The first recorded coffee shop
The honor goes to Kiva Han, located in what was Constantinople (now Istanbul) in Turkey. Estimates place its opening around 1475, making it a very old establishment!
3/25/20241 min read
The first recorded coffee shop holds a special place in history, and here are some interesting facts about it:
Location and Name: The honor goes to Kiva Han, located in what was Constantinople (now Istanbul) in Turkey. Estimates place its opening around 1475, making it a very old establishment!
Early Days of Coffee: Kiva Han gives us a glimpse into how coffee was enjoyed in the Ottoman Empire. The coffee was likely strong, black, and unfiltered, brewed in a special pot called an ibrik.
Coffee's Importance: Coffee was so important in Turkish society that law supposedly allowed women to divorce their husbands if they couldn't provide enough coffee!
Uncertain Details: While historical accounts point to Kiva Han, there's limited documentation, making it difficult to pinpoint the exact year it opened.
Despite the unknowns, Kiva Han marks a significant point in coffee history. It paved the way for coffee houses to become popular social hubs around the world.
