Turkish tea hourglass

The Turkish tea glass shaped like an hourglass symbolizes the pause and ancient tradition of tea in Turkey, captured in long exposure.

About this subject

In Turkey, tea is much more than a beverage: it is a daily ritual that accompanies visits, business, and conversations. Served in thin, curved glasses known as “ince belli” (slender waist), Turkish tea is prepared in a double teapot (çaydanlık), where water boils in the lower pot and concentrated tea steeps in the upper pot. The infusion takes 10 to 15 minutes, a time often measured by an hourglass, hence the visual association with the glass shape.

Tea is cultivated mainly in the Black Sea region, around Rize, where constant rain and fertile soil produce leaves with an intense flavor and deep amber color. Unlike tea served in other countries, Turkish tea is strong and sweetened with sugar cubes, never with milk. The tea tradition became a national symbol after World War I, when coffee became scarce and the government encouraged tea cultivation as an alternative.

The glass shape, resembling an hourglass, is not just aesthetic: it allows the tea to cool faster at the top while keeping the base warm. The long-exposure photograph of the glass in motion suggests the flow of time and the importance of the tea break in Turkish culture. In 2023, Turkey's per capita tea consumption exceeded 3.5 kg per year, one of the highest in the world, reinforcing its central role in the country's social life.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is the Turkish tea glass shaped like an hourglass?

The slender-waisted shape (ince belli) allows the tea to cool faster at the top while keeping the base warm, maintaining the ideal temperature for slow sipping.

How long does it take to brew Turkish tea?

Turkish tea is steeped for 10 to 15 minutes in the upper pot of the çaydanlık, often timed with a traditional hourglass.

Where is Turkish tea grown?

Most Turkish tea comes from the province of Rize in the Black Sea region, where the humid climate and fertile soil produce full-bodied leaves.