Why do Azerbaijanis love drinking tea so much?

In Azerbaijan, tea is not a drink. It's a philosophy.

If you have ever visited Baku, Sheki, or Ganja, you surely noticed: wherever you find yourself - you will definitely be treated to tea.

At a noisy bazaar, in a cozy home, in a business bank, in a trendy barbershop, at a lavish wedding, even before visiting a doctor - tea accompanies every moment of life.

"Çay içməyən adam, adam deyil" - "One who doesn't drink tea is not a human"

(a folk joke, but with a deep measure of truth).

Tea = symbol of hospitality. In Azerbaijan, not offering tea to a guest is almost an insult, an unthinkable mistake.

The first phrase when meeting:

"Çay verək?" - "Shall we give you tea?"

And only then come the questions: who you are, where you came from, and for what purpose you've arrived.

Tea is a universal way to say: "You are a welcome guest, you are safe, relax".

The day begins and ends with it. In the morning - with fragrant jam, golden honey, juicy lemon. After lunch - "to help digestion". In the evening - with neighbors, family, while watching TV series. At a wedding - tea is mandatory at the finale of the celebration. Without tea - it's as if the wedding didn't happen.

Tea is a ritual, not just a drink. Azerbaijanis don't just drink tea. They:

Steep it in armud (pear-shaped glass)

Drink tea after jam (they don't eat it! they specifically drink after it)

Always freshly brewed (not from a tea bag - that's a real crime)

Especially popular is tea with cherry, quince, or rose jam - it's a real culture.

Tea unites generations. Grandmothers discuss neighbors. Fathers discuss politics. Youth - plans, TikTok, love. Children pretend to drink, but are actually waiting for sweets. Tea is a reason to simply be together and talk. It's anti-stress before anti-stress was invented. No reason - still tea.

Bored? Brew tea. Guest staying late? More tea. Problems at work? Drink tea. Joy? Let's celebrate with tea. Sadness? We'll calm down with tea. Any emotion is a reason to put the kettle on.

Historical and geographical factor. Azerbaijan is at the crossroads of East and West, and tea came here from the ancient Silk Road. But it was here that it became something more than just a warm drink: gratitude, trust, warmth, a national trait.

Tea is us. Tea in Azerbaijan is not just a habit, but part of the cultural DNA.

It connects generations, guests and hosts, holidays and everyday life.

While the kettle boils - life goes on, and the soul warms.