The Historic Tahmis Coffeehouse is an Ottoman-era coffeehouse operating since 1635 on Buğday Pazarı Street in Gaziantep; it maintains local tradition with menengiç coffee and zahter tea.
Hidden among the bustling corridors of the historic bazaar on Buğday Pazarı Street in Gaziantep, the Historic Tahmis Coffeehouse has been hosting guests under the same roof since 1635. Built by Turkmen Agha and Sanjak Bey Mustafa Agha to provide income for the Mevlevi Lodge of the time, this venue has also been known by names such as "Löküslü Kahve" and "Tömbekici Kahvesi" over the years; it has always been at the center of the city's social life.
It is rumored that Ottoman Sultan Murad IV drank coffee in this coffeehouse when he stayed in Gaziantep during his Baghdad Campaign. The stone walls, high ceilings, and hearthside atmosphere that greet you as you step through the door explain why this rumor seems so easily believable. Menengiç coffee and nostalgic snacks continue to convey Gaziantep's unique flavors to visitors as two unchanging elements of the menu.
Related discoveries: Historic Places, Gaziantep historic places, Yesemek Open-Air Museum.
Guide's Note
The Historic Tahmis Coffeehouse is a popular destination for the majority of visitors to Gaziantep. The most prominent aspect of the venue is its atmosphere: traditional decoration and historic texture give visitors the feeling of drinking coffee in a different era. The upper floor and the oriental corner are particularly popular areas. The friendly and attentive attitude of the staff is also a positive point repeated in many reviews.
The standout drink on the menu is menengiç coffee. While most visitors enjoyed this coffee, it should be noted that its taste is different from packaged products, closer to a natural bitterness. Those who prefer unsweetened coffee should consider that the drink might taste slightly sweet. The venue is a suitable option for those looking to take a short break and experience Gaziantep's coffee culture firsthand.
However, some negative feedback shared by visitors also draws attention:
- Waiting time: During busy hours, queuing may be necessary.
- Coffee temperature: At least one visitor noted that the coffees were served lukewarm and their quality was below expectations.
- Desserts: A visitor who tried the baklava found its quality insufficient; it seems it was not as popular as the coffee.
What is the Historic Tahmis Coffeehouse?
Tahmis is the name given to places where coffee roasting and grinding were done during the Ottoman period. This structure in Gaziantep has stood since 1635 as a roof for both coffee production and social gatherings. Built by Mustafa Agha to provide endowment income for the Mevlevi Lodge, the building played a central role in the trade and cultural life of its era.
Known by different names over the centuries, the coffeehouse has carved a deep place in Gaziantep's urban memory. Its status as one of the rare Ottoman-era structures that still retains its function today transforms it from an ordinary cafe into a living historical venue.
When to Visit?
The most suitable time to visit the Historic Tahmis Coffeehouse is at the end of the day you spend exploring Gaziantep's historic bazaar area. The atmosphere of the venue becomes more pronounced in the afternoon and evening; in the morning, you can find a calmer environment while the bazaar is still waking up.
During Ramadan, the venue becomes particularly lively. It transforms into a meeting point for locals after iftar, and you can observe traditional coffeehouse culture in its purest form during this period. For visitors overwhelmed by Gaziantep's summer heat, the cool atmosphere of the stone walls adds another charm.
What to Drink, What to Eat?
Menengiç coffee should be the primary reason for coming here. Prepared by roasting and grinding the fruit of the menengiç tree, a relative of the mastic tree, this drink also stands out for being caffeine-free. Its color is light brown, its taste is slightly nutty and smoky; it offers a distinctly different experience from Turkish coffee.
Zahter tea is also a local drink on the menu. Prepared from a mixture of thyme, sesame, sumac, and various spices, this tea bears the hallmark of Southeastern Anatolian cuisine. Snacks served under the name 'nostalgia snacks' accompany your drink. For those who want to buy packaged coffee, there is also a sales point at the venue.
How to Get There?
The Historic Tahmis Coffeehouse is located on Buğday Pazarı Street in the historic bazaar area of Gaziantep's Şahinbey district. Thanks to its central location, it is possible to reach it on foot from many points.
Gaziantep Metropolitan Municipality's city bus lines operate regular services to the historic bazaar area. If you are coming by car, you can use the paid parking lots nearby; it may be difficult to drive directly to the door due to narrow streets. Coming by taxi or on foot is much more practical. From Gaziantep Airport to the city center takes approximately 20-25 minutes by taxi.
How to Include it in Your Bazaar Route?
The Historic Tahmis Coffeehouse is a must-visit stop to include in your Gaziantep historic bazaar tour. Structures like Zincirli Bedesten, Coppersmiths' Bazaar, and Taşhan are within walking distance of the coffeehouse, making it possible to see them all on a single route.
The suggested order can be structured as follows: Start from Gaziantep Castle and its surroundings, then visit the Coppersmiths' Bazaar and Zincirli Bedesten, and take a break at Tahmis Coffeehouse in the afternoon. From here, continuing to the Gaziantep Zeugma Mosaic Museum also forms a logical onward route.
Photo Spots
The venue's stone walls, high arched ceilings, and traditional furnishings provide a rich background for photos. Photos taken in the morning hours, when natural light enters best, yield more successful results.
Detail photos taken by positioning the coffee cup on a stone surface or wooden counter reflect the spirit of the place well. Facade photos taken from outside, from Buğday Pazarı Street, are also valuable for documenting the historic bazaar texture. If you want to take photos with human figures inside during crowded hours, remember to ask for permission.
Things to Know Before Visiting
Since the venue is a historic building, the interior floor and paving may be uneven; choosing comfortable shoes is a good idea. Wheelchair access may be limited due to the historic nature of the structure.
The coffeehouse gets particularly busy on weekends and during Ramadan. If you want to sit in a calm atmosphere, you can prefer weekday afternoons. It is recommended to confirm opening hours via the official website or by phone before visiting: 0342 232 89 77.
FAQ
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