The Art of Making Turkish Coffee: History, Tools, and Technique

Turkish coffee is one of the oldest and most culturally rich brewing methods in the world. It’s more than just a way to make coffee—it’s a tradition, an art, and for many, a sacred daily ritual. Every step, from grinding the beans to serving the final cup, is steeped in centuries of heritage and mindful craftsmanship.

In this article, we’ll explore the fascinating history, the essential tools, and the detailed technique that makes Turkish coffee so unique—and still relevant in our modern world.

A Historical Brew

Turkish coffee traces its origins back to the 16th century Ottoman Empire, where it was introduced through Yemen. It quickly gained popularity among the elite and was soon embraced across all levels of society. By the mid-1500s, coffeehouses—known as kahvehane—began opening in Istanbul. These became important cultural hubs where people gathered to talk politics, literature, and philosophy.

The practice of making and sharing Turkish coffee grew to symbolize hospitality and intellectual exchange. By the 17th century, the tradition had spread throughout the Middle East, North Africa, and the Balkans. In 2013, UNESCO added Turkish coffee to its Intangible Cultural Heritage list, acknowledging its lasting cultural significance.

“Coffeehouses became places where people not only drank coffee but also shared knowledge and culture.” – UNESCO, 2013

Understanding the Tools of the Trade

Making authentic Turkish coffee requires a few specialized tools, each with a distinct purpose. Though the process is simple in theory, the right equipment ensures the result is both delicious and traditional.

1. Cezve (Ibrik)

This is the iconic long-handled pot used to brew Turkish coffee. Traditionally made of copper with a tin lining, cezves come in various sizes. The long handle makes it easy to maneuver over heat, and the narrow neck helps build foam.

2. Finely Ground Coffee

Turkish coffee uses the finest grind of all brewing methods—almost like powdered sugar. This texture is essential because the coffee is not filtered, and it must settle at the bottom of the cup after brewing.

3. Grinder (Hand Mill or Electric Burr Grinder)

If you’re not buying pre-ground Turkish coffee, you’ll need a quality grinder capable of achieving a powder-fine texture. Traditionalists use a brass or copper hand mill, which adds to the ritual.

4. Serving Cups (Fincan)

These small porcelain or ceramic cups are similar to espresso cups but are part of a more elaborate and ornate serving tradition. Often, they come in decorative holders or with matching saucers.

5. Sugar (Optional)

Sugar is added before brewing and never after. It’s an essential part of the process and varies by preference:

• Sade (no sugar)
• Az şekerli (a little sugar)
• Orta (medium sweetness)
• Şekerli (sweet)

6. Water and Turkish Delight

A small glass of water and a piece of Turkish delight are traditionally served alongside the coffee to cleanse the palate and sweeten the moment.

Mastering the Technique

Brewing Turkish coffee is all about control, patience, and consistency. Here’s a step-by-step guide to doing it the traditional way.

Step 1: Measure the Ingredients

Use the ratio of 1 heaping teaspoon of coffee per cup of water (about 60 ml). Add sugar according to preference and never stir after heating begins.

Step 2: Mix Cold Ingredients in the Cezve

Add the coffee, cold water, and sugar into the cezve. Stir gently until fully combined. This is the only time you’ll stir during the entire process.

Step 3: Heat Slowly

Place the cezve over low heat or in a bed of hot sand (a traditional method). Let the mixture heat gradually, watching closely as foam begins to form.

“The secret of Turkish coffee lies in its foam—if the foam disappears, the soul of the coffee is gone.” – Ali Can Yücel, Turkish coffee master

Step 4: Control the Foam

Just before the mixture boils, remove the cezve from the heat. Skim the foam into the cup, then return the cezve to the heat and allow it to foam up a second time. This enhances the texture and flavor.

Step 5: Serve Without Stirring

Pour the coffee gently into the cup, preserving the foam. Do not stir. Allow the grounds to settle for a minute before sipping.

Foam: The Sign of a Perfect Cup

Foam is the hallmark of a well-brewed Turkish coffee. It’s not just aesthetic—it shows that the coffee was brewed slowly and carefully. In many households, more foam means more respect, especially when serving guests.

Here’s what a perfect foam says about your brewing:

Cultural Rituals Around the Brew

In Turkey, coffee isn’t just a drink—it’s woven into the fabric of life. It plays a role in courtship, hospitality, and even diplomacy.

• Marriage Proposals: A prospective bride traditionally makes Turkish coffee for the groom’s family. Sometimes, salt is added instead of sugar to see how patient the groom is.
• Holidays & Gatherings: Turkish coffee is served during celebrations, religious holidays, and moments of reunion.
• Daily Life: Many Turks enjoy at least one cup a day, often mid-morning or after a meal.

Fortune Telling and Reflection

After finishing the coffee, tradition allows for a moment of mystery—reading the coffee grounds, known as fal. The drinker flips the cup onto the saucer, waits for it to cool, and then a reader interprets the shapes.

Whether taken seriously or just for fun, the ritual invites self-reflection and often sparks deep, meaningful conversation.

“It’s not about seeing the future. It’s about opening the heart.” – Meltem Erdem, fal interpreter in Istanbul

Why This Tradition Endures

Despite the flood of modern coffee trends—cold brew, espresso machines, capsules—Turkish coffee remains timeless. Why?

• Simplicity: No machines, no filters—just coffee, water, and fire.
• Depth: The unfiltered method produces a bold, rich flavor with a full-bodied mouthfeel.
• Connection: It brings people together. It slows down time. It creates space for presence.

Bringing Turkish Coffee Into Your Life

Even if you’re not Turkish, you can embrace the ritual and beauty of this ancient brew. All you need is a cezve, quality coffee, and a few peaceful minutes in your day.

Try incorporating it as a morning meditation, a mid-day break, or an after-dinner ritual. Over time, you may discover that it’s not just a new way to brew coffee—but a new way to live.

A Craft Worth Mastering

Learning to make Turkish coffee is more than acquiring a recipe—it’s embracing a lifestyle of patience, beauty, and intention. The process rewards you with not just a delicious cup, but also a moment of stillness and connection.

In a world obsessed with speed, Turkish coffee invites us to slow down, savor, and truly taste—not just our coffee, but the moment we’re in.