Discovery and History of Coffee
Hello dear coffee lovers,
Coffee is an indispensable drink for many of us to start the day, to relax after a busy day or to share pleasant moments with our loved ones. So, have you ever wondered where this delicious drink originates from? Let's take a pleasant journey into the history of coffee together.
The Legendary Discovery of Coffee
The most famous legend about the discovery of coffee begins in Ethiopia in the 9th century. According to legend, a goat herder named Kaldi noticed that his goats began to jump energetically after eating some bright red berries. Kaldi collected these berries and took them to a local monastery. The monks of the monastery discovered that by boiling these berries and drinking them, they could stay awake throughout the night. This discovery is considered the first step in the spread of coffee throughout the world.
The Rise of Coffee in Arabia
Coffee became very popular in Yemen in the 15th century after spreading from Ethiopia to Arabia. Sufi dervishes in particular began using coffee to help them stay awake and stay vigorous during their long nights of prayer. In Yemen, coffee beans were first roasted, ground, and prepared in a manner similar to today's. Spreading from this region, coffee quickly spread to the Middle East, North Africa, and the Ottoman Empire via Arabia's trade routes.
The Birth of Coffee Houses
Coffee became very popular in the Ottoman Empire, especially in Istanbul, in the 16th century. Coffeehouses were not only places to drink coffee, but also social and cultural meeting points. People would gather in coffeehouses to chat, read books, play chess and listen to music. This culture, which was brought from the Ottoman Empire to Europe, spread rapidly in major European cities such as Venice, London and Paris in the 17th century, and coffeehouses became an indispensable part of Europe.
Coffee Revolution in Europe
When coffee reached Europe, it initially caused some controversy. Some clergymen were wary of this "black drink" and wanted it banned. However, when Pope Clement VIII tasted it in the 1600s, it quickly became accepted in Europe. Coffee soon became a favorite drink of European society and intellectuals.
The first coffeehouse to open in London became known as the "Penny University" because for just a penny, people could drink coffee, chat, and catch up on the news of the day. This shows how effective coffee was as a social drink.
The Evolution of Coffee to the Present Day
Over time, coffee has spread all over the world, and each culture has added its own interpretation to coffee. Italy's espresso, France's café au lait, Turkey's Turkish coffee, Brazil's strong and intense coffees... Each one is a different reflection of coffee becoming a global culture.
Today, coffee is not just a drink; it is also a lifestyle, a ritual. We want to make the coffee experience even more special with the handmade cups and mugs we offer in our store. Knowing the stories and origins of coffee strengthens our commitment to this delicious drink.
Coffee is a beverage that has brought people together, deepened conversations, and united cultures for centuries. I hope your journey with coffee is enjoyable and delicious.
With love,
Gulsum
