With almost 500 years under its belt, Turkish coffee has witnessed a rich tapestry of events and cultural shifts, leading to the fascinating traditions we see today. If you’re curious about how this journey began, dive into the captivating history of Turkish coffee. Now, let’s explore the 4 most interesting customs connected with this distinctive brew.
Marriage and “pranks”
When a man proposes, he visits the family of the woman he wishes to marry to seek their blessing. During this visit, the bride-to-be takes on the role of the coffee maker.
She uses the traditional Turkish coffee pot, called a “cezve”, and the aroma of the coffee fills the room, creating an atmosphere of anticipation.
Making good coffee indicates that she is ready for marriage. This custom still exists to this day in more traditional families, says Culture Trip.
Interesting fact: In the Balkans, people have embraced parts of Turkish traditions because of Ottoman rule. When someone makes a good coffee, it is common to say, “You are ready to get married,” as a joke.
Why do Turkish people put salt in coffee?
Here’s where pranks come into play. The bride-to-be occasionally adds a pinch of salt to playfully test her future husband. This act may seem peculiar to outsiders, but it holds a deeper meaning since she tries his temperament.
The addition of salt to the coffee serves as a test of the groom’s character and patience. It is believed that if he can drink salty coffee without showing signs of displeasure or disgust, he possesses the qualities necessary to handle challenges and difficulties in married life.
Serving
Traditionally, Turkish coffee is served in small cups called “fincans”. These cups are usually made of porcelain or ceramic and are beautifully decorated with intricate designs and patterns. The elegance of the cups adds to the overall experience.
Why is Turkish coffee served with water?
Serving water alongside Turkish coffee serves a practical purpose. The flavor of Turkish coffee is strong and bold, and the water acts as a palate cleanser.
Sipping a small amount of water before and after each sip of coffee helps cleanse the taste buds and prepare them for rich flavors.
Delights and foods
Turkish coffee is often served with delight and baklava. These sweet treats, providing a harmony of contrasting flavors and textures with the coffee, serve to enhance the overall experience. Another common practice is serving a cube of sugar with the coffee, allowing drinkers to dip the cube into the coffee and create a magical bitter-sweet taste.
Wondering what is the best treat to par with this unique brewing style? Check out the top 4 snacks for Turkish coffee.
Fortune telling
After enjoying a cup of Turkish coffee, the leftover coffee grounds are used for fortune-telling.
The cup is inverted on the saucer, allowing the grounds to settle and create unique patterns and symbols.
These patterns are believed to hold hidden messages and symbols that can be interpreted to reveal aspects of the person’s life, such as love, career, health, or upcoming events.
The coffee reading is usually done by a friend who learned it from some older family member or who is patient enough to search for the symbols on the internet. There are also “experts” who claim they can read the coffee grounds like a book.
Final thoughts
Taking part in these traditions goes beyond drinking robust and savory coffee. The experience of sharing becomes a gateway to understanding a culture rich in history.
It offers a unique blend of flavors, emotions, and meanings, symbolic of Turkish hospitality and their penchant for turning everyday activities into art.
My journey through renowned bars and coffee shops over five years, as a barista, coffee aficionado, and former bartender, has honed my pursuit for the perfect cup. My passion for coffee isn’t just about the brew—it’s about sharing the knowledge and insights I’ve gleaned along the way.
