Told in the Coffee House cover art

Told in the Coffee House

Told in the Coffee House

By: Cyrus Adler Allan Ramsay
Listen for free

About this listen

 During my numerous visits to Constantinople, I became captivated by the enchanting tales shared in the citys coffee houses. These intimate spaces, often just simple rooms adorned with glass-paneled walls, are furnished with a tripod for boiling coffee and a cozy carpeted bench that stretches along the room. Here, turbaned Turks sit with their legs folded, indulging in nargilehs, chibooks, or cigarettes while sipping their coffee. Some engage in spirited games of backgammon, but most are drawn into lively conversations that begin with mere syllables, escalating into a vibrant discussion. Eventually, a local sage arrives, and the crowd turns to him for wisdom, often leading to a captivating story that illustrates his point. Many of these tales are adaptations from Arabic and Persian literature, yet the Turkish perspective adds a unique flavor and philosophy to each narrative. They reflect the rich customs and thought processes of the people, making them truly worthy of preservation.Copyright Short Stories Science Social Sciences World
Episodes
  • 030 - The Effects of Raki

    030 - The Effects of Raki
    Feb 23 2026
    During my numerous visits to Constantinople, I became captivated by the enchanting tales shared in the citys coffee houses. These intimate spaces, often just simple rooms adorned with glass-paneled walls, are furnished with a tripod for boiling coffee and a cozy carpeted bench that stretches along the room. Here, turbaned Turks sit with their legs folded, indulging in nargilehs, chibooks, or cigarettes while sipping their coffee. Some engage in spirited games of backgammon, but most are drawn into lively conversations that begin with mere syllables, escalating into a vibrant discussion. Eventually, a local sage arrives, and the crowd turns to him for wisdom, often leading to a captivating story that illustrates his point. Many of these tales are adaptations from Arabic and Persian literature, yet the Turkish perspective adds a unique flavor and philosophy to each narrative. They reflect the rich customs and thought processes of the people, making them truly worthy of preservation.
    Show More Show Less
    4 mins
  • 029 - How the Devil Lost His Wager

    029 - How the Devil Lost His Wager
    Feb 23 2026
    During my numerous visits to Constantinople, I became captivated by the enchanting tales shared in the citys coffee houses. These intimate spaces, often just simple rooms adorned with glass-paneled walls, are furnished with a tripod for boiling coffee and a cozy carpeted bench that stretches along the room. Here, turbaned Turks sit with their legs folded, indulging in nargilehs, chibooks, or cigarettes while sipping their coffee. Some engage in spirited games of backgammon, but most are drawn into lively conversations that begin with mere syllables, escalating into a vibrant discussion. Eventually, a local sage arrives, and the crowd turns to him for wisdom, often leading to a captivating story that illustrates his point. Many of these tales are adaptations from Arabic and Persian literature, yet the Turkish perspective adds a unique flavor and philosophy to each narrative. They reflect the rich customs and thought processes of the people, making them truly worthy of preservation.
    Show More Show Less
    4 mins
  • 028 - The Bribe

    028 - The Bribe
    Feb 23 2026
    During my numerous visits to Constantinople, I became captivated by the enchanting tales shared in the citys coffee houses. These intimate spaces, often just simple rooms adorned with glass-paneled walls, are furnished with a tripod for boiling coffee and a cozy carpeted bench that stretches along the room. Here, turbaned Turks sit with their legs folded, indulging in nargilehs, chibooks, or cigarettes while sipping their coffee. Some engage in spirited games of backgammon, but most are drawn into lively conversations that begin with mere syllables, escalating into a vibrant discussion. Eventually, a local sage arrives, and the crowd turns to him for wisdom, often leading to a captivating story that illustrates his point. Many of these tales are adaptations from Arabic and Persian literature, yet the Turkish perspective adds a unique flavor and philosophy to each narrative. They reflect the rich customs and thought processes of the people, making them truly worthy of preservation.
    Show More Show Less
    5 mins
No reviews yet