Secrets of Qajar Coffee: From Court Manners to Today’s Cafes
The Origins of Coffee in Iran: From Safavid to Qajar Era
The Entry of Coffee into Iran
The story of coffee in Iran begins centuries earlier, during the Safavid dynasty (1501–1736), which had strong cultural and political ties with the Ottoman Empire and Indian trade routes. Coffee entered Iran via Ottoman territories and Indian merchants, quickly becoming part of social life in major Iranian cities like Isfahan, Shiraz, and Tehran.
Coffeehouses and Social Transformation
By the time of the Qajar dynasty, coffee had become a popular social beverage, especially in coffeehouses (qahveh-khaneh)—gathering places for poets, political discussion, and cultural exchange. These establishments played a crucial role in shaping Iranian social and political life, providing spaces where ideas circulated freely.
