A new star is born

Apparently northern Europe was introduced to its love for coffee when the Ottomans laid siege to Vienna in the 17th century. Today, the Western world seems to be returning the favor by bringing its owne coffee culture to Turkey. Much of the Turkish middle class in the larger cities, like to meet at the Starbucks, Caribou and Gloria Jean’s outlets to enjoy espresso, latte macchiato or filter coffee. When I was in Istanbul, apart from the Western chains, I still found some traditional coffee houses and simple cafes, some of which appealed to the Western-oriented middle class. The small café “Çay Lav Yu!” across from the Galata Tower courts this clientele with a sign designed to provide visitors with a certain flair recognisable from a particular American chain.

Istanbul (Turkey), June 2014