The Art of Turkish Tea

Tea is more than a beverage in Turkey - it's a symbol of hospitality, warmth, and connection. Whether shared among friends, served to customers, or enjoyed quietly at home, Turkish tea, known as çay, plays a central role in daily life. Its deep red color, distinctive aroma, and ritualistic preparation represent a cultural heritage that continues to thrive across generations. Let's journey into the art of Turkish tea and uncover why it is so special.

Tea did not become widespread in Turkey until the late 19th century. Prior to that, coffee dominated social life. However, as coffee became expensive and access became difficult, tea emerged as an affordable alternative. The Black Sea region, specifically Rize, became Turkey's tea capital thanks to its perfect climate and soil conditions.

Today, tea is deeply ingrained in Turkish identity. Nearly every household consumes it daily, and Turkey ranks among the world's highest tea-drinking nations. It is not uncommon for people to drink six to ten small tulip-shaped glasses a day-each cup a moment of pause in a busy world.

The shape of the tea glass matters as much as the tea itself. The ince belli, or "slim-waisted" tulip glass, enhances aroma and showcases the rich amber color. Its elegant curve allows the tea to remain hot on top while staying comfortable to hold at the base—practicality fused with aesthetics.

This glass has become an icon of Turkish culture. You will rarely find households or cafés serving tea in anything else.

Brewing Turkish tea is an art form. Unlike Western steeping, it uses a two-tiered teapot system called a "çaydanlık."

The lower pot boils water, while the upper pot holds loose tea leaves. A portion of boiling water is poured over the leaves, creating a strong concentrate. More hot water remains in the lower kettle to dilute tea to one's preferred strength.

Turkish tea lovers often describe tea as:

• Demli (strong)
• Açık (light)

Each person pours their tea accordingly, making the ritual highly personalized.

Turkish tea relies on high-quality loose leaves, typically from Rize. The aroma is earthy and floral, and the taste slightly tannic. Many tea drinkers favor varieties with a copper-like glow when brewed—believed to be the sign of a perfect steep.

Unlike British tea, Turkish tea is rarely taken with milk. Instead, it is served with küp şeker, small sugar cubes traditionally held between the teeth and melted sip by sip. This ritual adds character and slows down the drinking process - reminding people that tea is meant to be savored.

Tea is a social language. In homes, workplaces, and shops, the moment a guest enters, a pot of tea is set to brew.

Offering tea means:

• You are welcome.
• Stay a little longer.
• Let's connect.

In rural villages, travelling vendors deliver glasses of fresh tea to doorsteps, workshops, or farms - proof of how deeply tea binds community life.

Tea is present at every moment:

• First drink after waking
• With breakfast (kahvaltı)
• Mid-morning break
• During business meetings
• After meals as a digestive
• Late night gatherings

It is rhythm, comfort, and familiarity in a cup.

Across Turkey, especially in Istanbul, Izmir, and coastal cities, tea gardens remain beloved meeting places.

Here, people enjoy:

• Bosphorus views
• Gentle breezes
• Endless refills

Games like tavla (backgammon) fill tables, conversations stretch across hours, and time slows down.

While black tea is most common, Turkey also celebrates herbal teas such as:

• Adaçayı (sage tea)
• Ihlamur (linden blossom tea)
• Kuşburnu (rosehip tea)

These brews reflect the diversity of Turkish wellness traditions, often served during winter months for health benefits.

Today, Turkish tea lands on global menus and specialty cafés around the world. Modern restaurants experiment with:

• Tea pairing menus
• Tea-infused desserts
• Cold brewed varieties
• Culinary applications

Yet, the essence remains unchanged—the ritual of slowing down, savoring flavor, and sharing connection.

1. Heat Water in the lower pot.
2. Add Loose Leaves to the upper pot.
3. Pour Hot Water Over Leaves to begin steeping.
4. Reduce Heat and allow to simmer for 10–15 minutes.
5. Serve by Mixing Strong Brew and Hot Water to desired strength.

Pair it with:

• Simit (Turkish bagel)
• Baklava
• Fresh pastries

And you're enjoying tea the authentic way.

More than flavor, Turkish tea represents:

• Tradition
• Hospitality
• Warmth
• Connection

It is shared between merchants, neighbors, friends, and strangers. It invites conversation and lingers long after the last sip.

In a fast-paced world, Turkish tea is a reminder to slow down - one tulip glass at a time.