So important is gahwa (coffee) in the Arab world the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) included gahwa in the agency’s 2015 Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.
Coffee Culture and History in the Middle East - Explore the history and culture of coffee in the Middle East, where it is integral to the life of each country. Although coffee is a common cultural feature across the region, there is considerable diversity among nations as to how the coffee beans are roasted, and how the beverage is made and served.
Arabic Coffee: 5 Things You Didn't Know About Coffee and Its Roots in the Middle East - If you’re a big coffee drinker, you’re likely aware that a huge amount of the coffee we drink comes from the Arabica bean. But how much do you really know about the origin of these coveted brown beans and the rituals and traditions associated with them?
UNESCO Feature on Arab Coffee as a Symbol of Generosity - Serving Arabic coffee is an important aspect of hospitality in Arab societies and considered a ceremonial act of generosity.
Coffee and Gahwa: How a Drink for Arab Mystics Went Global - The story of how Qahwa, which originally meant wine, went from being a drink Sufi mystics used as an aid to concentration and spiritual intoxication when they chanted the name of God, to a global drink enjoyed worldwide.