Empire: World History 31. Conquering the Night: The History of Coffee
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Jan 31, 2023 
Cemal Kafadar, a Harvard professor specializing in Ottoman history, joins the discussion to unravel the fascinating journey of coffee. He highlights its surprising origins, including its rumored use as an aphrodisiac. Kafadar dives into the societal significance of coffee houses as centers for political discourse and social interaction. The conversation touches on the roles of women in shaping coffee culture and links its history to modern coffee giants like Starbucks, all while celebrating coffee's enduring cultural legacy.
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The Frisky Goats
- The origin of coffee is discussed, including a story about a goat herder observing his goats' frisky behavior after consuming coffee berries.
- This anecdote introduces the stimulating effects of coffee.
Ritualistic Coffee Use
- Coffee was initially used for rituals by Sufis and Jewish mystics due to its mind-altering qualities that allowed them to stay awake during nighttime rituals.
- It was brewed in ibriks and likely tasted different than modern coffee preparations.
Coffee's Spread and Mocha's Role
- Coffee consumption spread northwards, reaching Mecca and Medina by the mid-15th century, facilitated by Hajj pilgrims.
- Mocha became a key trading hub where coffee and chocolate from the New World converged.
