Istanbul |
Turkish people and Coffee: Istanbul was introduced to coffee in the 16 century during the reign of Sultan Suleiman the Magnificent by Özdemir Pasha, the Ottoman Governor of Yemen, who had grown to love the drink while stationed in that country. Coffee soon became a vital part of the palace’s cuisine and was very popular in court. The position of Chief Coffee Maker (kahvecibaşı) was added to the roster of court functionaries. The Chief Coffee Maker's duty was to brew the Sultan's or his patron's coffee, and was chosen for his loyalty and ability to keep secrets. The annals of Ottoman History record a number of Chief Coffee Makers who rose through the ranks to become Grand Viziers to the Sultan. Coffee soon spread from the palace to grand mansions, and from grand mansions to the homes of the public. The people of Istanbul quickly felt in love with the beverage. Green coffee beans were purchased and then roasted at home on pans. The beans were then grounded in mortars and brewed in coffee pots known as "cezve". The coffee's reputation soon spread beyond the country. |
Turkish coffee from here and there: Mediterranean people love to have guests. Whether in the Balkans or the Middle East, the tradition of offering a warm beverage to welcome guest is common to many countries that like to drink coffee when receiving people at their homes. In Armenia, Turkish coffee is called (surč̣ 'coffee') or (haykakan 'Armenian'). It is either served regular (sovorakan), sweet (k’aġc’r) or without sugar (daṙë). The fortune telling in the coffee ground is shared by other countries such as Armenia and Lebanon. In Greece, Turkish coffee was formerly referred to simply as τούρκικος 'Turkish'.
Pure, a teaspoon, in Turkish "Sade".
Medium, a teaspoon + a sugar spoon, in Turkish, "Orta"
Sweet, a teaspoon + 2 teaspoons sugar spoon, and in Turkish "sekerli"