Discovering the Art of Azerbaijani Tea: From Preparation to Enjoyment
Drinking tea in Azerbaijan is a delightful experience enriched by the ancient traditions of tea ceremonies. It is highly recommended for anyone visiting the country to take part in a traditional tea ceremony.
Azerbaijanis are known for their warm hospitality, and when you visit any home in Azerbaijan, you will be greeted with black tea. Serving tea at the beginning of a meal is considered a symbol of hospitality, often accompanied by a variety of jams such as fig, strawberry, apricot, walnut, and blackberry. This tradition creates an atmosphere of conviviality and enhances the flow of conversation. To add extra flavor, tea is sometimes infused with spices like cinnamon, cardamom leaves, or ginger.
Unlike many cultures, Azerbaijanis typically don’t put sugar directly in their tea. Instead, they dunk a piece of sugar in the tea, take a bite, and then sip the tea. This unique way of drinking tea is believed to have originated from medieval times when rulers, fearing poisoning, tested their tea by dunking sugar into it, as it was thought that the sugar would react to any poison.
Tea ceremonies hold deep cultural significance in Azerbaijan. They have their own set of rules and practices designed to enhance the enjoyment of serving and drinking tea. According to tradition, the host must offer tea to every visitor, even if the visit is expected to be brief. Tea is associated with warmth and friendliness, and it is considered impolite to let a guest leave without having at least one cup of tea.
A traditional Azerbaijani tea ceremony features freshly brewed, strong, and hot tea served in cups or crystal glasses, often referred to as “armudu glass” or “pear-shaped glass.” Tea is continuously served when there are guests in the house or engaging in interesting conversations.
The armudu glass holds special significance in Azerbaijani culture. It is believed to represent the ideal figure of an Eastern woman or an 18-year-old Azerbaijani girl. These glasses are designed to be easy to hold, with a wider top preventing them from slipping out of your hand. They also feature a design that keeps the top part of the glass cooler, preventing the drinker from burning their hands. As the tea is consumed, it cools proportionally, with the top portion of the glass becoming cooler while the bottom part remains hot.
Tea is poured into Armudu glasses, leaving a gap of 1-2 cm known as “dodag yeri” or “a spot for the lips” to ensure comfortable drinking.
The selection of dishes and the technique of boiling water play an important role in the tea-serving process. Ceramic and china dishes are commonly used, and water is often boiled in samovars, which add a unique aroma and taste to the tea. While samovars are often associated with Russia, recent archaeological discoveries in Azerbaijan suggest that they have ancient origins in the region.
Tea houses, locally known as “chaykhanas,” are an integral part of Azerbaijani social life. Historically, these places were reserved for men, providing a space for them to gather, pass the time, share stories, discuss politics, and play backgammon while enjoying tea. However, today, tea is served everywhere, and it is deeply ingrained in the social fabric of Azerbaijan.
Tea is an essential part of various ceremonies in Azerbaijan, including weddings. Serving tea with or without sugar at the end of a conversation symbolizes the agreement or rejection of the woman’s parents regarding a potential marriage. Sweetened tea indicates their agreement, while unsweetened tea signifies rejection.
When you visit Azerbaijan, the Land of Fire, make sure to immerse yourself in the tea-drinking culture. Azerbaijanis believe that when you drink tea, you don’t count the cups, emphasizing the sacredness and significance of tea in their culture.
