Aroma and Art: An Illustrated Coffee Journey

By Jamal Faisal Almutawa

"Aroma and Art: An Illustrated Coffee Journey," authored by Jamal Faisal Almutawa, takes you on a captivating exploration through the world of coffee. It's a journey that transcends the constraints of time and place, delving into the essence of coffee as a beverage that has shaped cultures and histories. This book is far more than a mere story; it is an in-depth exploration of the complex nature of coffee. It traces the roots of coffee from the ancient highlands of Ethiopia to its status as a cherished global phenomenon.

Immerse yourself in the rich history and far-reaching impact of coffee, one of the world's most adored drinks. Almutawa's book is like a window into the aromatic universe of coffee, providing an all-encompassing look at its remarkable evolution. Coffee is depicted not just as a beverage, but as a representation of diverse traditions and cultures, from its modest beginnings to its current prominence.

For the seasoned coffee lover, the casual drinker, or the curious explorer, "Aroma and Art: An Illustrated Coffee Journey" is a trove of insights. It aims to enhance your knowledge and enjoyment of coffee, connecting you to the myriad cultures, histories, and narratives encapsulated in each cup.

More than just a reading experience, "Aroma and Art: An Illustrated Coffee Journey" is a voyage through the rich and complex world of coffee. Each chapter reveals a new layer of its intricate story, positioning the book as a must-read for anyone interested in understanding the cultural and historical depths of this universally beloved drink.
 

• Language: English
• Publisher: Jamal Faisal Almutawa
• Release date: Jan 8, 2024
• ISBN: 9798224265893

Jamal Faisal Almutawa

Jamal Faisal Almutawa is a seasoned telecommunications professional with over 21 years of experience in the industry. He has a strong expertise in cutting-edge technologies covering IT, software, telecom, fintech, and AI. Throughout his career, Jamal has held a variety of leadership positions at Zain and as Founder and CEO of Basket SPC. In addition to his work in the technology and telecommunications industries, Jamal is an enthusiastic and knowledgeable technology enthusiast with a keen interest in all new technologies. He keeps up-to-date with the latest trends in the field, making him a well-rounded industry expert.  

Book preview

The History of Coffee

The Birthplace of Coffee: Ethiopia's Ancient Brew

An image depicting a historical Ethiopian setting with a traditional coffee ceremony. The scene captures a group of people dressed in cultural Ethiopian attire, gathered around a low table on woven mats. In the center, a woman is roasting coffee beans over an open flame, with a jebena (Ethiopian clay coffee pot) and small cups ready for serving the coffee. The background is adorned with traditional Ethiopian decor, truly embodying the essence of an authentic Ethiopian coffee ceremony.

An image depicting a historical Ethiopian setting with a traditional coffee ceremony. The scene captures a group of people dressed in cultural Ethiopian attire, gathered around a low table on woven mats. In the center, a woman is roasting coffee beans over an open flame, with a jebena (Ethiopian clay coffee pot) and small cups ready for serving the coffee. The background is adorned with traditional Ethiopian decor, truly embodying the essence of an authentic Ethiopian coffee ceremony.

The story of coffee begins in the lush highlands of Ethiopia, a land steeped in legend and mystery. Among the verdant hills and ancient landscapes, coffee was discovered, giving birth to a beverage that would captivate the world. The most enduring tale is that of Kaldi, a young Ethiopian goatherd. As the story goes, Kaldi noticed his goats frolicking with unusual verve after eating the red cherries of a wild bush. Intrigued, he tried these cherries himself and experienced a newfound vitality. The discovery soon reached the local monastery, where monks, initially skeptical, found that a drink made from these cherries helped them stay awake during their long hours of prayer. This story, woven into the fabric of Ethiopian culture, marks the beginning of coffee's journey from a simple berry to a global phenomenon.

In Ethiopia, coffee was not just a stimulant; it was a cornerstone of culture and society. The traditional Ethiopian coffee ceremony, still prevalent today, is a testament to its deep cultural significance. This ceremony, often led by a woman of the household. It is a slow, rhythmic process involving the roasting of green coffee beans over an open flame, grinding them with a mortar and pestle, and then brewing the coffee in a clay pot called a 'jebena'. The ritual is as much about social interaction as it is about the drink itself. It's an occasion for community gathering, storytelling, and hospitality, often accompanied by the burning of incense. This tradition underscores coffee's role in Ethiopian society, not just as a beverage, but as a symbol of community, warmth, and history. As the birthplace of coffee, Ethiopia gave the world more than just a drink; it offered a new way to connect, reflect, and engage with the world.

Coffee's Journey to the Arabian Peninsula

The historical coffee trade at the Yemeni port city of Mocha during the 15th to 17th centuries. The scene depicts a bustling port with wooden merchant ships docked at the harbor, laden with sacks of coffee. Around the port, traders and merchants in traditional Yemeni attire are engaged in the bustling trade and sale of coffee. The background showcases the architectural style of the period, with stone buildings and narrow streets, capturing the essence of Mocha as a pivotal hub in the historical coffee trade.

The historical coffee trade at the Yemeni port city of Mocha during the 15th to 17th centuries. The scene depicts a bustling port with wooden merchant ships docked at the harbor, laden with sacks of coffee. Around the port, traders and merchants in traditional Yemeni attire are engaged in the bustling trade and sale of coffee. The background showcases the architectural style of the period, with stone buildings and narrow streets, capturing the essence of Mocha as a pivotal hub in the historical coffee trade.

Coffee's journey from the Ethiopian highlands to the Arabian Peninsula marks a significant chapter in its global odyssey. It was in Yemen, specifically, where coffee found a new home and began to take on a new form of cultural significance. The port city of Mocha, in Yemen, became synonymous with the coffee trade and gave its name to the famous Mocha coffee. Yemeni traders brought coffee plants across the Red Sea and cultivated them in their mountain terraces. It was here that coffee was first boiled, a method that would become the blueprint for how coffee is most commonly prepared today. The rise of coffee houses, known as 'qahveh khaneh', began in cities like Istanbul and Cairo. These establishments quickly became social and intellectual hubs, frequented by scholars, poets, and philosophers, shaping the cultural and intellectual landscape of the Arabian world.

Sufi dervishes drinking coffee as they engage in night-long prayer rituals. The dervishes are shown in traditional attire, seated in a circle with cups of coffee, captured in a serene and contemplative atmosphere that emphasizes their devotion and focus.

Sufi dervishes drinking coffee as they engage in night-long prayer rituals. The dervishes are shown in traditional attire, seated in a circle with cups of coffee, captured in a serene and contemplative atmosphere that emphasizes their devotion and focus.

The spiritual significance of coffee was particularly pronounced in Sufi communities. Sufi dervishes used coffee as an aid in their nighttime devotions, employing its stimulant properties to remain alert during their long hours of prayer and mystical chanting. Coffee became a part of Sufi rituals, used in dhikr ceremonies to evoke a state of heightened spiritual awareness and ecstasy. This adoption of coffee