Why do Azerbaijanis love drinking tea so much?

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

If you've ever been to Baku, Sheki, or Ganja, then you know: wherever you are - you will be offered tea.

At the bazaar, at someone's home, in a bank, at a barbershop, at a wedding, even before visiting a doctor.

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

(a folk joke, but with a grain of truth).

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

The first phrase when meeting:

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

And only then come the questions: who are you, where are you from, and why have you come.

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

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

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

Steep it in armud (pear-shaped glass)

Drink tea after jam (not eat! precisely drink after)

Always freshly brewed (not from a tea bag - that's a 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 actually wait 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? Make 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.