Randa Refaat
The Turkish Embassy in Cairo marked the International Turkish Coffee Day, observed on December 5th, with a distinguished cultural event that highlighted the depth of Turkish heritage and the growing cultural affinity between Türkiye and Egypt.
The celebration brought together prominent figures from the artistic, cultural, and media communities. Guests were welcomed with the authentic aroma of traditional Turkish coffee, accompanied by Turkish malban and a variety of signature sweets. A curated multimedia presentation took attendees on a journey through five centuries of the rich history of Turkish coffee — a beverage that has evolved into a global cultural symbol.
The presentation traced the introduction of coffee to Istanbul in 1517 by Özdemir Pasha, the Ottoman governor of Yemen, and detailed how the Ottomans developed its unique preparation method using copper pots, giving rise to what is now internationally known as “Turkish coffee.” It also highlighted the drink’s profound social and cultural significance, which led to its inscription on UNESCO’s List of Intangible Cultural Heritage in 2013.
In his keynote speech, the Turkish Ambassador to Egypt, Salih Mutlu Şen, added a heartfelt dimension to the celebration by invoking the famous Turkish proverb: “A cup of coffee commits one to forty years of friendship.” He emphasized that the saying captures the essence of loyalty and human connection embedded within Turkish culture.
Ambassador Şen underscored the central role Turkish coffee plays in everyday life in Türkiye, noting that the average citizen consumes two cups a day. He explained that it is traditionally served on all occasions—from family visits and social gatherings to business meetings—adding humorously that: “A marriage proposal without Turkish coffee is simply unimaginable in Türkiye.”
The Ambassador also acknowledged Yemen’s role as the birthplace of coffee, affirming that Istanbul served as the gateway through which Turkish coffee culture spread across Europe and eventually the world, carried by travelers, merchants, and diplomats. He pointed out that Turkish coffee is also widely enjoyed in Egypt, in homes, cafés, restaurants, and workplaces — a shared cultural bond that strengthens ties between the two nations.
Ambassador Şen concluded with a message of partnership and shared destiny, stating:
“We hope to continue enriching our cultures, economies, and common values together. Türkiye and Egypt share not only a past, but also a promising future.”
Through this warm celebration, Türkiye reaffirmed that Turkish coffee is more than a beverage; it is a cultural bridge, a symbol of hospitality, and a timeless expression of friendship between nations.
