Tulip-Shaped Glass - The Essence of Turkish Tea Culture

When one thinks of Turkish culture, tea is one of the first things that comes to mind, and when it comes to tea, the first thought is undoubtedly the tulip-shaped glass. Here's the story of this irreplaceable icon.

The History of the Tulip-Shaped Glass

This indispensable part of daily life and important element of Turkish culture dates back 80-90 years. While the exact designer and date of production are unknown, references suggest it may have been produced in the late 19th century in a factory in Beykoz. The glass is also depicted in Hoca Ali Rıza’s painting of a samovar. Hoca Ali Rıza lived between 1858-1930. Based on these details, we can deduce that the tulip-shaped tea glass has been part of our lives since the late 1800s.

Factors Behind Its Modern Design

Initially, these glasses were larger and had handles. However, these features increased production costs, making them less affordable. Removing these two features helped shape the traditional tulip-shaped tea glass we know today.

Its narrowing form allows it to be held at the top with the index and thumb, preventing contact with hot surfaces, while its design helps keep tea warm. Its ergonomic structure fits perfectly in the hand, transferring warmth and creating a comforting bond between the tea and its drinker.

Another beloved feature of this glass is its transparency, allowing tea lovers to admire the “rabbit’s blood” color of well-brewed tea.

The Best Glass for Tea

Tea is a significant part of global culture as much as it is of Turkish culture. Various cultures have their preferences, prompting tea lovers to ask, “Which is the best glass?” Our answer: the tulip-shaped glass.

While paper cups are handy during busy school or workdays, they compromise the flavor of the tea. Porcelain cups offer an alternative, but they cool the tea too quickly. For the best tea experience, tulip-shaped glass is ideal, showcasing the clarity of the tea and aiding in adjusting the brew strength. It holds a special place in our hearts and culture.

Varieties of Tulip-Shaped Glasses

Turkey produces many beautiful tulip-shaped designs. Our designers reinterpret the glass in unique ways, contributing to global tea culture. At our Ardeşen tea-tasting center and with Paşabahçe’s Nude series, we use these elegant designs, which combine modern and traditional aesthetics.

A standard tulip-shaped glass holds 110-120 cc, while the smaller “kahveci” model holds 80-90 cc. And, of course, we must mention the iconic Ajda glass, also known as Aida. Despite the naming confusion, this larger model (150-160 cc) is an essential part of Turkish tea culture and is produced by Paşabahçe.