Artistry
Art in a Cup “The memory of a cup of coffee lasts for 40 years,” says Mustafa with a disarming smile, handing me a cup of frothy Turkish coffee. I have a tough time overcoming a strong urge to add milk to the coffee. He smiles, saying, “Get used to this. You may even get addicted to it!” The first sip hits me with its strong taste but by the end of the small cup, I start enjoying the deliciousness of this centuries-old tradition! The coffee According to one of the many lores associated with the beverage, coffee was discovered in Ethiopia as a “magic fruit,” reached the land of the Ottomans through Yemen in the 16th century, and was introduced to Sultan Suleiman I. Folklores
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July 2023
say that the sultan loved coffee so much that his family members were taught to brew it. Coffee soon assumed its place as a prestigious beverage in the palace and wealthy households. By the mid-1550s, Turkish coffee was no longer restricted to the upper classes and became a common delight in all households. Then, by the mid17th century, it became an essential part of the Ottoman court's ceremonies, with the Sultan being served only by his private coffee brewers. Over time, coffee not only generated its rituals and ceremonies but also played an instrumental role in the development of social life. A symbol of hospitality, friendship, elegance and entertainment, coffee is now quintessential to Turkish culture.