31. Conquering the Night: The History of Coffee

This episode of the "Empire" podcast takes you on a fascinating journey through the history of coffee, starting from its roots in Yemen and following its spread across the Ottoman Empire into Europe. It unfolds in a chronological fashion, beginning with the early Sufi use of coffee and its rise in popularity in cities like Cairo and Istanbul. The narrative highlights how coffeehouses emerged as vibrant hubs for social and political interaction in Europe. Interestingly, while coffee was lauded for its energizing qualities and its role in fostering community, it also faced pushback from authorities like Murad IV, who viewed it as a threat to social order. Listeners will come away with a richer appreciation of coffee's cultural significance and its profound influence on social dynamics and political conversations throughout history.