Identifying Great Powers Through Coffee Names Across Eras

 

A Beverage Enjoyed by People Around the World

Coffee is said to have been discovered by accident in Ethiopia around the 6th or 7th century by a goatherd named Kaldi. After seeing his goats excitedly jumping around after eating the red coffee cherries, Kaldi decided to try the fruit himself. He noticed that it cleared his mind and made him feel refreshed. He shared this discovery with monks at an Islamic monastery, and the monks, realizing the fruit’s ability to boost energy and prevent sleep, began using it as a beverage to aid in their spiritual practice. Coffee then spread through the Ottoman Empire and eventually to Europe, before making its way to the Americas, becoming a beloved drink worldwide. Coffee has been known by various names throughout history, reflecting the dominant powers of different eras.

(Left) Ottoman people enjoying coffee in a café (Right) Ottoman people brewing coffee on hot sand

Kahve: The Favorite Drink of the Ottoman Empire, which Conquered All of Europe

The Ottoman Empire, which began as a small state in present-day Turkey, expanded its territory across Asia, Africa, and Europe, growing into a massive empire. During their conquests, they accidentally captured the port of Mocha in present-day Yemen, which was the only region where coffee was cultivated. The Ottoman nobles, after tasting coffee, were so delighted by its flavor that they brought it back to the capital, Istanbul. Coffee soon became a popular drink among the nobility, and eventually spread to the common people. As the Ottoman Empire was a major trading hub with merchants from all over the world, many tried coffee and, upon learning its name—'kahve'—shared it across the globe. Realizing that coffee was a valuable commodity, the Ottomans strictly controlled its production and sale. Coffee captivated European taste buds and soon became the most popular beverage across Europe.

 

Coffee: A Name Standardized by the British Empire, the Empire on Which the Sun Never Sets

To reach India, Europeans had to pass through the Mediterranean Sea, which was controlled by the Ottoman Empire. The Ottomans charged high tolls for passage, making trade expensive. To avoid these fees, European nations began searching for new sea routes to India, eventually discovering the Americas, Southeast Asia, and other "New World" territories, where they established colonies. Europeans planted profitable crops in these colonies, including coffee, which thrived in regions like Java, Mexico, and South America. The European empires fought for control over these colonies, with Britain ultimately emerging victorious by dominating the seas. Britain’s colonies spanned across the Americas, Asia, Europe, and Africa, earning it the nickname "the empire on which the sun never sets." As British culture spread, the Ottoman term 'kahve' was adapted to the English 'coffee,' which became the standard name we use today.

Americano: A Name Coined by the World's Most Powerful Nation, the United States

The United States, which gained independence from Britain’s North American colonies, has since become the world’s leading superpower. The U.S. grew rapidly by providing military supplies to the Allied forces during World War I and II, emerging as a major victor after the wars. Following World War II, the U.S. gained control over global finance and oil, amassing immense wealth. U.S. capital flowed into Europe and Asia, extending American influence worldwide. Today, the U.S. dollar serves as the world’s reserve currency, used as the standard for international transactions. As America’s economic and military influence spread, even the coffee traditionally enjoyed in Britain was renamed with an American twist. The term 'Americano'—meaning American-style coffee—was coined. Today, almost every coffee shop around the world offers an 'Americano,' symbolizing the global influence of the United States, even in the names of the coffee we love.

 

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