Why is there such a term as Turkish coffee at all? What’s so special about it? Is it mainly about the way of preparation? Yes, for the most part it is! This follows a very old tradition. Basically, Turkey has a lot more to do with coffee than many might think today. Join us on an exciting journey through times and cultures to learn more about Turkish coffee!
Coffee came to Europe in the 19th century
Turkish coffee – a history that dates back to the 16th century
Perhaps you have already heard of the Ottoman Empire? With the spread of this, many cultures have mixed with Turkish. This brought many great traditions closer to Europe. This is also the case with coffee. This was first discovered by the Ottomans after they conquered countries like Syria, Mecca and Egypt. All this happened in 16th century. In today’s Istanbul, then Constantinople, a medieval coffee shop was even opened. By the end of the 17th century they numbered in the hundreds. They have been specially designed to allow you to fully enjoy this tonic drink. Since then, Turkish coffee and the everyday culture of this country have been very closely related.
The beautiful oriental cups are also part of the real enjoyment of Turkish coffee
Coffee came to Europe in the 19th century
Turkish coffee is actually the first to come to Europe and it happens in the 19th century. A great connoisseur and good businessman by the name of Mehmet Efendi first prepared this hot drink as we know it today. First he roasted the coffee beans and then ground them. The specific type of preparation, in which the coffee grounds remain unfiltered at the bottom of the cup, is rather untypical for us these days. However, some people still cook it this way. This type of preparation is what you mean when you talk about “Turkish coffee” these days.
“Cesve” is the name of the vessel in which Turkish coffee is prepared
How do you actually make Turkish coffee?
The way Turkish coffee is prepared is known as mocha. Below we describe exactly how to do this. Take two very full teaspoons of ground coffee and mix the coffee powder with a teaspoon of sugar. Pour a cup of water over it. Then everything is mixed in the special jug, which is called “Cesve” in turquoise. It is particularly important that the cups are preheated. In the end you pour everything into it without filtering the coffee grounds. Sometimes the Turkish hot drink is poured into another cup. So some of the coffee grounds remain, but not all!
If you like the Orient, you probably already know Turkish coffee
Turkish coffee as a cultural tradition in Turkey
The preparation of Turkish coffee, as it was made in earlier times, is in itself a great attraction. Quite original Turkish coffee is actually prepared on sand heated by coal. You can experience such an attraction in many places in Turkey. The whole thing is practically like a ceremony that brings us closer to the spirit of old times. After the coffee is ready, it is poured into beautifully decorated cups or metal jars. It is enjoyed slowly and usually with a lot of sugar. Because that’s how the taste is perfect.
You could end up tipping the coffee cup onto a saucer if you wish. In Turkey you will quickly find someone who can quickly read your future from the coffee grounds! You just have to dare…
The cup for the Turkish coffee must be preheated
Cook the mocha together with the sugar
The mocha is very strong because you leave the coffee grounds there
You can tip the coffee into different cups so you have less coffee grounds
Do you know the oriental sweet Lokum? It tastes great with the coffee!
Another beautiful coffee cup with delicious mocha
The chocolate also goes well with the coffee
Traditionally, Turkish mocha is cooked on coals
Share the oriental coffee with friends
The mocha is an old and noble tradition – it deserves beautiful crockery and cutlery
Many shops offer delicious coffee!
“Cesve” would be a great oriental style gift idea
Be sure to drink plenty of water with coffee because it is very strong
There are many luxury sets for the ideal coffee enjoyment