Istanbul, September 14, 2025 (Qahwa World) – Türkiye’s largest celebration of coffee culture, the Türk Telekom Prime Istanbul Coffee Festival, has officially opened in Kadıköy for its 11th edition, transforming the outdoor grounds of Tepe Nautilus into a meeting point for thousands of coffee lovers, professionals, and music enthusiasts. The event, which runs from September 11 to 14, has already drawn crowds eager to explore a world of flavors, innovation, and tradition, making it one of the most anticipated gatherings in the global coffee calendar.
This year’s festival spans an impressive 10,000 square meters and brings together more than 200 brands from Türkiye and abroad, offering visitors free tastings of over 100 varieties of coffee beans sourced from around the world. From the earthy tones of Latin America to the floral complexity of East Africa, the diversity on display highlights both the global reach of coffee and the growing appreciation of specialty brewing among Turkish consumers. Festival founder and Dream Sales Machine Chairman Alper Sesli emphasized the cultural depth of the occasion, noting that while Türkiye is not traditionally a coffee-producing country, coffee has been part of daily life and local identity for nearly five centuries through the unique tradition of Turkish coffee. He explained that this year, discussions have also turned toward the emerging prospect of domestic coffee cultivation, with industry stakeholders, growers, and organic farmers contributing to conversations about production and sustainability.
Alongside tastings, the festival has introduced cutting-edge innovation that points to the future of coffee service. The debut of X BARISTA, an artificial intelligence–powered coffee station created by Thude Robotics, has drawn particular attention. CEO Önder Akyazıcı described the system as a “fourth-generation coffee experience”, blending the artistry of specialty coffee with the precision and consistency of robotics. Developed entirely in Türkiye in both software and hardware, X BARISTA uses sensors to replicate the movements of professional baristas, preparing intricate beverages such as lattes with remarkable accuracy. Akyazıcı underlined that the goal is not to replace human baristas but to improve efficiency, sustainability, and accessibility, and revealed that international orders have already begun.
Kadıköy'deki atmosfer, büyüyen bir topluluğun ruhunu yansıtıyor. Ödüllü barista ve Niji Coffee Co. kurucu ortağı Alireza Razzaghzadeh, festivalin erişilebilirliğini ve kapsayıcılığını överken, konumu ve tasarımının daha fazla insanın katılımına ve özel kahvenin zenginliğini deneyimlemesine olanak sağladığına dikkat çekti. Razzaghzeh, İstanbul Kahve Festivali'nin sektörün tanıtımı, yerel tüketicilerin küresel kahve uygulamalarıyla buluşturulması ve Türk baristalar arasında profesyonel gelişimin teşvik edilmesi açısından merkezi bir rol oynadığını vurguladı.
While coffee remains at the heart of the festival, the event extends beyond the cup to become a celebration of culture, art, and music. The program features live concerts each evening, with performances by beloved artists such as Levent Yüksel, Ceza, Madrigal, and Haluk Levent, drawing large crowds and adding to the festive mood. Workshops and seminars give visitors opportunities to deepen their knowledge of coffee preparation and culture, while interactive tastings provide a chance to compare beans and brewing methods. The blend of education and entertainment makes the festival a dynamic experience that appeals to both seasoned professionals and newcomers to the world of coffee.
For the first time in its history, the festival has also introduced a Türk Telekom Children’s Area, offering family-friendly activities designed to make the event inclusive for all ages. Meanwhile, the Türk Telekom Prime Lounge has become a hub for relaxation and interaction, offering refreshments, competitions, and opportunities for visitors to engage with coffee culture in new and playful ways.
İstanbul Coffee Festival 2025, Kadıköy'ün üzerinde yükselen taze öğütülmüş çekirdeklerin kokusundan, hassas dökümler hazırlayan robotik bir baristanın görüntüsüne kadar, günümüz kahve dünyasını tanımlayan miras ve yenilik arasındaki gerilimi yakalıyor. Sıcak kumda demlenen geleneksel Türk kahvesinin fütüristik yapay zeka odaklı teknolojiyle buluştuğu, müzik ve topluluğun atölye çalışmaları ve ciddi endüstri tartışmalarıyla harmanlandığı ve keşif keyfinin hem sohbeti hem de kültürü beslediği bir alan. Kuruluşundan on bir yıl sonra, festival sadece önemli bir uluslararası etkinliğe dönüşmekle kalmadı, aynı zamanda İstanbul'un kahve takdiri ve yaratıcılığı için bölgesel bir merkez olarak konumunu güçlendirdi.
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