Hello dear readers! ☕🍃
Today, we are going on a journey into the past of tea, which we all enjoy drinking. So, how was tea first discovered? Who discovered it? And how did it become one of the most beloved beverages in the world? If you're ready, let's discover some interesting details about the origins of tea together!
The most widely accepted story about the discovery of tea is based on a legend believed to have taken place in China in 2737 BC. Chinese Emperor Shen Nong was very health-conscious and always preferred to drink boiled water.
According to the legend, one day, a few tea leaves accidentally fell into the boiling water. The pleasant aroma and taste that the leaves added to the water caught Shen Nong's attention. When he took a sip, he was enchanted by both the taste and the refreshing effect. This event is considered the beginning of the discovery of tea!
Tea was first consumed in China as a source of healing. Initially, Buddhist monks began drinking tea to stay awake during long meditation sessions. Later, tea spread from China to Japan, Korea, and India.
📌 Interesting Fact: Japan's famous tea ceremony was inspired by traditions brought from China by Buddhist monks!
As trade routes developed, tea reached Central Asia and the Middle East. In the 16th and 17th centuries, European travellers and traders began bringing tea from China to Europe. The English, in particular, took a great interest in tea, and it became an integral part of English culture.
Tea was actually known in the Ottoman period, but it was not as popular as coffee. Interest in tea began to grow in the Ottoman Empire towards the end of the 19th century. However, the real change took place during the Republican period.
📌 Mustafa Kemal Atatürk believed that tea could be a more economical alternative to coffee and encouraged the widespread production of tea. The Black Sea region, in particular, had an ideal climate for growing tea.
✔ In 1924, a law was passed to start tea cultivation in Rize.
✔ From the 1930s onwards, tea production in Turkey increased rapidly.
✔ In the 1950s, tea replaced coffee and became widespread among the people.
Today, Turkey is one of the world's top tea-consuming countries! From breakfast to evening chats, tea has become an indispensable part of our culture. Tea houses, cafés, and freshly brewed tea at home... All are symbols of Turkish culture!
Today, tea is one of the most consumed beverages in the world! Different tea traditions have emerged from country to country:
🍵 China & Japan: Green tea and oolong teas are prominent. Tea ceremonies are still popular!
☕ Turkey: The culture of brewing tea in a teapot is widespread, and it is consumed at every meal, from breakfast to evening gatherings.
🥛 England: Milk tea has become a tradition. The ‘5 o'clock tea’ ritual is particularly famous!
🌿 India: Spicy ‘masala chai’ is one of the most beloved tea varieties.
Conclusion: From a Chance Discovery to a Global Passion!
Tea was discovered by chance thousands of years ago, but today it is enjoyed in various forms all around the world. Whether it’s with breakfast in the morning or during a warm chat with friends, tea continues to be a beverage that brings peace to all of us.
💬 How do you like to drink your tea? What’s your favourite type? Share your thoughts with us in the comments! 🍃☕
