From Ethiopia to Europe's coffee houses
Coffee's journey began in Ethiopia, where the legend of Kaldi the goatherd - whose goats jumped with energy after eating coffee berries - marked its start. In the 15th century, coffee reached Arabia, where "qahveh khaneh" became the first coffee houses. People gathered here for lively discussions on politics and philosophy and the place was nicknamed "schools of thought." In the 17th century, coffee conquered Europe via trading cities like Venice. Coffee houses spread to London, Paris and Vienna and became known as 'penny universities' - places where a cup of coffee bought access to Enlightenment ideas of freedom, science and democracy.

Coffee and the Industrial Revolution
During the Industrial Revolution of the 18th and 19th centuries, coffee became indispensable. Workers in factories leaned on its stimulation to cope with long shifts, while coffee houses became hubs of business and innovation. Entrepreneurs and merchants met here, and many of the great deals of the time were conceived over steaming cups.

Politics and global trade
Coffeehouses were also a breeding ground for political change. In Europe, they fostered revolutionary ideas in the 17th and 18th centuries - from France's revolts to England's reforms. Later, coffee became a global trade giant, second only to oil, and countries like Brazil and Colombia emerged as economic powers, while coffee bound cultures together across continents.

Coffee in the present
Today, coffee is more than a beverage - it's a lifestyle. Modern cafés serve as social and creative spaces where people work, meet and create. "The 'third wave' movement elevates coffee to art with a focus on quality and sustainability, while digitalisation turns coffee shops into mobile offices for a global workforce.

A driving force throughout history
From its humble beginnings in Ethiopia, coffee has been a catalyst for science, politics and society. It hasn't just kept us awake - it has set the wheels of civilisation in spin. Next time you take a sip, think about its role in shaping the world.