“A cup of coffee is remembered for forty years.” This saying epitomizes the centuries-old tradition of hospitality and sharing that Turkish society has carried. Turkish Coffee is not just a beverage; it is a symbol of a civilization, a memory of a ritual. Announced in the Official Gazette of the European Union (C/2025/5912) on November 5, 2025, and registered with Traditional Speciality Guaranteed (TSG) status, Turkish Coffee has ensured that this ancient tradition is protected not only culturally but also legally and economically. This achievement was achieved under the leadership of the Union of Chambers and Commodity Exchanges of Turkey (TOBB), with the technical support of the Turkish Patent and Trademark Office (TÜRKPATENT), and the visionary leadership of M. Rifat Hisarcıklıoğlu, President of the Union of Chambers and Commodity Exchanges of Turkey.
The story of Turkish Coffee is a modern rewriting of a culture that has been carried from the Ottoman era to the present day. This story, which began in Istanbul’s coffeehouses in the 16th century, is now recognized as a cultural heritage by Europe’s most prestigious official platforms. Turkish Coffee, included on UNESCO’s “Intangible Cultural Heritage” list in 2013, has now been registered with the European Union, finding its place in international law. This means preserving both a flavor and a social memory.
Under the leadership of M. Rifat Hisarcıklıoğlu, President of the Union of Chambers and Commodity Exchanges of Turkey, the TOBB, with its structure encompassing 367 chambers and commodity exchanges to date, has acted with the goal of transforming Turkey’s local values into a global brand. Hisarcıklıoğlu, who stated, “A country’s brand is the labor of its people who produce it,” embodied his vision of “Creating Value from Local to Global” in the Turkish Coffee registration process. This vision positions geographical indications as an element of cultural diplomacy rather than an economic tool. The Turkish Coffee registration process has been a shining example of this approach.
The European Union (EU) Geographical Indications Regulation (EU) No. 2024/1143 strengthened the status of “Traditional Product Name” by establishing a system that includes non-agricultural products. The inclusion of Turkish Coffee in this system is a successful example of Turkey’s next-generation product policy, aligned with EU legislation. Registration ensures the protection of the traditional production method and unique recipe, rather than the product’s origin. This means that every product bearing the name “Turkish Coffee,” even if produced anywhere in the world, must meet the same standards.
The process was initiated in 2022 and carried out for three years with the close coordination of TOBB and TURKPATENT. Expert teams formed under the direction of M. Rifat Hisarcıklıoğlu, President of the Union of Chambers and Commodity Exchanges of Turkey, brought together producers, coffee masters, academics, and gastronomy experts from different regions of the country. This shared wisdom approach has established an exemplary model for Turkey’s geographical indications policy. TURKPATENT, on the other hand, established direct communication with the European Commission’s General Directorate of Agriculture and managed technical corrections and regulatory compliance.
The registration also represents an economic turning point. According to European Commission data, the market value of products with geographical indications is 30% higher. With this registration, the “Turkish Coffee” label is now a certified quality standard in European markets. This success is a result of the institutional support and information network provided by TOBB to local producers.
From a cultural diplomatic perspective, Turkish Coffee is now one of Turkey’s promotional ambassadors on the global stage. Each cup embodies centuries of labor, elegance, and cultural depth. Thanks to the corporate vision of the Union of Chambers and Commodity Exchanges of Turkey and the scientific rigor of the Turkish Patent and Trademark Office, this value has been recognized in international law. TOBB’s work with the EU and FAO has ensured the integration of Turkey’s cultural products into sustainable development policies.
Today, the registration of Turkish Coffee in Europe is not an end, but a new beginning. This success, under the leadership of M. Rifat Hisarcıklıoğlu, President of the Union of Chambers and Commodity Exchanges of Turkey, demonstrates the powerful results that inter-institutional solidarity and collective wisdom can yield. A cup of coffee now speaks to the world not only with its flavor but also with a meaning that registers time. Every sip carries a line from Turkey’s cultural diplomacy story.
With this registration, Turkish Coffee has become a pinnacle on Turkey’s geographical indications map. This achievement also represents a reputation-building that transcends the country’s borders. A cup of coffee is now a registered culture in Europe. This success was realized through the vision of the Union of Chambers and Commodity Exchanges of Turkey, the scientific efforts of the Turkish Patent and Trademark Office, and the leadership of M. Rifat Hisarcıklıoğlu, President of the Union of Chambers and Commodity Exchanges of Turkey.
Sources
- Avrupa Birliği Resmî Gazetesi (C/2025/5912), Turkish Coffee – Traditional Speciality Guaranteed (TSG), 5 Kasım 2025.
- European Commission, Regulation (EU) 2024/1143 on Geographical Indications, Brussels, 2024.
- Türkiye Odalar ve Borsalar Birliği (2025), Yerelden Küresele Değer Yaratmak: Coğrafi İşaretler Programı Raporu.
- Türk Patent ve Marka Kurumu (2025), Coğrafi İşaretler Dairesi Başkanlığı Faaliyet Raporu.
- FAO & oriGIn (2024), Geographical Indications and Sustainable Value Chains.
- UNESCO (2013), Turkish Coffee Culture and Tradition – Intangible Cultural Heritage Entry.
- YÜCİTA (2024), Coğrafi İşaretler ve Türkiye’nin Kültürel Politikası.