Turkey banned coffee primarily because Sultan Murad IV of the Ottoman Empire feared its social and political consequences. He believed coffeehouses were breeding grounds for dissent and that the stimulating effects of coffee led to disobedience.
The Sultan's Concerns
Sultan Murad IV, who ruled from 1623 to 1640, viewed coffee, tobacco, and alcohol as threats to his authority and the stability of the Ottoman Empire. His specific concerns revolved around:
- Dissent and Rebellion: Coffeehouses were gathering places where people discussed politics and social issues. The Sultan feared these discussions could easily turn into plots against his rule.
- Loss of Control: The Sultan saw coffee as a stimulant that reduced obedience and made people less compliant with his orders.
- Moral Decadence: He associated coffee consumption with a decline in moral values and social order.
The Ban and Its Consequences
To suppress these perceived threats, Sultan Murad IV implemented a strict ban on coffee, tobacco, and alcohol. The penalty for violating this ban was death. Execution squads patrolled the streets, enforcing the Sultan's decree. This resulted in:
- Closure of Coffeehouses: Coffeehouses, which were centers of social and intellectual life, were shut down.
- Strict Enforcement: The ban was enforced with extreme severity, creating an atmosphere of fear and repression.
- Limited Success: Despite the harsh penalties, the ban was difficult to enforce completely, and coffee consumption continued, albeit in secret.
The End of the Ban
The ban on coffee did not last forever. After Sultan Murad IV's death in 1640, his successor, Sultan Ibrahim, lifted the ban. Coffeehouses were allowed to reopen, and coffee consumption became more widespread.
