Its more than just coffee, its "The Turkish Coffee"

In today's crowded, loud, fast and almost virtual lives of ours, some of us drink coffee, some of us drink tea to keep up with this crazy pace. I must admit that I am more of a coffee drinker rather than tea, and I always looked at it like being a dog or cat type person. The bitter capitalist perception didn't lose any time to come up with multibillion dollar chains of coffee shops chains like Starbucks, Cafe Nero, and Gloria Jean's to satisfy people's unsatisfiable, capricious and endless requests of their customers. I always found it very funny to watch people when ordering their coffee at the counter of Starbucks: "-One decaf cappuccino, with skimmed milk foam, no syrup, but extra cacao and with a touch of cinnamon" Yes you re right, for a guy like me who loves to keep things simple in Life, Love and Food, such complexity gives me the creeps.

However, Turkish coffee is probably one the oldest known type of coffee and cooking technique  in the world. Although the name refers "Turkish", coffee beans are not grown in Turkey, its just the way its cooked and grinded and it goes back to 14th century. Today, I am not going to get into details in its cooking techniques, the way its served, or where it came from. My purpose of writing this article is to give you another perspective at Turkish Coffee and its ritualistic culture.

Let me take you back in time....back to 1700s. Pretend that you are an important person and got invited into the palace. Upon your arrival, you are welcomed by the butler and offered Turkish Delight in Gulbahar

Turkish delights in Gulbahar 

This is symbolising an old Turkish proverb which can be translated as; "Lets eat sweet, and talk sweet" implying to have a nice conversation during your stay. It is also believed that, having a Turkish Delight would increase your blood sugar, easing your excitement before your acceptance by the Sultan. Then arrives the Palace's CoffeeMaster (Kahvecibasi -Tur.) along with three concubines from Harem to serve your coffee, without looking directly to your eyes. Talking about being picky and capricious in Starbucks in today's world? Think again....

When I was a kid, my mother had frequent morning coffee gatherings with her friends. They would talk, and laugh for hours. Back then, I never understood it, but now, I realize how important of a role which Turkish Coffee plays in our lives. After an excellent meal, a difficult day, during business meetings, pre-marriage family introductions, before the final examinations at college, and in many different occasions, Turkish Coffee contributes to our lives; quietly but sacredly for centuries.

Hope to have my Turkish Coffee at a Starbucks in NewYork sometimes. Is it too much to ask? That is my caprice

For further reading on Turkish Coffee, here are some of the links I recommend:

Wikipedia

Mehmet Efendi Turkish Coffee Producer

How to cook perfect Turkish Coffee (YouTube Video)