Turkish Tea – The Heartbeat of Türkiye’s Hospitality Culture

Turkish tea, known as çay in Turkish, is far more than just a beverage; it is a cultural institution woven into the daily rhythm of life across Türkiye. Whether served in a bustling bazaar in Istanbul, a quiet coastal café in İzmir, or a mountain village in Rize, tea is at the center of social life, friendship, and hospitality.

Tea culture in Türkiye is deep-rooted and symbolic. Offering tea is one of the most sincere gestures of welcome and connection. It’s common to be served tea while shopping, visiting a friend, or waiting at a barber shop. For locals, drinking tea is not an isolated act but a shared ritual—a reason to pause, converse, and connect.

A Brief History of Tea in Türkiye

Although tea has been consumed in the Ottoman Empire since the 19th century, it only became widespread in the early 20th century. Mustafa Kemal Atatürk encouraged tea consumption as a national beverage due to its affordability compared to coffee, which was more expensive and harder to grow domestically. The Black Sea region of Rize, with its humid climate and rich soil, became the epicenter of Turkish tea cultivation.

Today, Rize remains the heart of Türkiye’s tea production, supplying nearly all of the country’s tea needs. The steep green hillsides overlooking the sea are covered with tea plantations, and the region’s tea gardens offer breathtaking views and fresh brews.

How Turkish Tea Is Prepared

Turkish tea is traditionally brewed using a çaydanlık, a two-tiered kettle consisting of a smaller pot on top for the tea leaves and a larger pot on the bottom for boiling water. The technique involves brewing a concentrated tea in the upper pot and diluting it to taste with hot water from the lower kettle.

The tea is poured into small, tulip-shaped glasses called ince belli, which are designed to preserve heat and enhance the flavor and aroma. The color of the tea is typically a rich reddish-amber, and it is usually served without milk, although sugar cubes are often offered on the side.

The Social Role of Tea

In Türkiye, tea is a binding element of daily social life. It is customary to serve tea to guests, often without even asking if they want it—it’s simply expected. In offices, households, and even government buildings, tea is constantly being served. Men playing backgammon in a teahouse (kıraathane), women chatting in a living room, or tradesmen pausing their work—all share one thing in common: a steaming glass of tea in hand.

Teahouses, especially in Anatolian towns, are local gathering spots where news is shared, friendships are maintained, and decisions are made. In coastal cities and villages, you’ll often find people sipping tea while watching the sunset or listening to waves roll in.

Tea Varieties and Regional Specialties

While black tea (siyah çay) is the most common and widely consumed type, Türkiye also boasts a growing interest in herbal and fruit teas. Apple tea (elma çayı), rosehip (kuşburnu), and linden (ıhlamur) are popular choices, especially among tourists. However, it’s worth noting that locals generally prefer strong, dark tea without added flavors.

Rize tea is particularly esteemed for its robust and aromatic profile. Recently, Türkiye has also begun exporting organic teas, and boutique tea producers have emerged, offering high-quality blends.

Where to Experience Turkish Tea

1. Rize: Visit the tea gardens (çay bahçesi) overlooking the Black Sea, including the Rize Castle Tea Garden and Ziraat Botanical Garden, where you can sip tea amid panoramic views.

2. Istanbul: Experience tea in both modern and traditional settings—from chic cafés in Karaköy to age-old teahouses in Sultanahmet or under the Galata Bridge.

3. Safranbolu: Enjoy tea in a historic Ottoman mansion, complete with wooden interiors and cobblestone charm.

4. Cappadocia: Savor tea in a cave café after a hot air balloon ride, a serene moment that captures the beauty of Anatolia.

5. Grand Bazaar, Istanbul: Many shopkeepers offer tea as a part of the shopping experience, creating a warm and memorable interaction.

Tips for Visitors

• Say yes to tea! Refusing an offer of tea can be seen as impolite unless you provide a reason.

• Sugar only. Turks rarely use milk in tea.

• Try it strong. Locals often drink their tea dark (demli), so embrace the flavor.

• Visit a teahouse. Experience the communal nature of tea culture in a traditional kıraathane.

• Buy some to take home. Rize tea and Turkish teapots make great souvenirs.