Turkey is famous for its immense number of traditions, ranging from typical dances of the dervishes to the way they prepare tea or coffee. These infusions, especially Turkish tea, are very present in the daily life of the citizens of this incredible country, and today we invite you to discover the fascinating custom of tea in Turkey.
Traditional drinks, hot or cold, are usually present at all family, friend or even work gatherings. In many countries, coffee is drunk with sandwiches, but in Turkey, the most present drink in people’s social life is tea.
Turkish tea, also known as çay, has a very specific origin. Tea leaves grow in the vicinity of the Black Sea, in places where the land is moist and fertile. Due to its characteristics, Turkish tea qualifies as a type of black tea, but its taste and presentation make it special.
Similarly, the consumption of Turkish tea is so widespread within the country that it can only rival the other most popular drink in the region, coffee. Commonly, a Turkish citizen can drink up to four cups of tea per day.
This type of tea is also popular on the island of Cyprus, and in countries where Turkish immigration is notorious.
A cup of traditional Turkish tea has a whole brewing ritual behind it, which usually begins by brewing the typical Turkish teapot, which has a bottom and a top part.
First, the water is boiled in the lower kettle, and only when it is already boiling, is it added to the upper kettle, which should already have the tea leaves. Then, for the preparation to be completed, the lower kettle is filled with water, put on a low heat and on top of it, the upper kettle is placed.
This peculiar technique for making tea allows the infusion to be always hot, and the original tea is not mixed with the new water. Likewise, the Turkish teapot is large, so it can fill several cups of tea.
In Turkey, the cups or glasses that are used for tea are also special, these are usually glass, small and delicate. It is important to remember that Turkish tea is strong, and is not served in oversized cups.
Sharing tea is not just a custom, it is also a gesture of welcome and hospitality. In restaurants, bars, food stalls and in the homes themselves, diners or visitors are greeted with a steaming cup of tea.
In the same way, tea is an ideal companion, which goes with all meals of the day. According to tradition, Turkish tea has digestive properties, and in many places it is served free, as a gesture of kindness and attention to the diner.
While you are touring Istanbul and other places in Turkey, rest assured that you will come across many cups of Turkish tea, and if you take advantage of them, you will be able to know first-hand one of the most beautiful traditions of this great country.
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