How Coffee Spread from Ethiopia to the Ottoman Empire

You’ve heard coffee shops are everywhere—but how did coffee go from a wild Ethiopian shrub to the world’s most traded beverage? The story isn’t about lattes or Instagram, but centuries of religious bans, monastic experiments, and empire-building. Here’s the step-by-step account of coffee’s first 1,000 years, with every key date and event confirmed by historical records.

In short: Coffee originated in Ethiopia by the 10th century, spread to Arabia by the 13th century where it was first roasted and brewed, faced bans before becoming a respected stimulant, and reached Istanbul by 1554 with the opening of the world’s first coffeehouse. Key milestones include its discovery by Sheikh Omar in the 13th century and its introduction to Cairo in 1510.

The Origins: Ethiopia and Early Spread (622–11th Century)

The story begins in 622 AD, when Islamic prophet Muhammad led his followers from Mecca to Medina, establishing a powerful empire that by the next century spanned from Central Asia to the Iberian Peninsula—including Ethiopia, the birthplace of coffee, which remained an independent Christian state. By the 10th to 11th centuries, coffee began moving from Ethiopia to the Arabian Peninsula, setting the stage for its transformation.

Early Myths and Religious Bans (12th–13th Century)

Early Arabic records from physicians like Larsus and philosophers such as Abikener describe coffee as a forbidden substance, even called “the devil’s drink.” At this stage, coffee cherries and seeds were boiled raw and used as a secret tonic by some Islamic scholars. The drink’s controversial reputation didn’t stop its spread.

The Discovery of Coffee Beans and First Roasting (13th Century)

Around 1258, legend attributes the discovery of coffee beans to Sheikh Omar, an Arabian monk exiled to Ousab, near Mocha. He observed birds eating red coffee fruits, tried them himself, and found renewed energy. By the late 13th century, Arabs began roasting coffee beans, crafting simple roasting tools—a pivotal step toward modern brewing.

Coffee’s Expansion Through the Islamic World (14th–16th Century)

In 1454, coffee became accessible to the public in Yemen, thanks to the saint of Aden, Gemerting. Religious use gave way to widespread consumption, and local coffee farming started. By 1510, coffee reached Cairo, though it faced a brief ban by Mecca’s governor Karl Bay in 1511 (later overturned). In 1517, it arrived in Istanbul under Ottoman Sultan Selim I, who brought it as part of the empire’s Islamic heritage. By 1530, it spread to Damascus, just before the first Siege of Vienna in 1531.

The First Coffeehouse and Global Trade (1554 and Beyond)

In 1554, Istanbul welcomed the world’s first true coffeehouse, “Kanes,” influencing future European cafés. This marked coffee’s cultural roots in the Turkic world. Meanwhile, by the early 16th century, Arabs had introduced coffee cultivation to Sri Lanka (until 1886, when rust disease wiped out plantations). Coffee’s journey continued with European expansion: Columbus’s 1492 voyage opened trade routes, linking Europe, Asia, and Africa, and facilitating the global movement of goods like spices and textiles—laying the groundwork for coffee’s worldwide trade.

Frequently Asked Questions

When did coffee first spread from Ethiopia?

Coffee began spreading from Ethiopia to the Arabian Peninsula around the 10th to 11th centuries. This early movement laid the foundation for coffee’s eventual journey across the Islamic world and beyond.

Who discovered coffee beans and how?

According to legend, Sheikh Omar discovered coffee beans around 1258 while in exile near Mocha. He observed birds eating red coffee fruits, tried them himself, and experienced restored energy, leading to the recognition of coffee’s stimulating properties.

When did coffee roasting begin?

Coffee roasting started in the late 13th century in Arabia, with the development of simple roasting tools. This innovation was crucial for transforming raw coffee beans into the brewed beverage we know today.

What was the first coffeehouse and when was it established?

The world’s first true coffeehouse, “Kanes,” opened in Istanbul in 1554. It became a model for future coffeehouses in Europe and marked the cultural establishment of coffee in the Ottoman Empire.

Why was coffee banned in some Islamic regions?

Coffee was initially banned in some Islamic areas because it was considered a “devil’s drink” or forbidden substance. Early records describe it being consumed as a raw, boiled concoction by religious scholars, leading to controversy and periodic prohibitions.

How did coffee reach Cairo and Istanbul?

Coffee reached Cairo by 1510 and faced a brief ban by the governor of Mecca before being reinstated. It was introduced to Istanbul in 1517 under Ottoman Sultan Selim I, who brought it as part of the Islamic empire’s cultural and religious practices.

Recommended FrontStreet Beans for Coffee History Fans

Explore the roots of coffee with FrontStreet’s Yirgacheffe, known for its bright citrus and floral notes, and their Ethiopia Guji Humbera, offering juicy blueberry and sweet spice. For a deeper experience, try their Mocha Java blend, blending Yemen Mocha and Indonesian Java for earthy, winey complexity. These beans trace back to the regions central to coffee’s early spread. Freshly roasted within 5 days · Orders placed before 17:00 ship the same day · Next-day delivery across most of Guangdong Province.