Ankara – August 5, 2025 (Qahwa World) – In the heart of Turkey’s capital, within the historic walls of Ankara Castle, the country’s first-ever museum dedicated entirely to Turkish coffee has opened its doors. The initiative comes from Mücahid Çelebi, a 29-year-old coffee enthusiast and café owner, who spent five years collecting rare and historic artifacts to preserve and share the cultural heritage of Turkish coffee with future generations.
A Treasure Trove From Across Turkey
Çelebi travelled extensively across dozens of Turkish cities to curate a remarkable collection of over 100 unique items, including coffee grinders from the 16th and 17th centuries, 150 historical coffee cups, and traditional brewing tools used during the Ottoman period and early Republican era.
Among the most notable pieces on display are a replica of the coffee set once used by Sultan Abdul Hamid II, and a custom-designed set by Ülkü Adatepe, the spiritual daughter of Mustafa Kemal Atatürk. The museum also showcases ornate silver cups from the reign of Sultan Abdulmejid I, along with a wide variety of coffee pots (cezve) and hand-operated grinders from different time periods and regions.
Coffee, Culture, and Controversy
The museum is more than just a collection of objects—it tells a rich story of Turkish coffee culture, including religious fatwas that once banned coffee, leading to coffeehouse closures under Ottoman rule. Visitors can also explore how coffee reading (tasseography) was practiced in both everyday life and imperial palaces.
Interactive Experiences: Music, Grinding, and More
One of the museum’s unique features is a music room where visitors can listen to traditional Turkish folk songs and ballads about coffee on a vintage record player, adding a sensory layer to the historical journey.
Another highlight is the “Tahmishane” (Roasting Room), where guests are invited to grind roasted coffee beans manually using large mortar-and-pestle setups—an immersive experience designed to replicate the practices of earlier generations.
The Final Stop: “Our Roots” Lounge
The tour concludes in a special lounge named “Our Roots”, a serene space where visitors can relax and enjoy a cup of authentic Turkish coffee served in a traditional setting. It serves not only as a waiting area during busy hours but as a moment of reflection—an invitation to connect with the deep cultural roots behind each cup.
Çelebi explains:
“In every museum I visited in Ankara or Istanbul, I would find a coffee grinder or cup tucked away in a corner. But I never saw a space that told the full story of Turkish coffee. So I decided to create one. With this museum, we’ve laid the foundation for preserving a tradition that spans centuries.”
The post Turkey’s First Coffee Museum Opens in Ankara: A Journey Through Time, One Cup at a Time appeared first on Qahwa World.
