Iranian coffee through the ages

Coffee (and tea) became well known in Iran around the start of the Safavid Dynasty during the early 1500’s. Coffee was initially used for medicinal purposes, but later became central to social life Safavid Shah ‘Abbas authorized the construction of numerous coffee houses within Isfahan, the capital of the Safavid Empire. Water and fruit juice were the most common household drinks in Safavid and Qajar Iran. Political and socio/economic events. such as the fall of the Safavids, contributed to the decline of coffee. Nonetheless, the shift from coffee to tea was a slow and gradual change. SEE FACTORS BELOW=>
Cultural Factors: Shortly after its introduction to Iranian society, coffee became ingrained in Safavid culture. Coffee was popular amongst the elite and thrived in court circles. Coffee houses became social centers where diverse ideas flourished.
Political/Economic Factors: The Safavid Empire’s fall in the early 1700’s caused widespread economic and social instability, favoring less costly tea consumption. The Iranian Qajar Dynasty was established soon after the Safavid Empire’s fall. Following the fall of the Safavid Empire, coffee consumption was almost nonexistent in Iran until the mid 19th century.
Social Factors: There was a geographical divide in Iran relative to coffee and tea consumption. In northern Iran, tea was relatively common and accessible to the middle class. In southern Iran, coffee was generally restricted to consumption by nobles.