When Did Turkish Coffee Become a UNESCO Intangible? (A Closer Look)


Turkish coffee has been an integral part of the cultural and social life in Turkey for centuries, but it has recently become an even bigger part of the global stage.

In 2013, Turkish coffee was added to the UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage List, joining the ranks of more than 400 other cultural elements from around the world.

But what is the history of Turkish coffee, and what led to its recognition by UNESCO? In this article, we will look at the history of Turkish coffee, the process of becoming a UNESCO Intangible, and the role of coffee culture in Turkey.

We will also explore the reactions of the people of Turkey when their beloved coffee was added to UNESCO’s list, and finish with some final thoughts about its importance.

Read on to learn more about Turkish coffee and UNESCO!

Short Answer

Turkish coffee was added to the UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity list in 2013.

The addition of this popular Turkish beverage was based on its 500 year old history.

Turkish coffee is a traditional method of making and serving coffee that is still used in many parts of the world.

It is a social event as much as it is a beverage, and is often shared between family and friends.

History of Turkish Coffee

Turkish coffee has been a part of Turkish culture for centuries, dating back to the 16th century.

It was originally known as “qahwa” and was believed to have been brought to the Ottoman Empire from Yemen.

The coffee was then made popular throughout the empire by the Ottoman Sultan Murad IV, who was known to enjoy the beverage himself.

Over the years, Turkish coffee has become a symbol of hospitality and friendship in Turkey, as it is often served to guests in social and cultural settings.

The traditional method of brewing Turkish coffee involves roasting the beans over a low flame, then grinding them to a very fine powder.

The powder is then boiled with water and sugar in a small pot called a cezve.

As the coffee boils, a thick foam forms on the surface which is then poured out into the cup.

The same water is then used to reheat and reboil the coffee, creating a flavorful and aromatic cup of coffee.

In 2013, UNESCO added Turkish coffee to its Intangible Cultural Heritage list, recognizing its important role in Turkish culture.

The recognition has been celebrated by many in Turkey, and the beverage has become even more popular in recent years.

It is now served in cafes and restaurants around the world, and is a beloved part of the Turkish culture.

Overview of UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage List

The UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage List was created in 2003 as a way to recognize the rich cultural heritage of various countries throughout the world.

The list is an effort to preserve and protect the cultural practices, traditions, and knowledge of different cultures that have been passed down through generations.

It also serves to raise awareness of the importance of these practices and to promote mutual understanding and respect among different cultures.

The list is comprised of over 350 intangible cultural heritage elements from over 90 countries.

These elements range from traditional music, dance, and festivals, to culinary and craft traditions, to oral histories and languages.

Each element is selected by the UNESCO Intergovernmental Committee for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage, which meets annually to evaluate nominations and make decisions on which elements to add or remove from the list.

Coffee Culture in Turkey

Since the 16th century, coffee has been an integral part of Turkish culture.

It is a source of hospitality, friendship, and connection.

Since the start of the Ottoman Empire, Turkish coffee has been a popular drink among the people, and it continues to be a beloved part of the culture today.

The coffee is prepared with a unique roasting and brewing technique that requires the beans to be roasted in a pan on a low flame and ground to a fine powder.

The powder is then boiled with water and sugar until it forms a thick foam.

This method of preparation has been passed down through generations, and is still widely practiced today.

The taste and aroma of Turkish coffee is distinct and unmistakable, and it has become a symbol of the countrys culture and identity.

In fact, it is not uncommon to find families and friends gathering around the coffee pot on special occasions, or even just for a casual chat.

Turkish coffee is also closely linked to hospitality.

It is customary for hosts to offer a cup of Turkish coffee to visitors, and this gesture of kindness can be seen in many homes across the country.

Furthermore, the beverage is also used to celebrate special occasions, such as weddings and the birth of a child.

Given its importance in Turkish culture, it is no surprise that Turkish coffee was added to the UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage list in 2013.

This recognition was seen as an important acknowledgment of the nation’s cultural heritage, and a celebration of the drink’s unique flavor and aroma.

The Role of Turkish Coffee in Social and Cultural Life

Turkish coffee has been a part of Turkish life for centuries, and is deeply entrenched in the countrys social and cultural life.

From wedding ceremonies to special occasions like the Nobel Prize award ceremony, Turkish coffee has been served as a symbol of hospitality and friendship.

It is also a popular way to start conversations and build relationships, as friends and family members often share a cup of Turkish coffee together.

The brewing process is a labor of love, and involves slow heating in a cezve.

This process of slow heating allows the coffee to release its full flavor and aroma, making it a truly unique cup.

The coffee is usually served with a glass of water, so that the drinker can appreciate the intense coffee flavor and taste.

For many, Turkish coffee is a way to honor the past and preserve traditions.

It has been a part of Turkish culture since the 16th century, and continues to be a source of pride for many in the country.

As such, it is no surprise that UNESCO recognized the brewing method as part of the countrys intangible cultural heritage in 2013.

Process of Becoming a UNESCO Intangible

The process of becoming a UNESCO Intangible is a long and complicated one, and Turkish Coffee is no exception.

To become a part of the Intangible Cultural Heritage list, a cultural tradition needs to meet certain criteria, and then it must be proposed, discussed, and voted on by UNESCO representatives.

In the case of Turkish Coffee, the tradition has been in practice for centuries, and it has been a part of Turkish culture and hospitality for almost as long.

This made it a prime candidate for UNESCO recognition, and it was proposed in 2012.

The proposal went through a series of discussions and debates at UNESCO and in Turkey itself.

There were some who argued that Turkish Coffee should not be a part of the list, as there were other cultural traditions that were more important or more significant.

However, the majority of the representatives at UNESCO agreed that Turkish Coffee had all the right characteristics to be a part of the list.

Finally, in 2013, Turkish Coffee was officially added to the UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage list.

This was a momentous occasion for the people of Turkey, as it was a recognition of the cultural importance of the beverage.

It was also a recognition of the hospitality and friendship that Turkish Coffee symbolizes.

Since 2013, Turkish Coffee has been celebrated by the people of Turkey and by UNESCO representatives alike.

It is a reminder of the cultural significance of the beverage and of the importance of friendship and hospitality.

Celebrations in Turkey After UNESCO Recognition

When Turkish coffee was added to the UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage list in 2013, it was a source of great pride and joy for many in Turkey.

The ancient roasting and brewing method of the coffee, which dates back to the 16th century, has been part of Turkey’s cultural fabric for centuries, and its recognition by UNESCO was seen as a major milestone.

In the aftermath of the news, celebratory events were held throughout the country to celebrate the achievement.

The event organizers were eager to showcase the unique and special nature of the beverage, and to demonstrate how it has been an integral part of Turkeys social and cultural life for centuries.

Many saw the UNESCO recognition as a stamp of approval on the beverage, one that would bring more attention to the countrys coffee culture.

In addition to celebratory events, Turkish coffee also became a popular topic of discussion in the media.

Newspapers, magazines, and television programs all discussed the recognition and its implications for Turkey.

Special interviews with experts in the field were conducted, and the beverage was featured in a range of programs and publications.

The recognition of Turkish coffee by UNESCO also had an impact on local businesses.

Speciality coffee shops emerged, offering a range of different Turkish varieties.

Local shops started to stock the coffee, and some even went so far as to set up special coffee-tasting events, allowing people to sample different varieties.

The recognition of Turkish coffee by UNESCO was a source of pride for many in Turkey, and the celebrations that followed showed just how important this beverage is to the countrys culture.

It is a symbol of hospitality and friendship, and its recognition is seen as a testament to the countrys rich cultural heritage.

Final Thoughts on Turkish Coffee and UNESCO

As a symbol of hospitality and friendship, Turkish coffee has been enjoyed in the country for centuries, and its addition to the UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage list in 2013 was a testament to its cultural significance.

As a result, the recognition of this cultural delicacy has been celebrated by many in Turkey.

While the traditional roasting and brewing method of Turkish coffee may have been around since the 16th century, it is clear that the beverage still has a strong place in the countrys social and cultural life.

Indeed, the roots of Turkish coffee go deeper than just a tasty drink.

It is also a part of the countrys history, customs, and culture.

As such, its inclusion in the UNESCO list is a great way to ensure that its importance is remembered and recognized for years to come.

It is also important to note that the addition of Turkish coffee to the UNESCO list is not only a great thing for Turkey, but for the world as well.

By recognizing the cultural significance of this beverage, UNESCO is sending a strong message that cultural heritage should be protected and celebrated.

This is a powerful way to emphasize the importance of preserving cultural heritage and keeping it alive.

In conclusion, the addition of Turkish coffee to the UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage list in 2013 was a great way to recognize and celebrate the cultural significance of this traditional beverage.

By doing so, UNESCO is helping to ensure that the importance of preserving cultural heritage is understood and appreciated.

And, with the recognition of Turkish coffee, the world can experience a taste of this amazing cultural delicacy.

Final Thoughts

Turkish coffee is a symbol of hospitality and friendship, and its addition to the UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage list is reflective of its importance in Turkish culture.

It is a part of the countrys social and cultural life, and something that has been celebrated by many in the region.

We now have a better understanding of the history of the coffee, and its significance in Turkish culture, and the process of becoming a UNESCO Intangible.

As we learn more about the cultural importance of Turkish coffee, we can appreciate its unique and delightful flavor even more.

Lets take a moment to celebrate the recognition of Turkish coffee as a UNESCO Intangible and spread the word about its rich cultural history.

James Stell

James used to just drink instant coffee, but after beginning his barista training, he discovered a whole new world. As he shares his experience with a global audience of coffee enthusiasts through Coffee Pursuing, he is now continuing to broaden his horizons and increase the depth of his expertise.

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