This Turkish Coffee House Is Among The Oldest In The World (And It's Still Open Today)

Turkish coffee comes from one of the world's oldest brewing methods, a tradition that dates back to the 16th century at least. Not only did the Ottoman empire change the coffee landscape forever with its ingenious ways of brewing, but it also birthed the idea of coffee house culture, creating a "third place" for the community to gather and interact. Tahmis Kahvesi, a coffee house located in Gaziantep, Turkey, has been around since 1635 andseen the passage of time and the changes in both coffee and human society. With a name that translates to "roasting place" and a warm, inviting atmosphere that transcends the trends of centuries, there's little wonder that countless folks have savored a cuppa within the high-ceilinged, brightly-lit walls of this café.

How to order coffee abroad can be a fraught subject in terms of respecting local manners and customs, but don't feel intimidated by the history behind Tahmis Kahvesi. Locals still gather here to play board games, discuss the news, and loiter for a few pleasant hours among their friends and neighbors, but the establishment is also used to international visitors. Reviews state that, for an authentic taste, you should order the menengiç coffee, a caffeine-free brew made from pistachio paste. The coffee house's website mentions that it is also known for its strawberry and cardamom coffees, as well as its scrumptious baklava. Pros say that the key to drinking good coffee is to sip it like wine, and you'll have a chance to refine this "take it easy" approach at Tahmis Kahvesi, where the entire vibe invites you to rest for a while and forget about the cares of the world while you savor exquisite coffee.

What makes Tahmis Kahvesi special is that, with a few minor hiccups, it has been continuously open for business since the 17th century. A fire leveled the historic building in the early 1900s, but ownership persevered and rebuilt. In 2009, a two-year renovation brought the coffee house to the gorgeous, more modern state it's in today, although many nods to its long history still remain. These include its stained glass windows, ceiling beams of dark wood, glittering chandeliers, and wrought iron gates. Little cups of espresso are cradled in pewter mugs engraved with the café's name, and every afternoon, a "saz," or folk song, is performed, in a ritual that dates back 150 years! During Ramadan and other special holidays, entertainment is presented on the mezzanine above the shop's seating area.

Customers respond well to the atmosphere and menu at Tahmis Kahvesi, rating it high for coziness, welcoming vibes, and quality. "The "Tahmis special" waterpipe is a must, as well as the "menengic coffee" (sort of Turkish coffee with a taste of pistachio and milk). The best part of this place is that it is a mix of tourists and locals, giving you both comfort and an overview of the culture of Gaziantep," one Tripadvisor review reads. If you find yourself browsing the Gaziantep bazaar in this UNESCO World Heritage city, stop by Tahmis Kahvesi and relax with a cup of real Turkish coffee and the knowledge that you are one fleeting contributor to centuries of foot traffic.