A tavern is sometimes referred to as “the school of life” - the stories told, the lives lived, the experiences shared between its "students" are far richer and more diverse than anywhere else. The soul of the tavern is within all of us: it is the joy of socializing while imbibing something delicious (and usually alcoholic). There is just nothing better than sipping on a good cup of coffee ( or beer/wine/cocktail) and having a deep conversation with the people closest to us. It pleases the soul and it makes us who we are. The artistic energy and unconventionally human wisdom that is found in taverns is very special to me. Taverns have served as centers of culture, politics and revolution.
Some believe that tavern was first born in the great city of Mecca during the 15th or 16th century. Suleiman the Great, ruler of the Ottoman Empire during the 16th century, wanted to have places where the people, travelers, salesmen and even soldiers could relax and sip on some good old coffee. Very happy and energetic places, the first taverns mostly consisted of a couple of pitchers, coffee pots, glassware, and common people in search of company or therapy via some music and a drink or two.
"Kафана" (kafana), the Serbian word for tavern, is derived from the Turkish word "kahvehane" (coffeehouse), which is of Arabic and Persian roots. By the 17th century, taverns and coffee houses were flourishing all over Europe; as the love for coffee grew, so had the popularity of taverns. The Ottoman Empire started a thirsty love of coffee, while sharing the bohemian soul of the tavern with the Balkans and South East Europe. Slowly The Tavern caught the attention of the rest of Europe. Taverns were great artistic and social centers- wielding great cultural and intellectual influence. In Serbia, the names of most tavern have historical, political, social or religious roots; names like "Two bulls," "The Dog that barks," "Russian King," "The Queen of Greece," "Three hats," "Two pigeons" and "Question mark" were very common and popular. In 1893, Tavern Kolarac in Belgrade held the first book exhibition in Serbia. In Belgrade, the first telephone central was opened in a tavern, and the reading of newspapers was the most popular activity. The growth and popularity of taverns was astonishing and unstoppable. The bohemian spirit within us flourished with the popularity of taverns and the legacy of the tavern as a social and cultural space will stay in our blood forever.
Some believe that tavern was first born in the great city of Mecca during the 15th or 16th century. Suleiman the Great, ruler of the Ottoman Empire during the 16th century, wanted to have places where the people, travelers, salesmen and even soldiers could relax and sip on some good old coffee. Very happy and energetic places, the first taverns mostly consisted of a couple of pitchers, coffee pots, glassware, and common people in search of company or therapy via some music and a drink or two.
"Kафана" (kafana), the Serbian word for tavern, is derived from the Turkish word "kahvehane" (coffeehouse), which is of Arabic and Persian roots. By the 17th century, taverns and coffee houses were flourishing all over Europe; as the love for coffee grew, so had the popularity of taverns. The Ottoman Empire started a thirsty love of coffee, while sharing the bohemian soul of the tavern with the Balkans and South East Europe. Slowly The Tavern caught the attention of the rest of Europe. Taverns were great artistic and social centers- wielding great cultural and intellectual influence. In Serbia, the names of most tavern have historical, political, social or religious roots; names like "Two bulls," "The Dog that barks," "Russian King," "The Queen of Greece," "Three hats," "Two pigeons" and "Question mark" were very common and popular. In 1893, Tavern Kolarac in Belgrade held the first book exhibition in Serbia. In Belgrade, the first telephone central was opened in a tavern, and the reading of newspapers was the most popular activity. The growth and popularity of taverns was astonishing and unstoppable. The bohemian spirit within us flourished with the popularity of taverns and the legacy of the tavern as a social and cultural space will stay in our blood forever.
Thanks to the old school taverns and their example, we have the modern day cafes, restaurants, bistros, etc. The bohemian spirit still lives on as it did in the past; places like Skadarlija in Belgrade (where I highly recommend Konoba Skadarlija) and Bascarsija in Sarajevo still keep the authentic vibe and are very much advised to be visited while passing through the Balkans. In New York City, Kafana (116 Avenue C) is a place to visit anytime you are in the mood for a bit of the tavern culture. Those spots in crowded cities have a great hospitality culture. Nevertheless, if you find yourself in the countryside, you will be astonished by the earnest hospitality offered and will be back for more.
The modern times transformed and shaped the tavern into what we have today all over the world. The soul of the tavern, that wild gypsy-like energy, is an integral part of the bartender's spirit. All of the restaurants, cafes, bars, bistros, etc. they still preserve that bohemian love, the love of life, good companionship and laughter.
The modern times transformed and shaped the tavern into what we have today all over the world. The soul of the tavern, that wild gypsy-like energy, is an integral part of the bartender's spirit. All of the restaurants, cafes, bars, bistros, etc. they still preserve that bohemian love, the love of life, good companionship and laughter.
"A tavern, the place where all men are equal"
Danilo Dacha Bozovic
8/7/2013, New York City
Supported by
barlogisticsnyc.com
Danilo Dacha Bozovic
8/7/2013, New York City
Supported by
barlogisticsnyc.com