The Salty Coffee: The High Stakes of a Turkish Marriage Proposal

Almost every romantic dizi features a Kız İsteme (Asking for the girl) ceremony. The centerpiece of this ritual is a cup of Turkish coffee laced with salt.

The Test of Patience

The bride-to-be prepares coffee for everyone, but for the prospective groom, she adds salt instead of sugar. The groom is expected to drink the entire cup without flinching or making a face. If he succeeds, it signifies that he will endure the "bitterness" and "saltiness" of life for his wife without complaint.

Modern Interpretations

In modern comedies, this ritual is often played for laughs, with brides adding extra salt or even hot sauce. However, in traditional dramas, it remains a solemn moment of "proving" one's love through silent endurance.