What is Coffee Cup Reading?
Coffee cup reading (tasseography) is the art of interpreting patterns formed by coffee grounds left in a cup after drinking Turkish coffee. This ancient tradition has been practised for centuries across Turkey, the Balkans, and the Middle East.
History of Coffee Reading
The origins of coffee cup reading date back to the 16th century Ottoman Empire. As coffeehouses spread, people began interpreting the shapes left in their cups during coffee breaks.
According to legend, coffee readers in the Ottoman palace served as advisors to sultans. Over time, this tradition spread from the palace to the people and became an integral part of daily life.
From the Ottomans to Today
- 16th century: Coffee arrives in Istanbul, coffeehouses open
- 17th century: The tradition spreads to the Balkans and Europe
- 19th century: Popularised in Viennese coffeehouses
- 21st century: Digital transformation with artificial intelligence begins
How is Coffee Fortune Told?
Traditional coffee reading consists of several key steps:
- Brew Turkish coffee and drink it while thinking of your intention
- Turn the cup upside down onto the saucer
- Wait 3-5 minutes — let the grounds cool and form patterns
- Open the cup and read the symbols
Coffee reading is not just fortune telling; it's a conversation culture, a ritual for building connections.
AI and Coffee Reading
Today, apps like Fincan combine this ancient tradition with AI technology, making it accessible to everyone. Through image recognition and language models, the symbols in your cup are analysed and personalised interpretations are provided.
📌 Did you know?
UNESCO added Turkish coffee culture to its Intangible Cultural Heritage List in 2013. Coffee reading is an important part of this cultural heritage.
Is Coffee Reading Real?
Coffee reading is not a scientific method but a cultural tradition. However, it has maintained its value for centuries by offering people introspection, reflection, and social bonding opportunities.
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