TravTalk India Online Magazine
Türkiye uses World Turkish Coffee Day in New Delhi to highlight the cultural significance of its coffee tradition and reinforce heritage-led engagement with the Indian market.
Rahul Bhadana
As cultural experiences increasingly influence traveller decision-making, Türkiye uses World Turkish Coffee Day to demonstrate how heritage programming can strengthen destination appeal. The showcase in New Delhi positions Turkish coffee not merely as a culinary tradition but as a soft-power connector that supports Türkiye’s engagement with the Indian market.
Held on 5 December at the residence of Ali Murat Ersoy, Ambassador of Türkiye to India, the event brings together media and cultural stakeholders for a hands-on brewing workshop, guided tasting and an introduction to the UNESCO-recognised tradition. The session outlines what Turkish coffee is, why it holds cultural and social significance, and how the practice shapes everyday hospitality across Türkiye.
Cultural context and traditions
In his remarks, Ersoy states that Turkish coffee remains central to social life. “Turkish coffee is more than a special brewing method — it is a social ritual woven into the fabric of Turkish life,” he says. He refers to customs such as the preparation in a cezve, the serving of salt coffee during engagement ceremonies and the long-standing practice of reading coffee grounds. “Every cup has a story, and that story always ends with a conversation,” he adds.
Adding depth to the demonstration, Fazilet Ersoy, wife of the Ambassador, narrates the cultural symbolism of Turkish coffee and walks guests through the brewing process. Her explanation highlights the importance of slow heating, the formation of köpük and the etiquette surrounding how coffee is served in Turkish homes.
Highlighting cultural identity
For the travel trade, the showcase highlights how Türkiye continues to rely on cultural identity to differentiate itself in a competitive outbound market. Experiences rooted in heritage remain a strong draw for Indian travellers, and such programmes help the trade contextualise Türkiye’s positioning strategy.
Looking ahead
The Embassy indicates that similar cultural initiatives will follow as Türkiye expands its engagement with Indian audiences. Further activities are expected to support visibility, awareness and long-term market development.
