From the days of the Ottoman Empire through the present, coffee has played an important role in Turkish lifestyle and culture. The serving and consumption of coffee has had a profound effect on betrothal and gender customs, political and social interaction, prayer, and hospitality customs throughout the centuries. Although many of the rituals are not prevalent in today’s society, coffee has remained an integral part of Turkish culture.
For both men and women, coffee has been at the center of political and social interaction.
Nowadays coffee is usually served with less ceremony, and more practical materials have replaced the carved wood and silver filigree .As the Turks say “To drink one cup of coffee together guarantees forty years of friendship”.
Turkish coffee has six levels of sweetness ranging from very sweet to black. Since sugar is not added to the coffee after it is served, spoons are not needed. As the coffee begins to heat, it begins to foam.
by Beyzanur Düztaş
