Coffee and Civil Unrest in Medieval Arabia

When a seemingly elite group of people are perceived as enjoying themselves more than others, especially at night, it draws suspicion of other groups. Or so was the case in 16th century Arabia when political and religious leaders noticed the good times people were having in coffee houses. The relaxed, even decadent, atmosphere mimicked a modern day club or 1930's "speak easy". Inevitably, it sparked discussions about current events, common public grievances, etc. The heightened level of public discourse in the coffee houses naturally caught the ear of the certain religious and political leaders.

Before long, politicians, lawyers, and even doctors assembled to declare that besides being morally reprehensible, coffee caused bodily harm! This level of argument illustrates the passion that coffee invoked and the conflicted that it caused. Perhaps the seemingly relaxed, and even decadent behavior of coffee drinkers was viewed as a threat to political and social stability. Coffee drinkers were seen to be causing, or at least contributing to civil disorder. Physicians opinions' were used to justify these decrees. Coffee was equated to alcoholic beverages because it "disordered the senses". They also based their opinions on the early medical concept of bodily "humors". They purported that coffee scorched and consumed phlegm, causing a disruption in the balance and order of the body.

Interestingly, the Mufti of Mecca, or the head religious scholar, was alone in defending the drink. Even still, the local governor actively sought to ban coffee; once again employing his cadre of physicians and lower level religious figures. Though coffee is legal according to Islamic law, it was seen as causing civil unrest because it attracted "free thinkers" and bred a culture of laxness and decadence.

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