What is it about Turkish teacups? Could it be their pear or hurricane shape? Is there a specific tea that goes with the Turkish teacup? Turkish tea is as unique as the cup that it is served in. Let’s explore Turkish Teacups.
Turkish Tea Cup
I did a bit more digging and found the Armudu. The Armudu is one and the same as a Turkish teacup. Finding information about the Turkish teacup is difficult. The Armudu is from Azerbaijan, and the Belli bardak is the specific name of the Turkish teacup. Both are similar to each other, just from different regions. Azerbaijan is in the UK at a crossroads of Eastern Europe and Central Asia. The Caspian Sea is to the east, Russia is to the north, Georgia to the northwest, Armenia to the west, and Iran to the south.
The Arumdu is a drinking glass that is the exact same shape and size as the Turkish drinking cup. The name Arumdu translates to “pear-shaped, or shape of a pear”.
I don’t find it strange that the Turkish teacup actually comes from an area outside of Turkey. This is due to the fact that Turkey gathers its traditions from Russia, China, and the Middle East.
The Armudu is sometimes called a Bogmali and is used for
The Turkish teacup weight is often 100 grams.
This cup can be made of materials like
- Glass
- Porcelain
- Silver
- Faience – glazed ceramic ware, in particular decorated tin-glazed earthenware of the type which includes delftware and maiolica.
The shape of the Turkish teacup also offers some benefits. The Shape keeps the hot portion of the tea at the bottom. When the cup is tilted to drink from the hot water flows to the cooler water making it warm and then returns to the bottom of the cup. This keeps the tea warmer, for a longer span of time.
What makes a Turkish teacup unique
The shape makes the Turkish teacup unique. Its shape defines it and there are three reasons why.
The pear shape allows for easy handling and easy to hold.
The design allows the water to remain warmer longer. Hot water stays at the bottom and mixes with warmer water at the top when drunk. The hot water remains at the bottom meaning the top part is cooler and easy to handle.
As you go to take a sip the hot tea warms the tea in the top portion of the cup giving you a perfect sip of tea.
The hospitality of Turkish culture will almost always include a cup of tea.
Turks love their tea. In 2004 turkey had the highest per capita tea consumption in the world. That’s 2.5 kg per person.
Can be used for both hot and cold teas. Decorative and giftable.
Premium raw glass with beautiful gold decorations. Easy to hold. Elegant.
History of Turkish Tea
Turkey, the Balkan Peninsula, and Northern Cyprus are all partakers of Turkish tea.
Tea first came to Turkey through China. The name Cay originated in China and means cha’.
Turkey is also one of the top five tea-growing countries in the world. Tea in Turkey is called Cay. Cay has been part of Turkish history for hundreds of years.
The most popular tea is called Rize Tea. This tea is produced in the Black Sea area in the province of Rize. Rize tea is a
Tea flourishes there because of the mild climate and high precipitation. The soil is fertile and perfect for tea plant growth.
The popularity of tea came through various events:
- Mehmet Izzet, the governor in the 19th century declared the health benefits of tea
- The collapse of the Ottoman Empire, loss of control of the coffee supply and people switched to tea
- The Turkish people found they could grow tea in their ideal climate and soil
- Rize tea from Turkey was born or cultivated.
- Tea is drunk hot in Turkish culture and not with milk. The Turkish teacups are generally clear so the color of the tea can be admired. It really is a beautiful color.
- Tea did not become popular until around the 20th century in Turkey. But when it did become popular there was no slowing down. Reaching 2004 as the most popular drink per capita.
- Tea was drunk in substitution for coffee that had become too expensive for most people to afford.
- Turkish tea is processed between May and October
- The tea is served in a hurricane-shaped glass cup or also known as a tulip-shaped glass.
Classic and Traditional. Lightweight and heat resistance.
How is Turkish tea made?
The way you prepare Turkish tea is very similar to the history of tea. The preparation is a combination of its history.
Rize tea is a mild Ceylon tea. Created by the drying and oxidation process from the Chinese culture. While preparation is from Russian. The Russians use the two-tiered brewing system.
What you need:
- A metal tea kettle
- A smaller metal or porcelain tea kettle
- Water to boil
- Tea leaves
- Sugar cubes
- Turkish glasses
Water is boiled in the larger lower kettle, some of that water is used to put into the smaller kettle on top. The tea is infused in the top kettle. Tea leaves are already placed in the top tea kettle.
This type of tea kettle is called a double boiler or a caydanlik.
When the tea is done it is poured into cups and the water left in the bottom kettle is used to dilute the cups of tea to each drinker’s preference.
- Turkish tea is prepared by using two tea kettles called caydanlik.
- These tea kettles are stacked on top of each other.
- Place one teaspoon of tea leaves per person into the smaller tea kettle
- Bring the water to boil and pour it into the smaller tea kettle
- Brew the tea for 10-15 minutes (dark tea)
- Consume all tea within 30 minutes of time
Glass is easy to clean. The saucer is included. Dishwasher safe.
How is tea drank
Turkish tea can be served in two ways
- Strong koyu means dark
- Weak, acik meaning light
Cubes of sugar, generally beet sugar are available to sweeten the tea. The cubes can be held between the teeth in the back of the mouth to sweeten the tea as it is drunk.
Generally, milk is not added
But, lemon and sugar can be added to tone down the strength of the tea. There is also a belief that lemon will absorb anything toxic. This is to make your tea an even healthier beverage.
Tea is consumed at any time of the day in Turkey however the hours between three and five are the most popular.
There is a law that actually requires employers to offer at least two tea breaks during the day.
Stainless 18/10, durable and sturdy. Easy to clean and heats up quickly.
What does Turkish tea taste like?
I think you can tell by the way Turkish tea is brewed, it is a strong full-bodied tea. Turkish tea can be very strong. Often the tea is drunk as a sweet treat.
I have a friend who served in the military and he was invited to have tea with a local Turkish family. Tea is often offered as a form of friendship. The homeowner offered my friend a cube of sugar, which he refused. The homeowner got sad. The Turkish soldier had to tell my American friend that it’s an insult to not accept sugar because sugar is expensive. It’s an honor to be presented with a sugar cube. He has not stopped talking about that cup of tea and the lesson he learned that day.
To him, the sugar was very much needed. The tea was very strong and robust. The tea may have been bitter but the sugar cut the bitterness and made it a uniquely sweetened drink.
One of a kind, unique and traditional. Keeps tea hot for a longer time.
Benefits of Turkish tea
Turkish tea as in a lot of teas are rich in flavonoids. These flavonoids help to stabilize your metabolism and are beneficial in many ways.
- Maintains water balance in the body
- Prevents cancer-causing cell growth
- Relieves tension
- Relieves insomnia
- Immune system support
- Decreased risk of brain cancer
- Helps with digestion
- Adds minerals to the body
- Fights fatigue
- Improves bone density
- Decrease the risk of heart attack
- Can be used topically as a body detox
- Can gargle to relieve sore throat
- When tea remains are rubbed on hands or feet can remove odors
Tea just makes you happy!
Conclusion
Did you ever think you would have so many choices with another tea culture? For me, while modern would fit the model of many homes, I’d choose differently. I’d want my Turkish tea kettle to scream culture and tradition. In that case, the handmade Turkish Samovar tea kettle would be what I’d like to sit on my tabletop.
The teapot for you should embrace the Turkish culture and be unique to you. It should be versatile and of course, fit the tea lover in you. There is no other way to brew a cup of Turkish tea without the two broiler system. It takes time to brew but is worth every sip.
2 thoughts on “What Do You Know About The Turkish Tea Cup”
I have been watching Turkish TV series and find their culture sweet. The information you gave regarding the tea cups and pot are very interesting. Watching these shows, and your info makes me want to try drinking Turkish tea!
Greetings Lenora!
Isn’t it amazing, the world of tea? I love the taste of Turkish tea, especially when brewed correctly. Let me know when you try it, I’d be interested in knowing what you think.
Here’s to the next cup of amazing tea!
LisaB.