Turkish coffee recognized by UNESCO as cultural heritage UNESCO on Wednesday added Turkey's coffee culture and tradition to its 2013 list of "Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity". Real Turkish coffee requires special preparation and brewing techniques and is drunk in small cups in coffee-houses where people come to share news and read books. UNESCO said the "tradition itself is a symbol of hospitality, friendship, refinement and entertainment that permeates all walks of life". Turks tell AFP what makes their coffee special. Images and soundbites.