Outside, it is raining. The village is quiet. With a cup of Turkish coffee in hand, one question comes to mind: what happened when coffee first arrived in the Ottoman Empire? Today, coffee is part of everyday life. But in the 16th century, it was considered something dangerous. Why was coffee banned? When coffee reached Istanbul, it spread rapidly among the people. However, coffeehouses were not just places to drink coffee. They were spaces where people talked, debated, and exchanged ideas. For the state, this was seen as a potential threat. As a result, during different periods: Coffeehouses were closed Drinking coffee was forbidden Some people were punished for consuming it What we casually say today — “let’s have a coffee” — was once a banned habit. Who was served coffee in the Ottoman palace? In the Ottoman palace, coffee was not served to everyone. It was reserved for special moments and important people. Coffee was offered to: The sultan The Valide Sultan The Haseki Sultan High-ranking state officials On special occasions, foreign ambassadors Serving coffee was a sign of respect and prestige. Coffee was usually served after meals, during private meetings or calm palace moments, helping conversations continue in a relaxed atmosphere. How did Kanuni Sultan Suleiman and Hürrem Sultan drink coffee? During Kanuni’s reign, coffee had become an established palace tradition. Kanuni Sultan Suleiman preferred his coffee: With little or no sugar Simple and balanced During moments of reflection For him, coffee helped clear the mind. Hürrem Sultan, on the other hand: Preferred a smoother taste Always accompanied by sweets or Turkish delight Treated coffee as part of conversation and intimacy For her, presentation was just as important as flavor. Did coffee fortune-telling exist in the palace? Yes — but not as an official ritual. Coffee fortune-telling in the palace: Was informal and recreational Practiced mostly among palace women Never influenced political decisions It was a social tradition, driven by curiosity and imagination. More than just coffee In the Ottoman palace, coffee was consumed slowly and quietly. It was never rushed. Perhaps this is why Turkish coffee is still associated with patience, tradition, and meaning.