APPENDIX B 223 



Egypt : 



In Egypt, coffee became the common beverage about 1500. About 

 this time, public coffee-houses were established throughout the coun- 

 try. The beverage so captivated the people that they deserted the 

 Mosques for the coffee-houses w^here the delicious drink and pleasant 

 associations w^ere enjoyed. The chief priests and rulers issued edicts 

 prohibiting the use of coffee, but without avail. The coffee-houses 

 still continue in a flourishing state. 



Persia and Syria : 



In Persia and Syria, the coffee-houses were introduced during the 

 sixteenth century. At the present time, they are characteristic es- 

 tablishments throughout this part of the world. They have always 

 served as public gathering places for the idle, and as a retreat where 

 merchants enjoyed relaxation. They provided an opportunity for 

 politicians to express their views, a place for poets to recite their 

 verses, and afforded Mollahs an audience for their sermons. Here, 

 as in Egypt, festive gatherings such as characterized coffee-houses 

 were incompatible with the Mahometan religion ; and one finds that 

 the coffee-houses were prohibited at various periods in the history of 

 the country, but without avail. 



Turkey: 



In Turkey, the type of coffee-house found in Aleppo, such as 

 Russell described,^ was characteristic of Mecca, Medina, Cairo, 

 Damascus, and Constantinople. They were the most noticeable 

 establishments of the city. They were large and beautifully furnished 

 with matted platforms and benches. Many had a fountain in the 

 center and a gallery for musicians. Large windows were situated 

 so that pedestrians could readily observe everything that was happen- 

 ing within. The patrons sat about on small, low, wicker stools. In 

 the summer months, they could be seen before the open door. This 

 motley assembly in eastern garb and with eastern manners, variously 

 placed in picturesque attitudes, composed a very amusing and interest- 

 ing scene for a traveler. The early coffee-houses of Aleppo were 

 frequented by all persons excepting those who belonged to the first 

 rank of society. 



* Russell Nat. Hist. Aleppo i (1794) 46-150. 



