As the coffee begins to heat, it will start forming a layer of foam on top. Allow the foam to rise without letting it boil over. Once the coffee starts to foam, remove it from the heat, give it a quick stir, and return it to the heat. Repeat this process a couple of times until you achieve a rich, frothy foam.

  5. Serve and enjoy: Pour the coffee into small cups, ensuring that each cup receives some foam. Turkish coffee is typically served in small, handle-less cups called "fincan." Allow the coffee to settle for a moment to let the grounds settle to the bottom. Turkish coffee is sipped slowly, and it's customary to enjoy the grounds at the end, but be careful not to drink them.

  6. Enjoy the ritual: Turkish coffee is often accompanied by a glass of water to cleanse the palate before and after sipping. It is also common to serve Turkish delight or a small sweet treat alongside the coffee. Take your time to savor the flavors, engage in conversation, and immerse yourself in the ritualistic experience of Turkish coffee.

  7. Interpret the coffee grounds: After drinking the coffee, you can turn the cup upside down onto the saucer and let the grounds settle. Once cooled, some people enjoy interpreting the patterns and symbols formed by the coffee grounds as a form of divination called "tasseography" or Turkish coffee cup reading.

Drinking Turkish coffee is a social activity, so don't be afraid to share the experience with friends or locals. Embrace the traditions and flavors of this cultural beverage, and savor the moment like a true Turkish coffee aficionado.