Published: 2026-01-15
Updated: 2026-01-15
Editorial note
Map of Health content is prepared with an evidence-based approach. References are provided for transparency.
Medical disclaimer
This content is for informational purposes only and does not replace professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. If you have an urgent medical concern, seek immediate care.
"While baklava and kebabs are the first things that come to mind when Gaziantep is mentioned, one of the most ancient flavors reflecting the city's soul is Menengiç Coffee. Found everywhere from the historic Tahmis Coffee House, serving since 1635, to shops in side streets, this beverage is more than just a coffee alternative; it's a millennia-old source of healing from Mesopotamia."
What is Menengiç? (Not coffee, but wild pistachio!)
Despite having "coffee" in its name, terebinth is not actually a coffee bean. It is obtained from the fruits of the turpentine tree (wild pistachio) that grows in the foothills of the Taurus Mountains and the wild nature of Southeastern Anatolia.
Features:
- Naturally Caffeine-Free: Unlike tea or coffee, it won't keep you awake and can be enjoyed at any time of day.
- A Distinctive Aroma: It has a nutty, oily, and slightly bitter taste.
- Registered Flavor: It was registered worldwide in 2024 with a geographical indication from the European Union (EU).
A Homemade Remedy
For the people of Gaziantep, terebinth is much more than just a drink. As gastronomy expert Filiz Hösükoğlu points out, families prepare a cup of hot terebinth as the first thing they do when their children cough or have the flu.
Scientific Benefits:
- Antioxidant Powerhouse: Fights free radicals in the body.
- Anti-inflammatory: Reduces inflammation, supporting the body against winter illnesses.
- Nutritious: It is very rich in protein and minerals.
A 12,000-Year-Old Ancient Story
The origins of terebinth coffee extend not only to the Ottoman Sultans (it is rumored that Mehmed IV tasted this coffee) but also to Göbeklitepe, the zero point of history. Archaeologists state that hunter-gatherer societies 12,000 years ago gathered wild pistachios and processed these fruits with grinding stones. So, that frothy cup you sip from today is actually a legacy from the Neolithic age.
How to Consume?
Formerly used as a spice in bread and as an oil in cooking, terebinth is now most commonly consumed as a drink boiled in milk or water. In Gaziantep, it is usually served with a mixture of chickpeas and hemp seeds, known as a "nostalgia snack."
Why should you try it?
If you want to avoid caffeine but can't give up the pleasure of coffee, terebinth offers both that rich consistency and the unique aroma of pistachios. As Gaziantep businessman Zeynel Abidin Tahtacı says: "For a person from Gaziantep, it's impossible to imagine life without terebinth coffee; it's a part of our identity."
