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When did coffeehouses first appear in Constantinople?
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Roasted coffee beans, ground coffee, and instant coffee in paper bags.
Coffeehouses, known as qahveh khanehs, first appeared in Constantinople (now Istanbul) during the 16th century. Some historical accounts specifically cite the year 1550 as the time the first establishment opened in the city.312
These venues quickly became popular social hubs where patrons gathered to converse, play games, listen to music, and discuss news and politics. Because of the intellectual discourse they fostered, they were often referred to as schools of wisdom. Despite periodic attempts by religious and political leaders to ban them due to concerns over the frank discussions taking place within, coffeehouses became an ingrained part of the local culture.3