UIN Jakarta Historian Unveils the Significance of Coffee in the Evolution of the Intellectual Community
Rectorate Building, UIN Online News - The Ramadan Program was conducted by the Graduate School (SPs) at UIN Syarif Hidayatullah Jakarta online on Friday (14/3/2025), with Dr. Awalia Rahma, M.A. as the main guest.
Through the lens of Islamic history, Awalia Rahma, a professor in the Department of Adab and Humanities who specializes in Islamic History and Civilization, talked about the long history of coffee and its importance to intellectuals.
The evolution of coffee culture started in the Middle East, namely Yemen, where coffee was first utilized by religious organizations as a stimulant for worship. Over time, coffee evolved into a significant element of social and intellectual life, serving not just as a beverage but also as a conduit for casual conversation and social engagement.
"Coffee culture originated in Ethiopia, but the Yemenis were the first to introduce coffee to the world," she explained.
Dr. Awalia cites Tarih-i Pecevi to elucidate the customs of Ottoman aristocrats and intellectuals, who often congregated at kahvehane (coffeehouses). They often congregate in groups to study literature while engaging in chess, listening to narratives, or reciting poetry.
"This illustrates how coffee shops serve as venues for the convergence of ideas and concepts, facilitating intellectual discourse," she said.
Similarly, the Royal Society established the Oxford coffee shop that the Oxford Coffee Club frequents. This organization is the oldest scientific association globally and continues to produce the longest-running scientific publication in existence.
"The coffeehouses of Oxford facilitated the emergence of notable scientists who significantly influenced the history of education in England. The academic community is undoubtedly indebted to coffee," she said.
Dr. Awalia also detailed the experiences of School for The Training of Native Physicians (STOVIA) students during the Dutch colonial era. While still being a student at STOVIA, Hatta and his pals would often promenade from the Pasar Baru district to Weltevreden every Saturday evening.
"Their customary selection at the food stalls consisted of a plate of fried rice, a couple of sticks of chicken skewers, and a nice cup of hot coffee."
Simultaneously, the evolution of coffee-drinking culture in Indonesia transpired in Java throughout the 15th–16th centuries, coinciding with the entrance of students and Islamic intellectuals who introduced this habit. These students and Islamic scholars, often referred to as preachers and religious counselors, also contributed to the management of enterprises, notably coffee plantations.
The fun fact is that by the end of the 19th century, students in coffee-producing regions were sometimes more occupied with managing coffee plantations rather than pursuing their religious studies. This practice serves not only to savor coffee but also to enhance connections among students and cultivate intellectual unity among them.
"This illustrates the inseparable interaction between coffee culture and the community's social and economic life during that period," she stated.
In the last segment of her talk, Dr. Awalia underscored the significance of coffee in Islamic history, highlighting its function not just as a beverage but also as a symbol of social contact, the establishment of intellectual communities, and an element of cultural history that persists in its evolution now.
"Coffee has transcended its role as a mere beverage; it has evolved into a conduit for the exchange of ideas and concepts that have catalyzed numerous intellectual innovations globally," she concluded.
(Alfina Ika A./Zaenal M./Muhamad Arifin Ilham)