About the First Coffee Shop

Coffee's history has been traced back to the 11th century. It was then that historians believe Ethiopians were the first to ingest and experiment with coffee beans. Coffee beans are said to have later been exported to Yemen, where tradesmen began cultivating them.

History

When reviewing historical documents, stories, fables and myths, historians have come up with one common conclusion: The very first record of a shop serving coffee to the public was in 1475.

Time Frame

However, historians still debate this date. Some believe the real date was 1471. There is no real documentation confirming the date or any detail of this shop's opening.

Geography

The first coffee shop's name was Kiva Han, and it was located in Constantinople, Turkey. Constantinople was later renamed Istanbul.

Features

Kiva Han is said to still be standing today, despite the fact that it is not much to look at from the outside. Patrons, however, can visit the inside, where the shelves are said to have many jars filled with coffee beans.

Theories/Speculation

Typically, activities in this coffee house included businessmen meeting to discuss their day, play games, listen to poetry and discuss business matters.

Significance

Following the opening of this coffee house, many others started going into business. Soon, coffee houses became an important part of Turkey's social structure.

Effects

Historians have also noted that women of that era were allowed to sue their husbands for divorce if they could not provide them with enough coffee.

Resources

• History of Coffee