As a person of Turkish heritage, I look up to Dr. Mehmet Oz as an inspiring figure. Millions of people are exposed to Turkey and Turkish culture through Dr. Oz’s television program. Turkish people proudly applaud his success and contributions to society.

Last week, Dr. Oz did something odd. He promoted a super-potent coffee as a heart protecting, fountain of youth and antioxidant beverage. It was Turkish coffee, brewed in the unique Turkish way, but Dr. Oz told the world it was Greek coffee.

The properties of coffee were first observed in Ethiopia by herders who watched their goats become very active after eating the beans. Coffee beans were brought to Istanbul in 1517 from Yemen and then brewed and served in a unique way that has been a fundamental part of Turkish culture and heritage ever since.

Since the 1600s, Turkish coffee has been an indispensable part of the Turkish hospitality and society. The world's first coffee house opened in Istanbul in 1555 in Tahtakale. Soon after, Turks spread coffee culture to Europe and eventually the Americas. These coffee houses played an important role in the process of the East influencing the West.

Turkish coffee has even been submitted to UNESCO’s (United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization) “Intangible Cultural Heritage” list as a cultural inheritance that should be protected.

Other facts about Turkish coffee include:
• The Turkish method is the world’s oldest coffee brewing method. It was developed in the 16th century.
• The Turkish brewing method is unique in that it is unfiltered, which is why it has health benefits.
• Turkish coffee making is considered an ancient art. All professional coffee grinders that are made all over the world have a “Turkish” setting.
• Turkish coffee facilitates digestion and can help alleviate many kinds of illnesses.

Turks, of course, are not the only people who enjoy Turkish coffee. Turks share many other food tastes with our Greek brothers and sisters, including baklava and yogurt. This special drink was even called “Turkish Coffee” in Greece until the 1980’s when the relationship between the two countries became strained. This type of coffee is still widely known and appreciated as ‘Turkish Coffee” throughout the region and the world.

In Turkey, we have a saying – “A cup of coffee creates a friendship for 40 years.” Please join us in celebrating this fascinating tradition and urge Dr. Mehmet Oz to recognize the significance of Turkey’s cultural contribution to the world.

Dr. Oz: Please celebrate Turkish coffee culture along with all other coffee cultures and educate your viewers more about this wonderful beverage.

Sincerely,

Gizem Salcigil White
Turkish Coffee Truck Lady
www.mobileturkishcoffeetruck.org