Why Was Coffee Banned in the Ottoman Empire? – Webtekno

“Is coffee banned for such a reason!” We know you will say, so familiarize yourself with the reason now.

Ottoman sultan IV. Murat, He didn’t actually ban coffee for no reason. It may seem illogical now, but at that time it was a very logical and valid reason…

The Ottoman coffee adventure began with their domination of the homeland of coffee.

Coffee, which had not yet spread even to Europe, would spread almost all over the world when it arrived in Ottoman lands. There is even an example on this subject: Ambassador Süleyman Ağa who went to Paris in 1669 It is known that he took sacks of coffee with him and spread the coffee culture to France.

The use of coffee dates back to the 14th century. During this period, Yemen was under Ottoman rule. Even Governor of Yemen Özdemir Pasha, was the person who brought coffee to Istanbul. So were the developments limited to just this? Of course no.

The fame of coffee spread everywhere.

Coffee, which began to spread around the palace, was enchanting everyone. The first coffeehouse was opened in the Ottoman Empire in 1554. It was already opened, but it brought problems with it. Because these coffee houses were exactly the reason for the ban.

People spend so much time in coffeehouses that they as a means of ‘socialization’ They started using coffee. Of course, the ulema did not like this situation either.

In fact, coffee has been banned four times.

IV. murat

The first ban was imposed during the reign of Suleiman the Magnificent, as coffeehouses turned into a gossip environment. Then III. Murat, coffee consumption strangely increased during this ban, Ahmet I and everyone knows IV. Murat.

Sultan Murat’s ban was only It wasn’t about coffee, it was about every substance that gives pleasure. The reason given was the constant fires in Istanbul at that time.

Coffee, which provides mental relaxation, has even been called the “Muslim wine”!

Religion was also involved. clergy “Is coffee haram or not?” They started giving fatwas saying: The people were confused, they did not accept that such a beautiful drink was banned only because of its religious aspect; They also brought up political reasons. In fact, it was true.

Because the state is shaky Was it a coincidence that this ban came in certain periods? Or is it a fear?

Coffeehouses were places where people could easily organize, even get involved in state matters and chat freely.

This was the only reason for the ban! Especially riots were plannedThese were considered places where organizations took place. That’s why the sultans found the solution by understanding the necessary precaution, that is, banning coffee.

But people are against all kinds of prohibitions and even Despite the risk of “execution”, they continued to consume this coffee secretly in their homes. They saw that they could not prevent this, IV. Mehmet did a great deed by lifting the coffee ban.

We should not question why the state entered a period of stagnation, because everyone in the huge empire Because coffee is forbidden He was walking around with sleepy eyes!

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