Coffee has deep roots in the Arab world, where it was first cultivated and brewed as a social and cultural staple. Long before reaching Europe, coffee was an essential part of daily life in the Middle East, with the first coffeehouses emerging in cities like Mecca, Cairo, and Istanbul.
In this article, we explore the fascinating history of coffee in the Arab world, the rise of the first coffeehouses, and their lasting impact on global coffee culture.
The Origins of Coffee in Yemen and Ethiopia
The history of coffee begins in Ethiopia, where legend tells of a goat herder named Kaldi who noticed his goats becoming energetic after eating red berries from a certain plant. Curious, Kaldi tried the berries himself and discovered their stimulating effect.
By the 15th century, coffee had spread from Ethiopia to Yemen, where Sufi monks used it to stay awake during long prayers and meditations. Yemeni traders cultivated coffee and began exporting it through the port of Mocha, which later became synonymous with high-quality coffee.
Yemenis developed the earliest known brewing methods, roasting and grinding coffee beans before steeping them in water, similar to modern Turkish and Arabic coffee. The drink quickly became popular in Islamic religious circles and spread to major cities in the Middle East.
The First Coffeehouses: Meeting Places for Intellectuals and Traders
The first coffeehouses, known as qahveh khaneh, appeared in Mecca, Cairo, and Damascus during the 16th century. These establishments were more than just places to drink coffee—they became social centers where people gathered to discuss religion, politics, poetry, and business.
In Mecca, coffeehouses became especially popular among pilgrims visiting the holy city. This helped spread coffee culture across the Islamic world, as travelers took their love for the beverage back to their homelands.
The popularity of coffeehouses soon spread to Istanbul, where the Ottoman Empire embraced coffee culture. The first coffeehouses in Istanbul were opened in 1555 by two Syrian traders, introducing a new era of social and intellectual life in the empire.
Coffee and the Ottoman Empire: A Political Tool and a Threat
Under the Ottomans, coffee became an essential part of court culture, with elaborate rituals surrounding its preparation and consumption. The Sultan’s palace had its own chief coffee maker, responsible for brewing coffee for the ruler and his guests.
However, coffeehouses also became centers for political discussion and resistance. As in Europe centuries later, governments feared that intellectuals and dissidents were using coffeehouses to criticize rulers and plot revolutions.
In the 17th century, Sultan Murad IV attempted to ban coffee, fearing that it encouraged rebellion. The punishment for drinking coffee in public was severe—sometimes even death. Despite these harsh laws, coffeehouses continued to thrive, showing their importance in social life.
The Role of Coffee in Arabic Literature and Poetry
In addition to politics, coffee played a major role in Arabic literature and poetry. Writers and scholars often met in coffeehouses to discuss ideas, share their works, and debate philosophy. Many classical Arab poems mention coffee as a source of inspiration, comparing its dark richness to deep thoughts and wisdom.
One famous poet, Ahmad al-Ghaffar, wrote:
“Oh coffee, my companion in solitude,
Dark as the night, yet brightens my mind,
Your aroma awakens the sleeping soul,
A drink fit for kings and wandering poets.”
The connection between coffee and intellectual discourse established a tradition that continues today, as coffee remains an essential part of social and artistic gatherings in the Arab world.
The Spread of Coffee to Europe: A Controversial Introduction
By the late 16th century, coffee had spread beyond the Arab world to Venice, where traders brought it from Ottoman lands. Initially, European Christians were suspicious of the dark drink, calling it the “bitter invention of Satan.”
However, after Pope Clement VIII tasted coffee, he declared it “delicious” and gave it his blessing, leading to its widespread acceptance.
As coffeehouses opened across Europe, they adopted many traditions from the Arab world, such as gathering for intellectual discussions and storytelling.
Modern-Day Coffee Culture in the Arab World
Today, coffee remains a symbol of hospitality and tradition in the Arab world. In many countries, serving coffee is an important part of social etiquette, especially during weddings, business meetings, and family gatherings.
Traditional Arabic Coffee (Qahwa)
Arabic coffee, known as qahwa, is still prepared using ancient methods:
- Lightly roasted beans are ground and boiled with water.
- Cardamom, cloves, or saffron are often added for extra flavor.
- The coffee is served in small cups without sugar, alongside dates or sweets.
In Bedouin culture, offering coffee to a guest is a sign of respect. The first cup is usually served to the guest of honor, and refusing coffee is considered impolite.
The Lasting Legacy of Arab Coffee Culture
The Arab world gave birth to the modern coffee industry, from its cultivation in Yemen to the first coffeehouses in Mecca and Istanbul. The traditions and rituals surrounding coffee have influenced global coffee culture, from Italian espresso bars to American coffee chains.
Even today, the social role of coffee remains strong. Whether in traditional Arabic gatherings or modern cafés in Dubai and Beirut, coffee continues to bring people together for conversation, storytelling, and intellectual exchange—just as it did centuries ago.