The Coffee Service

coffee was introduced to İstanbul by Muslim merchants in 1519 following Sultan Selim I's successful campaign against Egypt. Its use spread quickly and by the second half of the century, it had become an indispensable element of the everyday life. From time to time and for different reasons coffee-drinking was subject to prohibitons.

In Ottoman mansions, the service of coffee involved a ceremony that was prescribed in detail by custom. Before the coffee, guests would be offered a jam. This was presented on a silver tray bearing a covered bowl in the center, surrounded by goblets holding spoons and cups of water to be drunk after taking the jam. After being passed around to the guests, the coffee would be served by three young girls. To prevent the coffee from becoming cold, the jug containing it would be set on a brazier containing warm coals that was carried suspended from three chains attached to it. Also used in the service was a round coverlet. This coverlet held in front of her like an apron by the girl carrying the tray with the coffee cups. A second girl carried the coffee-brazier and jug while the third picked up the porcelain cups one by one from the tray, filled it with coffee, and set the cup in a holder. She would then serve the coffee to each of the guests in turn.