Do You Know the Secret Meaning of Turkey’s Famous Red and White Tea Plate?

Source: https://x.com/etimoloji

In Turkey, tea is a big deal. There is no hour of the day when we can’t drink tea. Of course, the accompaniments to tea are equally important. For example, the tea plates with the red and white design that we have been using for years, and everyone has used at least once!

But do you know the secret meaning behind these famous red and white tea plates?

Among approximately 8 billion people, the ones who consume the most tea are, of course, the Turks.

According to recent research, Turkey is the country with the highest tea consumption per capita. Naturally, we have many criteria regarding tea.

Tea must be as dark as rabbit blood. Our preference is the thin-waisted glass.

If we have a preferred glass, why wouldn’t we have a preferred plate! This tea plate design, which we can see in homes, tea shops, and cafes, is quite popular in our country.

Admit it, the taste of tea you drink with this glass and plate is something else. So how does this happen?

The famous red and white tea plate you see actually has a name: Nalbeki. Also known as the Persian tea plate, the designer of this plate is unknown.

This plate, believed to have originated in Iran, is first used there. Over time, it starts being used in Turkey and becomes quite beloved.

The Persian tea plate has a few hidden meanings you probably haven’t heard of before.

First of all, the red stripes on the plate make the color of the tea look brighter.

However, these red paints are thought to represent village life. The red-colored paints on the plate remind people of the fingers of peasant women!

Some believe that the seven red patterns around the plate represent the days of the week.

The red colors are clear. But do the golden motifs on the plate have any meaning?

The motifs between the red dots are called Rumi. Rumi means “belonging to Anatolia.”

With the golden color also being preferred on the glass, it creates both a bright and elegant appearance!

All that’s left for us is to enjoy our dark tea with pleasure.