The Cultural Misappropriation Of Turkish Coffee
In 2021, I found myself in an Instagram debate with a notable Turkish photographer whose work stretches to artists such as Thom Yorke, Pink, and Interpol. Without question, it is awesome to witness a fellow country brethren - an individual bearing the same cultural blood as me - attain so much success & accolades in a country outside of their own. No easy feat.
The basis of our disagreement though was both innocuous & serious. The rock band Altin Gün, who are probably the most popular Turkish inspired musical collective in the globe at the moment, are in fact not as Turkish as some would believe. The original leaders of the band are Dutch, and uniquely, decided on the formation of the band while getting high on their balcony. Humorous and humble beginnings that deserve a little encouragement for audacity alone — in my opinion.
This fellow photographer claimed hypocrisy against Altin Gün for “culturally misappropriating” Turkish music. I disagreed. And that was that. This was two years ago, which is now ancient history.
Fast forward to last month, during one of my “Turkish Coffee Therapy” sessions in New York City, an innocent question was asked by a guests that made me face this haunted predicament all over again.
“Am I allowed to perform Turkish coffee fortune readings if I am not Turkish myself?”
This time it was personal. My answer would encroach on a deeply divisive societal matter that closely tied to the philosophy of my work. Are we allowed to supplant influence from a culture other than our own? At what point is it tasteful, and at what point exploitative? Can I make pasta if I am not Italian? These were questions that ran through my head as 8 guests - intently - awaited my response.
Firstly, my mission is to spread the gospel of The Turkish coffee fortune reading. My communal coffee fortune reading sessions not only provide visions into the future, but also, act as a portal into human interaction, psychology, and clairvoyance within a cohesive 90 minute session which you can book here.
My belief is that anyone and everyone can develop the talent to reading people and the future. I actively encourage my guests to read the cups of their friends, family members, and their loved ones. Sometimes jokingly telling them, “Please, put me out of business”.
Returning back to the Altin Gün controversy, I think it is oddly pleasant for two Dutch men to start a Turkish rock band, and I say that as a proud Turk. Even in youth, I was a little patriot. At 10 years of age, I would sing the Turkish national anthem while lallygagging through the streets of Rochester, Minnesota. This did not amuse people. And I was sad.
But while I adore my culture, I am ambivalent in hoarding up its treasures.
What do I mean?
When a character in media is portrayed with a fez, mustache, thick Balkan accent, and haggling customers for rug prices, I smile. I don’t expect everyone to react the same - but I do. This is a cartoon version of reality. Art represents fiction and truth simultaneously. It deserves free rein in its exploration of disassembling and fusing cultures together. Just as Altin Gün has done so through their formation and music.
Turkish rock music movement of 60’s and 70’s in Turkey (commonly called Anatolian Rock) was a direct response to western music of Jimi Hendrix and The Beatles. John Lennon took from Chuck Berry, and Chuck Berry took from Pavarotti and the cycle of assembling and fusing cultures continue on like a river.
Take my culture and do as you will with it. I - Dr. Honeybrew - the man holding dual citizenship and a full-fledged Turkish passport, has given you complete permission. You may mangle my culture, distort it, saturate it, vilify it, exploit it, improve it, massage it, deport it — do as you will. But what my culture inherently means to me, that no one can ever extract from the fiber of my being.
And what was my answer to this guest?
“Anyone can perform Turkish coffee fortune readings despite where they are from in the world. Read and share without any guilt or shame”.
