Yemenis Cultural Foundation Launches Yemeni Coffee Day in Malaysia

The Yemeni Cultural Foundation launched the Yemeni Coffee Day activities in Malaysia, coinciding with the seventh anniversary of its launch, in a ceremony hosted by APU University, sponsored by the Yemeni Embassy in Malaysia, as part of an annual tradition that the foundation is keen to organize in Malaysia and a number of neighboring countries, with the aim of celebrating Yemeni coffee and introducing its ancient history and cultural narrative.

In his speech, the Yemeni Ambassador to Malaysia and Dean of the Arab Diplomatic Corps, Dr. Adel Bahumid, stressed that Yemeni coffee is not just an agricultural product, but a historical symbol that reflects the depth of Yemeni identity, stressing the importance of preserving this cultural heritage in light of the current challenges.

He pointed out that the Yemeni identity transcends the boundaries of geography and time, and that defending it is an integral part of defending the homeland. He noted the role of the Yemenis Foundation in highlighting the Yemeni cultural heritage, expressing his appreciation for the efforts of the Yemeni community in Malaysia, including the private sector, schools and the Student Union, in supporting such initiatives.

The ambassador spoke about the power of cultural diplomacy, noting that a Yemeni coffee session can achieve what traditional political meetings cannot, adding that individual and collective efforts to preserve the Yemeni identity, no matter how simple they may seem, have a great impact in enhancing awareness and belonging, praising the official bodies and civil society who work together to present an honorable image of Yemen abroad.

In a related context, the head of the Yemeni Cultural Foundation, Dr. Faisal Ali, presented a presentation entitled “Yemeni Cultural Vision: Yemeni Coffee, a Renewed Legacy,” in which he reviewed the historical roots of Yemeni coffee, pointing to its connection to the Kingdom of Sheba and the extension of its cultivation in the Yemeni highlands since the first millennium BC.

He explained that Yemeni coffee was not just a drink, but had been used in medicinal and aromatic industries for centuries, and that the name “coffee” goes back to the Yemeni word “maqhaya,” while the origin of the word “coffee” in English is related to the Yemeni dialect and not to the Turkish term “kahveh.”

In his presentation, Dr. Faisal discussed the spread of Yemeni coffee from Mocha to the world through Yemeni traders and historical migrations, noting that the title “Wine of the Clouds” was given to it because it is grown in the highlands where clouds pass beneath it, which gave it a unique flavour. He pointed out its connection to Yemeni Sufism through the Shadhiliyya group, which contributed to its spread globally, and the role of the city of Mocha in exporting it, stressing that Yemeni coffee is not just a commodity, but a civilized message that conveys the values of tolerance and love to the world.

The ceremony witnessed the honoring of the Yemeni Embassy, the Cultural Attaché, the Yemeni community, and the General Union of Yemeni Students, in addition to a number of supporting institutions and companies, in appreciation of their contributions to the success of the event. Dr. Majid Al-Samai, the host of the ceremony, also recited some verses of poetry entitled “Shadhiliyya Has a Secret,” which was widely welcomed by the attendees.

It is worth noting that the Yemenis Cultural Foundation organizes the Yemeni Coffee Day annually on March 3, but the date of the event this year was brought forward due to its coincidence with the holy month of Ramadan. The celebration of Yemeni coffee will continue until March 8, with wide participation from partners in the private sector, Yemeni schools, student unions, and the Yemeni community in Malaysia.