Political Science Adjunct Professor Farrah Hassen describes Yemen's pivotal role in the origin and cultural significance of coffee. While Ethiopia is recognized as coffee's birthplace, Yemen was the first to cultivate it commercially in the 15th century, with the term "mocha" deriving from Yemen's port city of al-Mokha. She says Yemeni coffeehouses, such as Qamaria Yemeni Coffee Company and Qahwah House, are emerging across the U.S., serving as communal spaces that offer unique coffee experiences and act as cultural hubs that preserve Yemeni heritage and foster community among diverse populations.
This op-ed was originally published by the (Marshalltown, Iowa) on April 24, 2025