FAQ About Holidays In Turkey

Turkish tea and coffee are an integral part of Turkish culture, and there are certain customs and rules associated with their preparation and consumption. Here are some specific customs and etiquette related to Turkish tea and coffee:

Turkish Tea:

• Serving: Turkish tea is typically served in small, tulip-shaped glasses called "çay bardağı." The tea is usually brewed in a double-stacked teapot called a "çaydanlık," with strong tea in the upper pot and hot water in the lower pot. The tea is poured into the glass, and it's common to fill the glass only halfway to allow for adding water according to personal preference.
• Drinking: Turkish tea is sipped slowly and enjoyed in a leisurely manner. It's customary to hold the tea glass by the rim or the small handle. Be cautious as the tea can be hot.
• Accompaniments: Turkish tea is often served with a small sugar cube or a spoonful of sugar on the side. You can add sugar to your tea according to your taste. It's also common to have a glass of water alongside tea to cleanse the palate.
• Socializing: Turkish tea is a social beverage, and it's often enjoyed with friends, family, or colleagues. It's considered polite to offer tea to guests as a sign of hospitality when visiting someone's home or shop.

Turkish Coffee:

• Preparation: Turkish coffee is prepared by boiling finely ground coffee beans in a special pot called a "cezve." It is typically brewed with sugar and without milk. The coffee is served unfiltered, and the grounds settle at the bottom of the cup.
• Serving: Turkish coffee is traditionally served in small cups called "fincan." Along with coffee, a glass of water is often served to cleanse the palate. Turkish coffee is usually accompanied by a small sweet treat like a Turkish delight.
• Fortune Telling: After drinking Turkish coffee, it's common for some people to engage in the tradition of fortune-telling. The residual coffee grounds at the bottom of the cup are used to interpret patterns and symbols that can reveal insights about the future.
• Drinking: Turkish coffee is sipped slowly to savor the rich flavor. It's customary to hold the coffee cup by the rim or the small handle. Allow the coffee grounds to settle before attempting to drink it.
• Finishing: When you have finished drinking Turkish coffee, it's customary to flip the cup upside down on the saucer. This is a symbolic gesture to indicate that you have finished and that you don't want more coffee.