It is interesting to trace the spread of coffee throughout the world, a plant and its bean that have slowly as well as swiftly at times, become one of the planet’s favorite beverages. Its relationship to the Middle East, though relatively little is known or thought of it (coffee is namely thought of as a Western beverage) is built on a strong bond, for the Middle East is the land of its genesis. First discovered in a region of Ethiopia called Kaffa, the energizing power of the brew caused its popularity and spread into the greater area of the Middle East, where it was generally prepared in various ways according to the region, the most famous being Turkish coffee, a style characterized by coffee grounds being gently roasted and unstrained, consumed black or with varying degrees of sugar, sometimes with a cinnamon stick on the side.
In today’s international culture, coffee consumption has become primarily centered around the West, chiefly in the United States and Western Europe, with brands such as Starbucks and Costa Coffee going on to become massive worldwide chains that now dominate coffee culture and reap most of the benefits from its status as a billion dollar industry. Even though coffee consumption is still low in the Middle East compared to the West, it is a growing industry, spreading now from Dubai, where it is highly in vogue, rather than Ethiopia. Though this is certainly an example of Westernization, it is interesting to see the full circle that coffee has made in recent years, passing through numerous cultures before coming back to its land of origin - and while the big brands are certainly atop the market, smaller purveyors, independent coffee shops and unique strains of bean are also on the rise, adding a distinctly Middle Eastern flair to the worldwide coffee renaissance that is brewing.
- Daniel Autry
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You reminded me how much I miss good turkish coffee :(.
ReplyDeleteI heard that Ethiopians sometimes drink coffee with lemon.
ReplyDeleteIt's really interesting to see cultural similarities and differences across different regions. I was not aware that coffee drinking was common in the Middle East, because of Muslim refrain from drinking "intoxicants" like alcohol and other substances. This reminds me of the recent celebration of Valentines Day in Iran, since it represents the synergy of Eastern and Western culture.
ReplyDelete- Allison
I think it's really cool how the Middle East's interest in coffee is growing, especially since most people don't drink coffee and drink tea (known as "chai") instead. But I definitely do think that the Westernized idea of drinking coffee as a social beverage is becoming more popular, especially amongst the younger generations.
ReplyDeleteIt seems like everything originated in the middle east, from homo sapiens to coffee
ReplyDelete-Steven Rayburn
I love coffee. I remember at some point in the semester we talked about an Islamic movement focused on returning to life strictly guided by the original Qu'ran and Hadith writings, and as a result, the customs of coffee drinking and tobacco smoking were forbidden. I wonder how large of a role this sentiment played in the history of coffee throughout the region.
ReplyDeleteReally interesting, I hope the beverage isn't desecrated by corporations.
ReplyDeleteInterestingly, what we know as Mocha coffee is cultivated in Yemen
ReplyDeletehttp://www.coffeereview.com/coffee-reference/coffee-categories/geographic-origins/coffees-from-africa-and-arabia/yemen/
- Freya James
Interesting! I didn't know coffee originated in the Middle East. Hopefully I can try some of this truly authentic coffee someday.
ReplyDeleteI've always wondered how people came up with the idea of coffee, mixing water with ground up beans. I would love to know the story behind that!
ReplyDelete-Olive McKay
I'd be curious to see of other uses of the coffee bean and plant throughout history. Considering it's origins within the region as a drink, it would be interesting to see their other early uses of the plant before they came up with the drink.
ReplyDeleteJ.R. Purvis
Chai time/coffee time is a major part of the culture. It is almost a form of sharing love with each other. The time spent is quite lovely and you get to share a warm cup of deliciously strong coffee. Of course with a sweet treat and nice conversation.
ReplyDeleteChai time/coffee time is a major part of the culture. It is almost a form of sharing love with each other. The time spent is quite lovely and you get to share a warm cup of deliciously strong coffee. Of course with a sweet treat and nice conversation.
ReplyDelete