Turkish coffee is probably one of the first items that come to mind of people who are asked about what makes Turkish tradition unique.
Taking its roots from the Ottoman times of the country, this beverage, which is served in small cups and usually accompanied with Turkish delight and a small glass of water, is itself a significant symbol of Turkish entertainment and hospitality.
Interestingly, serving salty coffee to test the endurance of the potential groom is a very old tradition in engagement ceremonies of Turks.
In 2013, Turkish coffee and its tradition joined the list of the intangible cultural heritage of humanity of under UNESCO.
Therefore, being a centuries-old ritual for Turkish people, drinking coffee that is sometimes followed by fortune-telling bears now a new meaning in the context of Istanbul, the sixth most attractive global touristic destination last year.
The opening of new generation and craft-minded coffee houses in different corners of the city combines the socialization effect of this communal tradition with discovering new tastes and brewing techniques.
Such a radical transformation of an ancient tradition not only changes Turkish coffee scene, but appeals new visitors and foreign investment to Turkey to expand their presence in this brand new sector.
This has certainly repercussions over the real estate sector to rent locations that have strategic importance to reach coffee-lovers of the metropolis. Proceeding into right investments is therefore important before that new trend reaches critical mass.
Since a couple of years, Moda district in the Anatolian side as well as Karakoy, Nisantasi and Cihangir districts in the European side of Istanbul host a growing number of coffee houses which do not restrict themselves with routinely serving Turkish coffee, but offer Istanbul residents new coffee tastes with new architectural ambiances and barista training facilities.
These coffee houses, generally built in small areas and which are sometimes the local branches of global brands, serves a wide range of coffee specialties, sometimes bringing innovation to Turkish coffee with exotic ingredients like Coffeetopia in the historical district of Sultanahmet, which serves Turkish coffee made with a blend of Sumatra and Ethiopia Yirgacheffe coffee beans.
Another coffee shop, Ministry of Coffee in Nisantasi offers coffee lovers and professionals a unique opportunity to deepen their knowledge about coffee beans and roasting, while enjoying a warm interior design.
Noir Pit Coffee in Beyoglu district is another new coffee house that serves organic coffee for the residents who attach high importance to organic consuming.
As Turkish saying goes, “a cup of coffee commits one to forty years of friendship”. And it seems that with the growing appeal of Istanbul in the eyes of foreign investors, the new generation coffee houses will commit a real boost in the coming years.