Coffee Festival in Turkey

Coffee is one of the most widely consumed commodities in the world and holds a significant place in Turkish culture. Beyond its distinctive taste, aroma, and remarkable properties, coffee has evolved into a cultural phenomenon. As a result, countless coffee festivals are held across the globe. Given the special importance of Turkish coffee in the country’s heritage, various coffee festivals are organized annually in different cities throughout Turkey.

An Introduction to Turkish Coffee

Turkish coffee is one of the oldest and most beloved methods of coffee preparation, with its roots tracing back to the Ottoman Empire. To prepare Turkish coffee, the beans must be ground to an extremely fine powder. The flavor, aroma, foam, and even the method of serving Turkish coffee are all uniquely distinctive.

Traditionally, Turkish coffee is brewed in a copper pot known as a cezve over a stove or hot sand. However, electric Turkish coffee makers are also commonly used today. Turkish coffee is characterized by a thick layer of foam and a small amount of sediment that settles at the bottom of the cup. This is why it is often used in the practice of coffee fortune-telling.

 

 

Serving Turkish coffee also follows specific customs and traditions. For example, it is customary to serve a glass of water alongside the coffee. Drinking water before the coffee allows the person to better appreciate its taste, and it also helps cleanse the palate afterward to neutralize the bitterness. These are just a few examples of the rich customs surrounding Turkish coffee.

As mentioned earlier, coffee holds a special place in Turkish culture, and various coffee festivals are held across the country. Below are some of the most prominent ones:

Coffee Festivals in Turkey

1.     Istanbul Coffee Festival

The Istanbul Coffee Festival (İstanbul Kahve Festivali), is held annually in September or October, attracting attendees from all around the world. Spanning several days, the festival takes place at various venues across Istanbul and brings together coffee enthusiasts from all walks of life.

In addition to the presence of top baristas, roasters, cafés, coffee equipment, premium blends, and a wide array of brands, the festival also features engaging activities such as seminars, workshops, and live music performances. Visitors can explore numerous café booths throughout the festival grounds, where they are invited to sample exceptional coffee flavors.

 

 

2.     Anatolian Coffee Festival

The Anatolian Coffee Festival (Anadolu Kahve Festivali), takes place in early September at the Pendik seaside square in Istanbul, bringing together coffee enthusiasts from all around. This event features top coffee brands and industry experts. Admission is free, and visitors can enjoy a full day immersed in the world of coffee through tastings, competitions, and educational workshops. The day concludes with live music and concert performances, adding a festive atmosphere to the event.

3.     Antalya Coffee Festival

Held in June, the Antalya Coffee Festival (Antalya Kahve Festivali), brings together pioneers of traditional Turkish coffee, renowned representatives of the new wave coffee movement, roasters, equipment suppliers, and industry professionals. The festival offers a variety of experiences including free workshops, informative seminars, and live concerts, creating a unique experience for attendees. There is no age restriction for entry; however, attendees over the age of six are required to purchase tickets. The festival hosts a wide range of national and international coffee brands.

 

 

4.     İzmit Turkish Coffee Festival

Celebrated in honor of Turkish Coffee Day on December 5th, the İzmit Turkish Coffee Festival (İzmit Kahve Festivali), is held in Cumhuriyet Park in Kocaeli Province. Organized by the İzmit Municipality, the event attracts many coffee industry professionals. Visitors can enjoy activities such as Turkish coffee workshops, live music performances, children’s shows, and complimentary drinks and coffee tastings. Admission to this festival is free of charge.

5.     Eskişehir Coffee Festival

Launched in 2021 with the goal of becoming one of Turkey’s largest themed festivals, the Eskişehir Coffee Festival (Eskişehir Kahve Festivali), is held annually from August 28–30. The festival gathers leading figures in the coffee industry, a diverse array of domestic and international coffee brands, and local cafés. Attendance requires a ticket, and guests can indulge in exceptional coffee tastings, participate in workshops and seminars, enjoy barista shows, and attend musical performances and concerts, making it a vibrant and engaging celebration for coffee lovers.

6.     İzmir Coffee Festival

The İzmir Coffee Festival (İzmir Kahve Festivali), is held in late May at the historic coal factory site in the city of İzmir. It serves as a vibrant gathering for coffee enthusiasts, industry professionals, local cafés, and renowned pastry shops from İzmir. The festival features engaging seminars, interactive workshops, and live performances by various musicians and vocalists, offering visitors an enriching and enjoyable experience.

 

 

7.     Bodrum Coffee Festival

Taking place in early May at the Zai Yaşam Bodrum cultural complex, the Bodrum Coffee Festival (Bodrum Kahve Festivali), is a three-day event that draws key stakeholders in the coffee industry, specialty cafés, and high-quality coffee brands. It provides coffee lovers with the opportunity to sample premium coffees and participate in seminars and workshops centered around coffee culture.

Due to venue regulations, children under the age of 15 are not permitted to attend. Given the close timing and geographic proximity of the İzmir and Bodrum coffee festivals, visitors can conveniently travel between the two cities—renting a car in İzmir makes it especially easy to experience both events in one trip.

8.     Ankara Coffee Festival

Another major coffee event in Turkey is the Ankara Coffee Festival (Ankara Kahve Festivali), which was first launched in 2016 at Bilkent Station. Traditionally held in September, the festival attracts both seasoned and novice coffee lovers, along with cafés and a wide range of coffee brands.

In addition to being a vibrant cultural gathering, the Ankara Coffee Festival serves an educational purpose by informing visitors about the coffee journey—from cultivation to consumption. With the purchase of a ticket, attendees can enjoy a wide array of cultural, artistic, and musical activities, including seminars, workshops, and live concerts, making it a well-rounded celebration of coffee culture.

How to Prepare Turkish Coffee

Among the four main methods of coffee preparation recognized globally, Turkish coffee holds a special place. It is made by slowly heating finely ground coffee beans together with cold water. To prepare it, start by mixing one teaspoon of coffee with one cup of cold water per person. If you prefer your coffee sweet, you can add a teaspoon of sugar or a sugar cube at this stage.

Next, place the cezve (Turkish coffee pot) over low heat. When the coffee starts to rise to the rim—just before it reaches a full boil—remove it from the heat and gently pour it into the cup, allowing the foam to settle on top.

 

 

Attending Coffee Festivals in Turkey

Participating in coffee festivals across Turkey is an exceptional opportunity for coffee lovers to explore the rich culture and heritage behind this flavorful beverage. These festivals not only showcase the art of coffee but also provide a lively social atmosphere with live music performances, making them a joyful experience for visitors.

If you're interested in joining these vibrant coffee festivals, renting a furnished apartment in Istanbul or other cities can ensure a comfortable stay, allowing you to enjoy your trip with complete peace of mind.

It’s worth noting that GoToSafar, with its distinguished track record in providing comprehensive travel services, is dedicated to ensuring that travelers headed to Turkey for these festivals enjoy their journey to the fullest, smoothly and without any hassle.