Welcome!

Enter a player name to begin or load your saved progress.

Arabic coffee Wiki2Web Clarity Challenge

Study Hints Create Teach
Global Score: 0
Trophies: 0 🏆

‹ Back

Score: 0 / 100

Study Guide: Arabic Coffee: History, Culture, and Preparation

Cheat Sheet:
Arabic Coffee: History, Culture, and Preparation Study Guide

Historical Origins and Global Dissemination

The earliest credible evidence of coffee consumption dates to the mid-15th century in Yemen, where Sufi monasteries employed it to support nighttime devotions.

Answer: True

Explanation: Credible evidence indicates that coffee drinking began in the mid-15th century in Yemen, where Sufi monasteries used it to maintain alertness during their nighttime prayers.

Return to Game

The prohibition on coffee consumption in Mecca in 1511 was rescinded by an order from the Ottoman Turkish Sultan Suleiman I in 1524.

Answer: True

Explanation: The ban on coffee consumption in Mecca, instituted in 1511, was indeed overturned in 1524 by an order from Ottoman Turkish Sultan Suleiman I.

Return to Game

Sufi monks in Yemen significantly contributed to the popularization of coffee by cultivating it in the 15th century for their nighttime devotions.

Answer: True

Explanation: Sufi monks in Yemen were indeed instrumental in popularizing coffee, beginning its cultivation in the 15th century for use during their nighttime devotions.

Return to Game

Coffee disseminated globally from the Arab world primarily through European traders who encountered it in Constantinople.

Answer: False

Explanation: Coffee spread globally from the Arab world primarily through thousands of Arab pilgrims traveling to Mecca, who then introduced it to other Arab countries and eventually the wider world.

Return to Game

According to the provided source material, what is the geographical origin of Arabic coffee?

Answer: Greater Yemen, specifically Mokha

Explanation: The source indicates that Arabic coffee originated in Greater Yemen, specifically beginning in the port city of Mokha.

Return to Game

When is Arabic coffee believed to have been invented, based on the earliest credible evidence of its consumption?

Answer: 15th century

Explanation: The earliest credible evidence suggests that Arabic coffee was invented and first consumed in the mid-15th century.

Return to Game

Who were among the earliest users of coffee in Yemen during the mid-15th century, employing it to maintain alertness during devotions?

Answer: Sufi monasteries

Explanation: Sufi monasteries in Yemen were among the first to use coffee in the mid-15th century to help them stay alert during nighttime devotions and prayers.

Return to Game

What was the rationale for the initial prohibition of coffee in Mecca in 1511?

Answer: Its stimulating effect was feared to impact religious practices and social order.

Explanation: Coffee was initially forbidden in Mecca in 1511 due to its stimulating effect, which conservative imams feared would negatively impact religious practices and social order.

Return to Game

Who was responsible for overturning the prohibition on coffee consumption in 1524?

Answer: Ottoman Turkish Sultan Suleiman I

Explanation: The ban on coffee consumption was overturned in 1524 by an order from the Ottoman Turkish Sultan Suleiman I.

Return to Game

What significant event transpired in Cairo in 1532 concerning coffee?

Answer: A similar ban on coffee was instituted, leading to the sacking of coffeehouses.

Explanation: In Cairo, Egypt, a similar ban on coffee was instituted in 1532, which led to the sacking of coffeehouses and warehouses containing coffee beans.

Return to Game

By what primary mechanism did coffee disseminate globally from the Arab world?

Answer: Through thousands of Arab pilgrims traveling to Mecca

Explanation: Coffee spread globally from the Arab world primarily through thousands of Arab pilgrims traveling to Mecca, who facilitated its enjoyment and harvesting to other regions.

Return to Game

Linguistic Evolution and Terminology

The English word 'coffee' directly originated from the Arabic word *qahwah* without any intermediate linguistic borrowings.

Answer: False

Explanation: The English word 'coffee' was borrowed via Dutch and Ottoman Turkish before its ultimate derivation from the Arabic word *qahwah*.

Return to Game

The Arabic name for the coffee berry or plant is *qahwah*, which is identical to the term for the prepared beverage.

Answer: False

Explanation: The Arabic name for the coffee berry or plant is *bunn*, which is distinct from *qahwah*, the term for the prepared beverage.

Return to Game

The original meaning of the Arabic word *qahwah* might have referred to the drink's reputation as an appetite stimulant.

Answer: False

Explanation: The original meaning of the Arabic word *qahwah* may have referred to the drink's reputation as an appetite suppressant, not an appetite stimulant.

Return to Game

From which language did the English word 'coffee' directly borrow its form?

Answer: Dutch

Explanation: The English word 'coffee' directly borrowed its form from the Dutch word *koffie*.

Return to Game

What is the Arabic term for the coffee berry or plant itself, distinguishing it from the prepared beverage?

Answer: Bunn

Explanation: The Arabic name for the coffee berry or plant is *bunn*, which is distinct from *qahwah*, the prepared beverage.

Return to Game

Preparation, Ingredients, and Characteristics

Arabic coffee, known as *qahwa*, is exclusively made from *Coffea robusta* beans, which are characterized by their mild flavor.

Answer: False

Explanation: The source explicitly states that Arabic coffee is primarily made from *Coffea arabica* beans, not *Coffea robusta*.

Return to Game

Arabic coffee is typically served cold and heavily sweetened to mitigate its robust flavor.

Answer: False

Explanation: Arabic coffee is typically served hot and is generally bitter with no sugar added, although sugar can be added based on preference.

Return to Game

A small cup of Arabic coffee is notable for its high-calorie content, attributed to its concentrated nature.

Answer: False

Explanation: A small cup of Arabic coffee is characterized by having almost no calories or fat, making it a low-calorie beverage option.

Return to Game

*Khameerat al-qahwa* is a type of sweetener occasionally added to Levantine Arabic coffee.

Answer: False

Explanation: *Khameerat al-qahwa* is a fermented coffee 'starter' used to enhance the depth and aroma of coffee, not a sweetener.

Return to Game

Arabic coffee is typically brewed in a *dallah* or *cezve* and presented in a small, handleless cup termed a *finjān*.

Answer: True

Explanation: Arabic coffee is traditionally brewed in a *dallah* or *cezve* and served in a small, handleless cup known as a *finjān*.

Return to Game

Arabic coffee is typically served in large volumes, frequently filling the cup completely.

Answer: False

Explanation: Arabic coffee is customarily served in very small quantities, typically just a few centiliters, and cups are normally only filled partway.

Return to Game

From which type of beans is Arabic coffee primarily produced?

Answer: Coffea arabica

Explanation: Arabic coffee is primarily made from *Coffea arabica* beans, which are widely cultivated and known for their flavorful and aromatic profile.

Return to Game

Which ingredient is commonly utilized and frequently added to Arabic coffee to impart its distinctive flavor?

Answer: Cardamom

Explanation: Cardamom is a generally used ingredient and is often added to Arabic coffee, contributing significantly to its distinctive flavor profile.

Return to Game

What traditional vessel is employed for serving Arabic coffee?

Answer: A *finjān*

Explanation: Arabic coffee is traditionally served in a small, handleless cup known as a *finjān*.

Return to Game

What is the function of a *rakwa* (also known as a *cezve* or *jezwah*) in Levantine Arabic coffee preparation?

Answer: A long-handled pot for brewing coffee

Explanation: A *rakwa*, also known as a *cezve* or *jezwah*, is a long-handled pot used for brewing coffee, particularly in the Levant region.

Return to Game

Define *khameerat al-qahwa*.

Answer: A fermented coffee 'starter' to enhance depth and aroma

Explanation: *Khameerat al-qahwa* is a fermented coffee 'starter' that is sometimes added to *qahwah sādah* in some Levantine households to enhance the depth and aroma of the coffee.

Return to Game

What is the customary serving volume of Arabic coffee?

Answer: Very small quantities, just a few centiliters

Explanation: Arabic coffee is customarily served in very small quantities, typically just a few centiliters at a time.

Return to Game

What are the nutritional characteristics associated with a small cup of Arabic coffee?

Answer: Almost no calories or fat

Explanation: A small cup of Arabic coffee is notable for having almost no calories or fat, making it a low-calorie beverage option.

Return to Game

Serving Etiquette and Cultural Practices

The traditional etiquette for a host in the Arab world dictates refilling a guest's coffee cup only once, irrespective of the guest's preference.

Answer: False

Explanation: Traditional Arab hospitality requires the host to continue refilling a guest's coffee cup until the guest explicitly signals that they are finished, not just once.

Return to Game

The ceremonial serving etiquette for *qahwah sādah* in the Levant involves the host circulating counter-clockwise among guests.

Answer: False

Explanation: The ceremonial serving etiquette for *qahwah sādah* in the Levant requires the host or eldest son to move clockwise among guests, not counter-clockwise.

Return to Game

In the Levant, it is considered polite to accept only one cup of coffee, as consuming more would imply dissatisfaction.

Answer: False

Explanation: In the Levant, it is traditionally considered polite to accept up to three cups of coffee, and the host will continue to refill the cup until the guest signals completion.

Return to Game

In Jordan, black, cardamom-flavored *qahwah sādah* is designated as 'welcome coffee' and serves as a traditional emblem of respect.

Answer: True

Explanation: In Jordan, black, cardamom-flavored *qahwah sādah* is indeed referred to as 'welcome coffee' and is a traditional sign of respect and an important part of hospitality.

Return to Game

Arabic coffee is recognized by UNESCO as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Arab states.

Answer: True

Explanation: Arabic coffee is indeed recognized by UNESCO as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Arab states, symbolizing generosity and hospitality.

Return to Game

The formal etiquette for serving Arabic coffee mandates the server to hold the *Dallah* with their left hand and the cup with their right.

Answer: False

Explanation: Formal etiquette for serving Arabic coffee requires the server to hold the *Dallah* with their right hand and the cup with their left hand.

Return to Game

The guest's etiquette when receiving and returning an Arabic coffee cup is to utilize their left hand.

Answer: False

Explanation: Guest etiquette dictates that the coffee cup should be received from the server and returned to them using the right hand, not the left.

Return to Game

What is the cultural significance of Arabic coffee, specifically as acknowledged by UNESCO?

Answer: It is recognized as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Arab states.

Explanation: Arabic coffee is recognized by UNESCO as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Arab states, symbolizing generosity and hospitality.

Return to Game

What accompaniments are frequently served with Arabic coffee to counterbalance its inherent bitterness?

Answer: Dates, dried fruit, nuts, or other sweets

Explanation: To balance the inherent bitterness of Arabic coffee, it is often accompanied by dates, dried or candied fruit, nuts, or other sweets.

Return to Game

Who are *qahwaji* in the context of Arabic coffee service within restaurants in the Arabian Peninsula?

Answer: Waiters who serve Arabic coffee

Explanation: In restaurants in the Arabian Peninsula, *qahwaji* are the waiters specifically responsible for serving Arabic coffee.

Return to Game

What is the polite expression to use after accepting three cups of coffee in the Levant?

Answer: Daymen (Always)

Explanation: After receiving three cups of coffee in the Levant, it is traditionally considered polite to say *daymen*, meaning 'always', which signifies 'may you always have the means to serve coffee'.

Return to Game

What is the cultural significance of *qahwah sādah* in Jordan?

Answer: It is a traditional sign of respect and an important part of hospitality.

Explanation: In Jordan, black, cardamom-flavored *qahwah sādah* is known as 'welcome coffee' and serves as a traditional sign of respect and an important part of hospitality.

Return to Game

According to formal etiquette, which hand should the server employ to hold the *Dallah* (coffee pot) during the pouring process?

Answer: Right hand

Explanation: Formal etiquette dictates that the server should hold the *Dallah* (coffee pot) with the palm of their right hand when pouring Arabic coffee.

Return to Game

Regional Styles and Variations

In the Arabian Peninsula, Arabic coffee is commonly ground to a fine consistency and brewed in a *cezve*.

Answer: False

Explanation: In the Arabian Peninsula, Arabic coffee is typically ground to a medium consistency and brewed in a *dallah*, not necessarily a *cezve* with a fine grind, which is more characteristic of Levantine preparation.

Return to Game

*Qahwah shamāliyya* is a lighter variation of Arabic coffee prepared in North Arabia by roasting beans for a shorter duration.

Answer: False

Explanation: *Qahwah shamāliyya* is actually a darker variation of Arabic coffee, prepared by roasting the beans for a longer time, not a shorter time.

Return to Game

In Egyptian coffeehouses, Arabic coffee is typically served *mazbuuta*, signifying a 'just right' amount of sugar.

Answer: True

Explanation: In Egyptian coffeehouses, Arabic or Turkish coffee is indeed served *mazbuuta*, which means it contains a 'just right' amount of sugar, typically about one teaspoon per cup.

Return to Game

In Saudi Arabia, light roasting is common, imparting a golden or blonde color to Arabic coffee, and cardamom is regarded as the most essential spice.

Answer: True

Explanation: In Saudi Arabia, particularly in the Najd and Hejaz regions, light roasting is indeed common, resulting in a golden or blonde coffee, and cardamom is considered the most essential spice.

Return to Game

In Morocco, gunpowder green tea is the national beverage, yet Arabic coffee remains widely consumed, particularly during formal occasions.

Answer: True

Explanation: While gunpowder green tea is the national drink of Morocco, Arabic coffee is indeed widely consumed, especially for formal occasions such as business deals, welcoming guests, and at weddings.

Return to Game

Levantine Arabic coffee is prepared in a style analogous to Turkish coffee but is spiced with cardamom and typically served unsweetened.

Answer: True

Explanation: Levantine Arabic coffee is indeed prepared in a style similar to Turkish coffee, but it is distinctly spiced with cardamom and typically served without sugar.

Return to Game

In Saudi Arabia, particularly the Najd and Hejaz regions, what color is characteristic of Arabic coffee due to light roasting?

Answer: Golden or blonde

Explanation: In Saudi Arabia, especially in the Najd and Hejaz regions, light roasting is common, which gives Arabic coffee a distinctive golden or blonde color.

Return to Game

By what alternative name is *qahwah shamāliyya* known in Jordan?

Answer: Bedouin coffee

Explanation: *Qahwah shamāliyya*, or 'Northern coffee', is also known as Bedouin coffee in Jordan.

Return to Game

What is the national beverage of Morocco, notwithstanding the widespread consumption of Arabic coffee?

Answer: Mint tea

Explanation: Despite the popularity of Arabic coffee, gunpowder green tea brewed with fresh mint is the national drink of Morocco.

Return to Game

In Egyptian coffeehouses, what does the term *mazbuuta* signify concerning coffee preparation?

Answer: The amount of sugar will be 'just right'

Explanation: In Egyptian coffeehouses, *mazbuuta* refers to coffee prepared with a 'just right' amount of sugar, typically about one teaspoon per cup.

Return to Game

Among which demographic is *qahwah sādah* or *qahwah murra* particularly popular in the Levant?

Answer: Bedouins and many other Arabs in Palestine

Explanation: *Qahwah sādah* or *qahwah murra*, a strong, bitter coffee, is especially popular among Bedouins and many other Arabs in Palestine.

Return to Game

Social Contexts and Rituals

Traditional Arab coffeehouses, known as *qahwa*, primarily functioned as venues for quiet contemplation and individual study.

Answer: False

Explanation: Traditional Arab coffeehouses, or *qahwa*, evolved into 'Schools of the Wise' for intellectual discussion, relaxation, and camaraderie, and served as social hubs for men to gather, socialize, and play games, rather than primarily for quiet contemplation.

Return to Game

Arabic coffee reading (*qirāʼat al-finjān*) entails interpreting patterns formed by coffee grounds remaining in the cup after consumption.

Answer: True

Explanation: Arabic coffee reading, or *qirāʼat al-finjān*, is indeed a form of fortune-telling that involves interpreting the patterns created by coffee grounds left in the cup.

Return to Game

At Arabic funerals, coffee is served sweetened to offer solace to the grieving families.

Answer: False

Explanation: At Arabic funerals, bitter and unsweetened coffee is traditionally served, not sweetened coffee, as families gather to recount the life of the deceased.

Return to Game

Yemeni Coffee Day is a national festival observed on March 3, aimed at promoting coffee cultivation within Yemen.

Answer: True

Explanation: Yemeni Coffee Day is indeed a national festival celebrated annually on March 3, with the specific purpose of encouraging coffee cultivation in Yemen.

Return to Game

Arabic coffee is an integral component of celebrations and social gatherings during traditional Arab holidays such as Ramadan and Eid.

Answer: True

Explanation: Arabic coffee is indeed an integral part of traditional Arab holidays like Ramadan and Eid, playing a prominent role in celebrations and social gatherings.

Return to Game

On what date is Yemeni Coffee Day celebrated annually?

Answer: March 3

Explanation: Yemeni Coffee Day is a national festival celebrated every year on March 3.

Return to Game

What social function did coffeehouses (*qahwa*) assume in the Arab world over time?

Answer: 'Schools of the Wise' for intellectual discussion and camaraderie

Explanation: Coffeehouses, known as *qahwa*, evolved into 'Schools of the Wise' in the Arab world, serving as important social venues for intellectual discussion, relaxation, and camaraderie.

Return to Game

What constitutes Arabic coffee reading (*qirāʼat al-finjān*)?

Answer: A form of fortune-telling similar to tea-leaf reading.

Explanation: Arabic coffee reading, or *qirāʼat al-finjān*, is a form of fortune-telling that involves interpreting patterns formed by coffee grounds left in the cup.

Return to Game

What specific type of coffee is served at Arabic funerals?

Answer: Bitter and unsweetened coffee

Explanation: At Arabic funerals, bitter and unsweetened coffee is traditionally served as families gather to recount the life and characteristics of the deceased.

Return to Game

Visual and Archival Documentation

The image titled 'Dallahs' illustrates various types of traditional Arabic serving cups.

Answer: False

Explanation: The image titled 'Dallahs' showcases multiple traditional Arabic coffee pots, not serving cups.

Return to Game

The image 'Bedouin from a beehive village in Aleppo, Syria, drinking traditional murra (bitter) coffee, 1930' reflects historical cultural practices.

Answer: True

Explanation: The image indeed captures a Bedouin from a beehive village in Aleppo, Syria, in 1930, engaged in the traditional act of drinking *murra*, or bitter coffee, thereby reflecting historical cultural practices.

Return to Game

The image 'A maqhah in Ottoman Jerusalem in 1858' depicts a traditional coffee farm.

Answer: False

Explanation: The image 'A maqhah in Ottoman Jerusalem in 1858' depicts a *maqhah*, which is a coffeehouse, not a coffee farm.

Return to Game

The image 'Three styles of Arabic coffee' displays only two distinct regional variations: Hejazi and Levantine.

Answer: False

Explanation: The image titled 'Three styles of Arabic coffee' actually presents three distinct styles: Hejazi/Najdi golden coffee, typical Levantine coffee, and Levantine *qahwa sādah*.

Return to Game

What is depicted in the image titled 'Arab woman (coffee bearer) in Cairo, Egypt, by John Frederick Lewis, 1857'?

Answer: A woman serving as a coffee bearer in Cairo.

Explanation: The image by John Frederick Lewis from 1857 depicts an Arab woman serving as a coffee bearer in Cairo, Egypt, offering a historical glimpse into coffee service.

Return to Game

What does the image titled 'Three styles of Arabic coffee from left to right: Hejazi/Najdi golden coffee, Levantine coffee, and Levantine qahwa sādah ('plain coffee')' illustrate?

Answer: Regional variations in the appearance of Arabic coffee.

Explanation: The image visually demonstrates regional variations in the appearance of Arabic coffee, showcasing Hejazi/Najdi golden coffee, typical Levantine coffee, and Levantine *qahwa sādah*.

Return to Game

What does the video titled 'An Arab man pours the traditional cup of Arabic coffee from a dallah in the Levant' illustrate?

Answer: The traditional serving ritual of Arabic coffee.

Explanation: The video demonstrates the traditional serving ritual of Arabic coffee, showing an Arab man pouring coffee from a *dallah* in the Levant.

Return to Game