It is impossible to imagine life in the East without a traditional teahouse. This is the “soul” and “heart” of Central Asia, which contains the pacification, peace and quenching of thirst on a busy and hot day. In this article we will tell you what a teahouse is, why not a single eastern city can do without it. We will open the veil of history and find out where this institution came from.
From past to present
Today, this teahouse looks like a sweet and cozy oriental restaurant, in which it is customary to peacefully enjoy aromatic drinks and enjoy goodies. Previously, this place saved travelers and local residents from heat, heat.
The meaning of the word “teahouse” came from two derivatives - cha-yeh (Chinese), which means “loose tea”, and xane (Persian) - “room”. This establishment represents a small dining room, which offers non-alcoholic vegetable drinks, famous oriental sweets and full dishes (for example, pilaf or kebab).
A few hundred centuries ago, a teahouse could be found in oasis places and in markets, where everyone was looking to relax and quench their thirst.
Most of the day in Central Asia and the East is unbearable heat, from which it is simply impossible to hide. Under the scorching sun, residents and travelers had to drink a large amount of liquid. But since the inhabitants of all countries of Central Asia profess Islam, the use of alcohol is strictly prohibited. An alternative was needed, and green tea became it.
Features
Not everyone knows what a teahouse is. The name speaks for itself, but traditions and features are accessible only to eastern residents and tourists. Today, anyone can go into a modern teahouse every day. However, to get into a real institution, you need to get an invitation from local residents.
As a rule, it was impossible to refuse a tempting offer to visit a teahouse: this would indicate that you did not respect your friend or relative. And it’s forbidden to come to the institution with women, because it is intended only for men. If you visit a traditional teahouse in Central Asia, you will notice that the entire staff consists exclusively of the stronger sex.
Behavior rules
The history of the teahouse tells that earlier the appearance of this institution was very different from modern counterparts. Today, a large number of people work here from technical personnel to cooks brought from Central Asia. But earlier all functions could be performed by one person - the owner of a teahouse. What is warm hospitality, they knew firsthand.
Behavior rules:
- At the entrance, you must take off your shoes, because all the guests of the establishment are sitting on the floor, on special trestle beds. Legs are usually crossed in Turkish, which resembles the lotus position asana. Sitting in shoes would be unethical, and unhygienic.
- In a traditional teahouse, unsweetened green tea is served before meals, which can never be abandoned. Drink a drink from a bowl. However, to pour full dishes, as most people are used to, means to show disrespect to the guests and the owner of the establishment. It is only necessary to fill the bowl with â…“.
- What is a teahouse? This is an institution that is filled with harmony and tranquility. People come to a teahouse to relax and enjoy peace, so in no case should you swear, sort things out, argue or hurt someone. Fighting and violence are unacceptable for this institution, and if a conflict arises, then it is resolved peacefully.
Interesting Facts
Before, a teahouse could be found in any bazaar or caravanserai. Typically, the institution was located on the street, but in the cool season, guests were already inside. Often in bird houses bird cages were hung, which were populated by quail. Their twitter created a special cozy atmosphere.
Depending on the region, folk cultures and customs, the teahouse varied in appearance and menu. For example, establishments were opened in Azerbaijan where one could enjoy only a black leafy drink. But so that the tea does not seem fresh or bitter, sweets were served to it. In Tajikistan, in such establishments it was possible to enjoy delicious dishes and snacks.
The teahouse is found in all parts of Central Asia, even in Iran and Afghanistan, because these countries are mainly inhabited by sedentary, nomadic and semi-nomadic peoples (Lurs, Persians, Balochis, Pashas).
Another main feature is a large samovar in a teahouse. The value of this attribute is simple: if the device is new and beautiful, then it serves as a symbol of the owner’s respect for his guests. The samovar was paid attention in the first place.
To visit a real teahouse means to feel the spiritual atmosphere of Central Asia.