TEA IN TURKIYE: “MORE THAN JUST A DRINK”
Story by Merve Sertoglu Balaban
Merve is a Turkish photographer and leader of Photo Workshop Adventures (PWA) Istanbul and Türkiye Photo Tours.
Tea in Türkiye is not just a beverage but a cultural cornerstone. “Would you like tea?” might be the most frequent question you’ll hear during your visit. Tea is a timeless drink for Turkish people, enjoyed throughout the day.
In this article, I’ll share how you can experience tea while visiting Türkiye. Each scene presents an opportunity to capture daily life in Turkey, from the intricate design of a traditional tea glass to the expressions of locals enjoying a pause from their day. Photographers can find countless moments to frame—vibrant cups of tea set against the historic architecture of Istanbul, tea vendors chatting with regulars, and locals relaxing by the Bosphorus as they sip.
Capturing Turkish tea culture through photography provides a glimpse into a rich tradition, revealing the warmth, connection, and character that define Turkish hospitality.
First and foremost, tea fosters long conversations. When Turkish people gather, the first thing they often do is brew tea, a process that is a cherished ritual in itself.
While there are many tea varieties, the favorite in Türkiye is black tea from the Black Sea region, particularly from the city of Rize. From harvesting to brewing, it involves a lengthy process. The hardworking women of the Black Sea play a crucial role in harvesting, but for now, let’s focus on the brewing.
Turkish tea requires time to brew, and you will often encounter a unique two-stacked teapot called a “çaydanlık.” The tea is brewed on top (using gently heated water), while hot water is kept at the bottom. The tea needs time to rest and brew properly before it’s ready to drink, making it the perfect beverage for social gatherings.
Cherished moments unfold over tea at a humble Turkish tea stall.
If you step into a shop and the owner offers you tea, it’s a sign they want you to stay and learn about their shop. Accepting tea often indicates that the shop owner is open to negotiating prices.
For photographers, these moments present unique opportunities to capture candid expressions, cultural exchanges, and the inviting interiors of Turkish shops.
Tea also facilitates short conversations. You’ll find small tea spots, especially in busy areas like Eminönü, the Grand Bazaar, or the Spice Market, where people drink all day without ever getting bored.
Offering tea to guests is an integral part of Turkish hospitality. It’s commonly consumed in households, tea gardens, and kıraathane (social gathering places for men).
In households, breakfast is not complete without tea; we start breakfast with tea and continue until the teapot is empty. We also cherish our five o’clock tea time, gathering with family and friends. Before brewing tea, we consider how many guests will come and always prepare extra for unexpected visitors. Turkish people believe God sends guests and warmly welcomes them, often sharing food as a gesture of care. In the Anatolia region, this tradition is very strong.
The entire tea culture beautifully complements Türkiye’s glass-blowing tradition, drawing attention to various facets of Turkish culture, tradition, and art. The ince belli (slim-waisted) tea glasses, cherished by visitors and often taken home as souvenirs, are a testament to this synergy.
Expertly crafted to hold and enhance the experience of hot, boiling tea, these elegantly shaped glasses symbolize the harmony between function and artistry in Turkish tea drinking. Imagine a close-up portrait of a Turkish ince belli tea glass, its elegant curves and delicate patterns capturing the light as it rests against a historical backdrop.
Different regions of Türkiye offer unique brewing and drinking customs. For instance, in eastern Türkiye, people practice “kıtlama” by placing sugar in their mouths while sipping tea, a fascinating blend of taste and tradition. In the western regions, sugar is typically stirred directly into the tea. Tea is often paired with sweet or savory biscuits, which can be enjoyed with or without added sugar.
The elegant curve of a Turkish tea glass, holds tradition in every sip.
Black tea, the nation’s favorite, is brewed in varying strengths, dark (koyu) or light (açık). Dark tea, known for its robust flavor, is particularly favored by men, including long-distance drivers and taxi operators, who rely on its stimulating effects to stay alert.
As evident, tea is an omnipresent element in Turkish life, enjoyed in all circumstances: whether happy or sad, in extreme weather, during celebrations or challenges, in negotiations, to calm the nerves, to stay awake, during political discussions, or while gossiping. It’s a versatile beverage that transcends occasions, embodying the spirit of connection and tradition throughout Türkiye.
So, when you hear that Türkiye is the world’s largest consumer of tea, don’t be surprised. Tea is deeply woven into every aspect of life, from its cultural significance to its integral role in daily routines. Türkiye is steeped in tea tradition. It’s fascinating to recall that tea was initially introduced to Türkiye along the Silk Route, brought by the Chinese, and exchanged through barter.
The scarcity of coffee during World War I made tea the national beverage. While coffee culture is gradually making a resurgence with the rise of modern cafes, tea remains the quintessential symbol of Turkish hospitality and lifestyle.
Tea, a timeless connector of hearts in Turkey.
Tea is also the drink of first meetings and last farewells. Offering tea is a way of saying, “How are you? I care about you,” even without words. Regardless of your nationality, religion, or citizenship, tea will be offered to you in Türkiye.
Ultimately, tea helps us bond and stay connected. If someone offers you tea, you will likely revisit them, as it helps create good memories.
Connection, conversation, and sharing are all vital values in Turkish culture, and tea is a great facilitator.
If you have visited Türkiye before, I hope you have fond tea memories. If you have yet to visit, please come. We’ll create beautiful memories together. Black tea is waiting for you in Türkiye!
A cherished staple, woven into daily life and culture.
ISTANBUL & TURKIYE 11 DAY PHOTO TOUR
Photo Workshop Adventures has designed a Turkey Photo Tour that takes you on a memorable journey through this captivating country, including Istanbul, Cappadocia, and the southern coast. You will see its rich cultural legacy, meet amazing people, and get a firsthand experience of the tea culture here.
ISTANBUL “SOUL OF THE STREETS” 6 DAY PHOTO TOUR
Our new Istanbul “Soul of the Streets” photo tour takes you to this fascinating city and its people, focusing on street life, portraits, mosques, bustling bazaars, and architecture. Meet and interact with people, and capture and experience life in Istanbul with us.
So come and join me for tea in Türkiye and embark on a photography adventure like no other!
