A World of Tea: Turkey and the Balkans

In this section, we delve into the tea culture in Turkey and the Balkan region, where tradition, aesthetics, and beauty go hand in hand. In these regions, tea is more than just a beverage; it is a cultural experience that reflects history and togetherness.

Turkey, the sixth-largest tea producer in the world, plays a central role in tea culture and has one of the world's highest annual per capita tea consumption rates.

The history of tea in Turkey dates back to the Ottoman Empire in the 15th century, where tea was introduced and drinking customs were established. However, it was not until the 1920s, after seeds were brought from the Soviet Union, that Turks began to grow their own tea. While many are familiar with Turkish coffee, Turkish tea is just as popular in the country. Tea is enjoyed at home, in shops, and at special places where men gather. After World War I, Atatürk, the country's founder, encouraged the population to drink tea due to a shortage of coffee and its high price.

The traditional way to brew Turkish tea is using a special pot called a çaydanlık, similar to a samovar. The tea leaves are placed in the upper pot, while water boils in the larger pot below. This creates a strong tea brew, which is then diluted and sweetened as needed. The tea is served in small tulip-shaped glasses, and one can choose between a strong brew, also known as "rabbit's blood," or a milder variant.

Turkey's tea culture has also spread to the nearby Balkans and Cyprus, where Turkish tea has become an important part of the local drinking culture. Montenegro also cultivates its own small amount of tea, enriching the region's tea assortment.