Mayor Turan Meets with Citizens at Beta Yeni Han on World Turkish Coffee and Culture Day

Mr. M. Ergün Turan, the Mayor of Fatih Municipality and Mr. Selim Terzi, the Director of General, met with citizens at Beta Yeni Han on World Turkish Coffee and Culture Day, recalling the historical journey of Turkish coffee in the 16th century.

Mr. M. Ergün Turan, the Mayor of Fatih Municipality, together with Mr. Selim Terzi, Director General of Living Heritage and Cultural Activities at the Ministry of Culture and Tourism, participated in the programme held at Beta Yeni Han as part of World Turkish Coffee and Culture Day. This historical building, known as the first roasting point for coffee in Istanbul during the Ottoman period, hosted the event as a powerful symbol reminiscent of the cultural journey of Turkish coffee.

In his speech at the programme, Mayor Turan stated that Turkish coffee encompasses a broad cultural spectrum, from its preparation method to its presentation aesthetics, and from its concept of hospitality to its tradition of conversation. He emphasised that Turkish coffee, with its fine grind, preparation over coals or a special brewing ritual, and its foam and grounds served alongside it, is a rare heritage passed down through generations with 500 years of accumulated knowledge. He stressed that its worldwide recognition also makes this cultural richness more visible.

Recalling that coffee is included in UNESCO's Intangible Cultural Heritage List, Mr. Turan stated that the efforts made to ensure the sustainability of this tradition are of great importance. He stated that Turkish coffee plays a role in strengthening the bonds between people both in everyday life and on special occasions, and in this respect, it continues to be one of the founding elements of social life.

Referring to the historical identity of Beta Yeni Han, where the event was held, Mr. Turan said that coffee was first roasted here in Istanbul, giving rise to a new culture. He stated that the smell of coffee being felt again in these streets today signifies the revival of a cultural journey stretching from the past to the present.

Throughout the programme, the historical journey of Turkish coffee was recounted, and traditional serving techniques were demonstrated to visitors. Mr. Turan thanked all the institutions and partners involved in organising the event, as well as the coffee masters, the organisational team, and all the cultural workers who contributed.

Emphasising that Turkish coffee is not just a flavour, but also a part of our cultural memory, our understanding of hospitality and our common social language, Mr. Turan celebrated World Turkish Coffee and Culture Day and wished all coffee lovers pleasant conversations.