Middle Eastern Magic: How Sufis and Merchants Spiced Up Europe's Morning Routines

In the introduction of coffee history's English small short text, we often hear about the beans, roasting, and brewing processes. However, there is more to the story than just these elements. The journey of coffee from its Middle Eastern roots to becoming a global phenomenon is an intriguing tale that involves merchants, travelers, and even Sufi mystics.

The Birthplace of Arabica

Ethiopia is often credited as the birthplace of Arabica coffee. Legend has it that a goatherd named Kaldi discovered the energizing effects of coffee when he noticed his goats became more active after eating red coffee cherries. From there, word spread quickly throughout the region.

Sufi Mysticism and Coffeehouses

As Islam expanded across North Africa and into Central Asia during the 10th century AD, so did its cultural practices. Sufism emerged as a spiritual movement within Islam emphasizing personal devotion rather than rigid adherence to religious law. In this context, Sufis would gather in mystical gatherings called "tekke" or "zawiyah," where they would engage in meditation sessions known as "dhikr."

Coffee played a significant role in these gatherings due to its stimulating effects on concentration and mental clarity – essential qualities for deep contemplation. As such, it was not long before Turkish traders brought their knowledge of high-quality Arabica beans back home with them upon their return from Ethiopia.

Ottoman Influence

Under Ottoman rule (1299-1922), Turkey flourished into one major hub for trade between East Asia and Europe. The Ottomans' vast empire stretched from modern-day Hungary through much of Southeastern Europe all up to North Africa while also encompassing parts of Arabia itself.

During this period many Turkish immigrants traveled extensively throughout their vast territory sharing their love for both tea drinking culture & Islamic traditions which were highly influential among various ethnic groups including Arabs who had adopted some aspects but not entirely embraced those customs yet because they were still adapting themselves towards adopting new ideas coming directly out-of-their Islamic teachings along with other influences like Greek Philosophy etc...

Meanwhile another group consisting mainly Egyptian Muslims who lived close-by decided join forces together creating what we now know today’s most popular type—Arabica; it’s said that Egyptians developed specific methods designed especially tailored towards enhancing flavors found only within certain regions near Nile River basin area (for instance around city Alexandria).

This blending made possible by combining different varieties thus creating unique taste profiles resulting distinctive characteristics unique unto each variety produced under diverse climates conditions giving rise variety unparalleled anywhere else world-wide since then!

Thus began spreading influence far beyond borders!