Culture

The Joy of Tiny Gestures (Like Sharing a Cup of Coffee)

The Joy of Tiny Gestures (Like Sharing a Cup of Coffee)

Valentine’s Day is less than two weeks away! Today, however, we wanted to talk about the type of love that lives in small, thoughtful gestures. 

We’ve recently been thinking about this Turkish expression from our Bites of the World collection: 

“A cup of coffee has 40 years of memory (Bir fıncan kahvenin kırk yıllık hatırı vardır).” 

The most popular meaning behind this Turkish saying is this — every favor or act of kindness, even one as small as a cup of coffee, may be remembered fondly for years. 

It’s no surprise that this classic drink is used here to symbolize friendship. The magic of Turkish coffee isn’t in the bean, but in its ritualistic method and preparation — an ancient tradition with a 500-year-old history. 


Exploring Turkish Coffee

“A Cup of Coffee” Art Print

Turkish coffee is made with the world’s oldest coffee brewing methods, invented in the 16th century during the Ottoman Empire.

Traditionally, it’s prepared on the stovetop using a small, long-handled copper or brass pot called a cezve — one cup at a time. 

Since this classic drink is unfiltered (meaning that the grounds will lie at the bottom of the cup), whatever bean is used must be ground fresh and even finer than espresso.

Turkish coffee is served with a cup of water as a palate cleanser and is meant to be sipped during lingering conversation with family and friends, never drunk in a rush.

Fascinating tidbits:

  • The first coffeehouse was opened in Istanbul, becoming a venue that brought people of all stripes together, from poets to judges to those who just wanted to play a game of chess.
  • There is a unique tradition of reading fortunes with the grounds at the bottom of the cup, called tasseography.
  • Small, beautifully decorated, and always with saucers, the coffee cups are wonderful to admire on their own.
  • Although tea has become the new go-to beverage in modern-day Turkey, Turkish coffee remains a part of traditional ceremonies, from entertaining guests to asking for one’s hand in marriage.

Want to dive even deeper? We’re loving this short-form documentary on the history behind Turkish coffee


Rituals and Gestures

We may not always have the equipment or know-how to brew our own cup of Turkish coffee, but it’s worth thinking about the value of slow rituals and thoughtful gestures.

What seems small to us can matter a great deal to another. As research shows, we often underestimate the power of a random act of kindness — and its impact on our own happiness

From gathering with loved ones to showing that we are thinking of a friend with a tiny gesture, there is always a way that we too can summon that joy of connection.


This Turkish saying belongs to our Bites of the World collection, which spotlights illustrated food-related expressions from ten countries. It’s also available individually as a vibrant art print and postcard design.
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