A staff member makes tea at a teahouse in Istanbul, Türkiye, May 21, 2025. (Xinhua/Liu Lei)
ISTANBUL, May 21 (Xinhua) -- At a teahouse tucked into the heart of Istanbul's energetic Besiktas district, the air is fragrant with steam rising from rows of tulip-shaped glasses filled with strong black tea. The clink of spoons against glass and the low murmur of conversation form a familiar symphony. Here, amid the city's constant motion, locals pause -- not for celebration or ceremony, but for something far more enduring: tea.
"We serve it strong, hot, and always in tulip-shaped glasses," said Mehmet Yilmaz, who has run this neighborhood teahouse for more than two decades. "That's the tradition - no fancy flavors, just good black tea that keeps the conversation flowing."
While International Tea Day, held each year on May 21 since its inception in 2020, may pass with little fanfare in Türkiye, its spirit is alive in places like this -- where the daily ritual of tea-drinking needs no calendar reminder. The country has long ranked among the world's leaders in tea consumption. Official figures estimate annual dry tea consumption at roughly 3.5 to 4 kilograms per person.
"Tea brings people together in Türkiye, whether it's a celebration or just another day," Yilmaz said. "It's part of who we are."
The scene in his teahouse reflects that sentiment. Retirees gather to debate the day's politics, students pore over notes between sips, and conversations unfold without urgency. For many, tea is less about the beverage and more about the moment it creates.
Ayse Demir, a schoolteacher and one of Yilmaz's regulars, said tea has become her daily anchor.
"I start my morning with a glass of tea and end my day the same way," she said, smiling. "It's not just a habit - it's a comfort. No matter how busy things get, there's always time for tea."
For Irfan Karsli, head of the Turkish Chinese Cultural Association, tea has come to symbolize more than personal ritual -- it has become a quiet ambassador.
"In Türkiye, tea is more than a drink. It's how we welcome people, start conversations, and build friendships," he said. "Celebrating International Tea Day helps us recognize how deeply it is woven into our lives."
Karsli sees tea as a bridge, not just between people, but across time and cultures. He draws a comparison between Türkiye and China, two civilizations with ancient and distinct tea traditions.
"In both cultures," he said, "tea is a sign of respect, a gesture of hospitality, and a link across generations."
Though the styles differ -- Türkiye favors robust black tea while China offers delicate green, oolong, and white varieties -- the essence, Karsli believes, is shared.
"Tea is about more than taste," he said. "It's about time, togetherness, and tradition."
In Istanbul, as in much of Türkiye, tea does not wait for a designated holiday to be honored. It simply fills the glass and the space between people. ■
A staff member pours tea for customers at a teahouse in Istanbul, Türkiye, May 21, 2025. (Xinhua/Liu Lei)
This photo taken on May 21, 2025 shows tulip-shaped glasses at a teahouse in Istanbul, Türkiye. (Xinhua/Liu Lei)
This photo taken on May 21, 2025 shows a scene of a teahouse in Istanbul, Türkiye. (Xinhua/Liu Lei)
A customer adds sugar to black tea at a teahouse in Istanbul, Türkiye, May 21, 2025. (Xinhua/Liu Lei)
A staff member prepares to serve tea to customers at a teahouse in Istanbul, Türkiye, May 21, 2025. (Xinhua/Liu Lei)
