Turkish Tea Postcard

Turkish tea, called "Çay", a form of black tea, is produced on the eastern Black Sea coast, which has a mild climate with high precipitation and fertile soil. Turkish tea is typically prepared using two stacked kettles especially designed for tea preparation. Water is brought to a boil in the larger lower kettle and then some of the water is used to fill the smaller kettle on top and steep several spoons of loose tea leaves, producing a very strong tea. Tea is drunk from small glasses to enjoy it hot in addition to show its colour, with lumps of beetroot sugar. Tea is an important part of the Turkish culture. Offering tea or coffee is considered to be a sign of friendship and hospitality at homes, bazaars and restaurants, before or after a meal.