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Turkish Tea (Çay)
Drinks
Turkish Tea (Çay) in North Cyprus – The Drink That Brings People Together
Few things are more deeply woven into everyday life in North Cyprus than a glass of hot Turkish tea, known simply as çay. Whether you are visiting a government office, buying furniture, viewing a property, meeting friends, sitting in a village coffee house, or enjoying breakfast by the sea, chances are someone will offer you a glass of tea.
In North Cyprus, tea is much more than a drink. It is a symbol of hospitality, friendship, conversation, and community. The tradition was brought to Cyprus from Türkiye and remains one of the most recognisable aspects of Turkish Cypriot culture today. For many residents, a day begins with tea and ends with tea, with countless glasses consumed in between.
What Is Turkish Tea?
Turkish tea is a strong black tea traditionally produced in the Black Sea region of Türkiye, particularly around the city of Rize. The tea is brewed using a special double kettle known as a çaydanlıkand served in small tulip-shaped glasses called ince belli bardak. Unlike British tea, Turkish tea is:
Usually served without milk
Served in small glasses rather than mugs
Often sweetened with sugar
Brewed as a concentrate and diluted to taste
Drunk throughout the day rather than only at specific times
The resulting drink has a rich reddish-brown colour and a distinctive aroma.
The History of Tea in Cyprus
Tea became widespread throughout Turkish communities during the twentieth century as tea production expanded in Türkiye. Over time it replaced coffee as the everyday beverage of choice for many people.
As North Cyprus maintains strong cultural, economic and social ties with Türkiye, Turkish tea culture naturally became part of everyday Turkish Cypriot life. Today, tea is found everywhere:
Homes
Restaurants
Cafés
Village coffee houses
Government offices
Construction sites
Shops
Business meetings
Social gatherings
It is almost impossible to spend a day in North Cyprus without encountering tea.
Why Tea Is So Important in North Cyprus
Tea plays a role that goes far beyond refreshment. Offering tea is considered a gesture of:
Welcome
Respect
Friendship
Hospitality
Trust
Visitors are often surprised when they are offered tea while:
Viewing a property
Waiting in a government department
Shopping in local stores
Meeting a lawyer or accountant
Visiting someone's home
Refusing tea is perfectly acceptable, but accepting it is often seen as participating in a social ritual that helps build relationships. Tea culture in Türkiye and North Cyprus is strongly associated with hospitality and social interaction.
How Turkish Tea Is Made
Traditional Turkish tea is prepared using a çaydanlık, a double-stacked kettle.
Step 1
Water is boiled in the lower kettle.
Step 2
Loose black tea leaves are placed in the smaller upper kettle.
Step 3
Some boiling water is poured over the leaves to create a strong tea concentrate.
Step 4
The tea slowly brews while additional water remains hot below.
Step 5
When served, concentrated tea is poured into a glass and diluted with hot water according to personal preference.
This allows each person to choose:
Koyu – strong tea
Açık – lighter tea
The Famous Tea Glass
One of the most recognisable symbols of Turkish culture is the small tulip-shaped tea glass. The shape serves several purposes:
Displays the rich red colour of the tea
Keeps tea warm longer
Allows the drinker to hold the glass comfortably
Creates the traditional presentation associated with Turkish tea culture
These glasses can be found in virtually every home and restaurant throughout North Cyprus.
Tea Houses and Coffee Houses
Despite their name, many traditional coffee houses serve more tea than coffee.
Across North Cyprus you will find village coffee houses where locals gather to:
Discuss politics
Play tavla (backgammon)
Watch football
Read newspapers
Meet friends
Spend leisurely afternoons
A constant stream of tea glasses moves between tables throughout the day. These venues remain an important part of Turkish Cypriot social life.
Tea at Breakfast
Breakfast in North Cyprus is almost unthinkable without tea. A traditional Turkish Cypriot breakfast may include:
All accompanied by several glasses of hot tea. Many locals will continue refilling their glasses throughout the entire meal.
Tea in Business and Daily Life
One of the most interesting aspects of life in North Cyprus for newcomers is how frequently tea appears in business settings.
A property viewing may begin with tea.
A meeting with a lawyer may involve tea.
A visit to a car dealer may include tea.
Even negotiations and contracts are often discussed over tea.
The simple act of sharing tea helps create a relaxed atmosphere and strengthens relationships.
Tea and Turkish Cypriot Hospitality
Hospitality remains one of the defining characteristics of North Cyprus. Offering tea demonstrates:
Kindness
Respect for guests
A willingness to spend time together
Appreciation for company
Many residents joke that no problem in North Cyprus is discussed until tea arrives. While humorous, there is some truth in this observation. Tea often serves as the social bridge before serious conversation begins.
Popular Types of Tea Found in North Cyprus
Although traditional black tea dominates, several other varieties are widely available.
Black Tea (Çay)
The most common and widely consumed tea.
Sage Tea (Adaçayı)
Popular during winter and often believed to soothe sore throats.
Linden Tea (Ihlamur)
A favourite herbal tea with a mild floral flavour.
Rosehip Tea (Kuşburnu)
Known for its fruity taste and vitamin C content.
Apple Tea (Elma Çayı)
Especially popular with tourists.
Mountain Herb Teas
Made from locally gathered Mediterranean herbs.
Many restaurants and cafés offer both traditional and herbal options.
Tea During Festivals and Celebrations
Tea plays an important role during:
Weddings
Religious holidays
Village festivals
Family gatherings
Community events
Large samovars and tea stations are often used to serve hundreds of guests. No celebration feels complete without tea being available throughout the day.
Is Turkish Tea Healthy?
Turkish black tea contains:
Antioxidants
Naturally occurring caffeine
Polyphenols
When consumed without excessive sugar, tea can be a healthy alternative to many soft drinks. As with any caffeinated beverage, moderation is recommended.
Experiencing Tea Culture as a Visitor
Visitors wanting an authentic North Cyprus experience should:
Accept an offered glass of tea.
Visit a traditional village coffee house.
Enjoy tea with a Turkish Cypriot breakfast.
Watch locals play tavla while sipping tea.
Try both strong and light versions.
Sample herbal teas alongside traditional black tea.
Doing so provides valuable insight into local culture and daily life.
Conclusion
Turkish tea is far more than a beverage in North Cyprus. It is a symbol of friendship, hospitality, conversation, and community. From busy city cafés to quiet village coffee houses, tea remains at the heart of Turkish Cypriot life. Whether you are a resident, an expat, or a visitor, sharing a glass of tea is one of the simplest and most authentic ways to experience the culture of North Cyprus. As locals often say, life is always a little better with a glass of çay in your hand.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. Is Turkish tea different from English tea?
A. Yes. Turkish tea is stronger, served without milk, and presented in small tulip-shaped glasses.
Q. What is a çaydanlık?
A. A traditional double kettle used to brew Turkish tea.
Q. Do people drink tea every day in North Cyprus?
A. Yes. Many people drink multiple glasses throughout the day.
Q. Is tea offered to visitors?
A. Almost always. Offering tea is a traditional sign of hospitality.
Q. Is Turkish tea sweet?
A. It can be. Sugar is often offered separately so each person can sweeten it to taste.
Q. Can I buy Turkish tea in North Cyprus?
A. Yes. Supermarkets, markets, and specialty stores sell a wide range of Turkish tea brands.
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