Tea plays a special role in Azerbaijan and is considered a symbol of hospitality and respect. It is not only for quenching thirst but also for creating a relaxed atmosphere for conversation. While tea drinking in Azerbaijan doesn’t have the formal ceremonies seen in Japan, England, or China, it holds a significant place in daily life.
Tea is served in special glasses called "armudu," which are pear-shaped—wider at the top and bottom and narrower in the middle. This shape helps the tea retain its temperature longer: the drink cools down more slowly at the bottom, so the tea remains as hot at the end of the gathering as it was at the beginning. Tea began to be cultivated in the Caspian region of Azerbaijan in the 1880s.
In the late 19th century, M. O. Novoselov began experimenting with planting tea bushes in the Lankaran region and established a tea factory there in 1896. By 1900, the area saw the first small tea plantations. In 1912, Novoselov published a work titled "Russian Subtropics," which described the optimal conditions for growing tea in the region. After his enterprise failed around 1920, the Azerbaijan Institute of Horticulture and Subtropical Plants began studying the potential for tea production. As a result of Soviet efforts, tea production was significantly expanded in the Lankaran and Zagatala regions, and by 1937, the first packs of Azerbaijani tea were produced.
Lankaran is one of the main tea regions of the country, with many tea plantations. It is known for its high-quality tea varieties, which are popular both within the country and abroad. The climate and soil in this region contribute to tea with unique flavor characteristics.
Astara is another important tea region. Located on the border with Iran, Astara also has favorable conditions for tea cultivation. The high-quality tea produced here is valued for its rich flavor and aroma.
In Azerbaijan, tea is not just a drink but an important element of hospitality. Even if a guest comes briefly and on business, they will first be offered tea. Tea is often served at the beginning and end of a meal and is also part of the matchmaking process.
During matchmaking discussions, there is a special tradition. If sugar is added to the tea offered to the prospective in-laws, it signifies consent to the marriage. If the sugar is served separately, it indicates a refusal.
These traditions and types of tea reflect the richness of Azerbaijani culture and the importance of tea in the social life of the country.
