Coffee Was Once Banned — Several Times

Coffee is one of the world’s most beloved drinks — a daily ritual shared by millions. But what many people don’t know is that, throughout history, coffee was considered so powerful and controversial that several governments and religious leaders tried to ban it completely.

From the Middle East to Europe, coffee has traveled not only across continents, but through political and cultural battles. Below is the surprising history behind the world’s favorite beverage — once seen as dangerous, rebellious, and even sinful.

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Origins of Fear: Why Was Coffee Banned?

Although it may sound strange, coffee was banned multiple times because it had an unusual side effect:
It encouraged people to gather, talk, and think.

In many places, leaders feared that lively public discussions might lead to new ideas or even rebellion. Coffeehouses became meeting places where people shared news and debated politics — something rulers did not always welcome.

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1. The Mecca Ban (1511)

One of the first major bans took place in Mecca (now Saudi Arabia) in 1511.
The governor, Khair Beg, believed that coffee encouraged radical thinking and social gatherings that could threaten his rule.

Coffeehouses were shut down, and drinking coffee was declared illegal.

However, this ban did not last long. The decision was overturned by higher religious authorities, who found no basis for the prohibition. Coffee returned — and its popularity only grew.

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2. Coffee Forbidden in the Ottoman Empire

Another ban appeared in the Ottoman Empire. Although the Sultan at the time enjoyed coffee, some authorities believed coffeehouses encouraged anti-government sentiment. At certain points, drinking coffee could lead to severe punishment.

Yet, the beverage survived — even flourished — spreading throughout the empire and becoming part of everyday culture.

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3. Coffee Is Banned in Italy (17th Century)

When coffee first reached Italy, some church leaders considered it “Satan’s drink,” fearing its stimulating effects.
There were urgent calls for the Pope to prohibit it.

But when Pope Clement VIII tried it, he reportedly loved it so much that he blessed it instead.

Without his approval, coffee might never have become popular in Europe.

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4. Sweden’s Coffee Crackdown (18th Century)

In Sweden, coffee was repeatedly banned during the 1700s.
Authorities believed it caused health problems and encouraged irresponsible behavior.

Even coffee cups and saucers were confiscated!

Despite the effort, people continued drinking coffee secretly — making it even more desirable. Sweden later became one of the highest coffee-consuming countries in the world.

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5. Prussia’s Attempt to Stop Coffee

In the late 1700s, Prussian ruler Frederick the Great tried to restrict coffee because he wanted people to keep drinking beer, a major source of revenue.

He argued that coffee hurt the economy — people were spending too much money on foreign imports.

The public ignored him. Eventually, the ban disappeared.

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Why Was Coffee so Threatening?

Here are the main reasons coffee was seen as dangerous:

It stimulated the mind
It encouraged conversation
It brought people together
It spread new ideas quickly

These factors made leaders nervous. But ironically, they’re also the same reasons people love coffee today.

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Coffeehouses: The Social Network of the Past

Before social media or newspapers, coffeehouses were where people met to share:

• News
• Science
• Religion
• Art
• Politics

They became known as “Schools of the Wise.”
Some historians even believe that coffeehouses helped fuel the Enlightenment, a period of major scientific and philosophical progress.

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From Banned to Beloved

Over time, fear faded and excitement took over.
Coffee became a symbol of:

• Intellect
• Creativity
• Community
• Energy

Today, more than 2.25 billion cups of coffee are consumed every day around the world!

It is hard to imagine that a drink so common once frightened leaders across continents.