Crimean Tatar Coffee Tradition
In 2023, we celebrate the 15th anniversary of Ukraine’s accession to the Convention for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage.
We are extremely pleased to welcome Akim Galimov, a Crimean Tatar and Ukrainian journalist, screenwriter, producer, and author of documentary projects for the 1+1 Ukraine TV channel, to our roject “Meanings Unifying People”.
“The intangible cultural heritage of Ukrainians and Crimean Tatars is a treasury of knowledge, living practices, and customs passed down through generations. It is a living expression of our identity and values, and we are proud to take care of preserving it.”
Akim Galimov, producer of 1+1 media, author and presenter of the “Realna istoriia” (“Real History”) project
Coffee holds a special place in the lives of Crimean Tatars. This is not only because the tradition of drinking coffee among our people dates back almost half a millennium. Due to coffee’s long popularity, a unique coffee culture arose on the peninsula. This culture has allowed for the expression of hospitality and the maintenance of family ties for many centuries.
Everything we pay attention to daily eventually turns into small rituals. This idea best describes coffee, as its preparation has become an integral part of Crimean customs and family traditions. For generations, Crimean Tatars have entertained guests, concluded agreements, and planned the future over a cup of this wonderful drink. How many stories have been told in the cozy atmosphere of Crimean coffee shops? And how many conversations has coffee made more open? No one will ever know.
The cup by Marina Kurukchi
Hoşkeldi kavesi
A welcoming coffee sets the mood for warm conversation and relaxation, manifested through attention to guests. It is served during guests’ visits and accompanied by hearty conversation and the sound of a manual coffee bean grinder, or “qahve degirmeni.” The conversation itself is slow and measured. Polite hosts conduct the conversation in such a way that the guests are sure to discuss important themes, inevitably focusing on the health of loved ones, household news, or the successes of their children.
Sabah qahvesi
Morning coffee within the family circle. It creates a comfortable atmosphere around the table where the family can make plans, share ideas, and prepare for important tasks during a difficult day. For Crimean Tatars, this coffee is especially valuable because it allows family members to show respect and support for each other, talk about the health and well-being of the elders, and solve important issues that concern everyone.
The plate by Edem Ganiev
Bayram qahvesi
Festive coffee, which is served on the occasion of visiting relatives on the significant religious holidays of Qurban and Oraza Bayram. On these days, young people visit elders with greetings and well wishes for good health. These visits are accompanied by coffee and sweets.
Közaydın qahvesi
Coffee on the occasion of joyful news. It is served to close people to share good news and family successes, such as the birth of a child, a significant purchase, or academic achievements. This coffee allows to express gratitude for the support, share joy with loved ones, and show solidarity within the community.
Kelin kahvesi
Bride’s coffee. The bride brews it the morning after the wedding and offers it to guests at her husband’s house. According to tradition, relatives visit the newlyweds on this day, and the couple treats them to coffee and sweets. Since the bride’s parents don't participate in the visit, it's less formal. This allows participants to take a break from the wedding hustle, bond with relatives, and enjoy themselves.
Centuries ago in Crimean Tatar coffee shops, there was a tradition called “suspended coffee,” where people would pay for an extra cup of coffee for a person in need.
Even on such a small coffee cup, incredibly important meanings can be encrypted through the “Ornek” ornament, such as a wish for happiness, harmony, and unity in the family.
So, how is real Crimean Tatar coffee traditionally prepared?
First, grind the roasted coffee beans very finely using a special “qahve degirmeni” copper grinder. Then, pour the coffee into a preheated copper cezve and add water. Place the cezve on the stove and gradually bring the coffee almost to a boil until a thick, fragrant foam appears, which indicates that the coffee is ready.
We have provided you with a recipe for real Crimean Tatar coffee. The most important components are left to you: good company and sincere conversations.
Enjoy! Afiyetler olsun!
We invite you to embark on a journey through a world of beauty and expressiveness. Through the lens of the talented photographer Katarina Guz', unifying meanings become visible.
Text authors: Esma Adzhiieva and Oleksii Savchenko