A lot of people would already have heard of Turkish coffee. It is so popular that it has been recognized by UNESCO as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, further boosting its international profile and appeal.
Turkish coffee is deeply embedded in Middle Eastern culture and history, often associated with hospitality and social gatherings. This coffee therefore is not just about the beans but refer to the whole ritual of preparation.
Originating from the Middle East, its unique brewing process and rich flavour has endeared it even in Oman. In Turkish coffee preparation, finely ground coffee beans are combined with water and sugar (optional) in a special pot called a cezve (or ibrik). The mixture is heated until it froths, then poured into small cups, often leaving a layer of grounds at the bottom.
A quick visit across different cities in Muscat would reveal several shops specialising in Turkish coffee. Overtime, it collected its own followers and fans that an event recently held in the capital made it as one of the highlights of the celebration.
During this event, Ahmed Korkut, a teacher at one of the Turkish institutes in the Sultanate of Oman, reminded of a famous Turkish saying that goes, "'If you make me coffee, it is a well-known act that will not be forgotten for 40 years."
At the heart of this celebration held recently, coffee lovers emphasised that Turkish coffee is more than just a drink — it embodies a rich historical and social culture.
With the coffee culture having originated from Yemen, Haji Hanafi, a Turkish teacher who lived in Oman, said, "In 1543, Wali Ozdemir Pasha brought the coffee from Yemen to Istanbul, and he admired its taste."
The traditional process of making Turkish coffee, from grinding the beans to heating and serving, is considered an art form and is cherished for its ritualistic value. The coffee is used as a symbol of hospitality and social interaction. Additionally, the culture of coffee is present in the lives of Turks, as it is consumed while reading beautiful books and articles at all hours of the day, during chess and backgammon games, and in meetings and conversations. Turkish coffee has left its mark on different strata of social life.
Further explaining how Turkish coffee is deeply embedded in Middle Eastern culture and history, often associated with hospitality and social gatherings, Turkish teachers explained that there is also a form of symbolism in bringing coffee and water together as one prepares Turkish coffee. If a guest drinks water, it is an expression of hunger. But if he drinks coffee, it is an expression of satiety.
In Turkiye, the coffee tradition takes an even more revered form in important events. During weddings, when there's a groom in the house, the tradition of serving coffee take on a special significance. This moment is crucial, signifying a welcoming and respectful gesture towards the guest. As it was in the past, it was an opportunity to express acceptance or rejection of the proposal.
In the past, before the advent of phones and social networking sites, communication between men and women was challenging due to social norms of modesty. A girl couldn't directly speak to a young man, but once he proposed, she could indicate her acceptance or rejection through a coffee ritual. If she put salt in his coffee cup, it signaled rejection without anyone else knowing. Conversely, if she added sugar, it meant he was accepted.
Nowadays, these connotations have changed, so putting salt in coffee is a joke, meaning that if the suitor drinks a cup of coffee filled with salt, it signifies that he can bear life despite its problems and challenges.
As earlier mentioned, the preparation of Turkish coffee demands precision and skill. Intense espresso is used, prepared in a special pot called a 'cezve,' where coffee is mixed with water and sugar if desired. It is served in small cups with sugar cubes. This experience provides an opportunity for people to sit together, share moments of conversation, and relish the rich flavor of this iconic beverage.
In a short time, thanks to both the merchants and travelers who came to Istanbul, the taste and fame of Turkish coffee spread first to Europe and then to the whole world.
In Oman, Turkish coffee is a celebrated drink not only to communicate hospitality but also one of the best ways that Middle Eastern culture is shared with the world.
Oman Observer is now on the WhatsApp channel. Click here
