On World Coffee Day, How is the National Drink Woven into Libya’s Social Fabric?

In Libya, coffee transcends the status of a mere beverage, becoming a deeply entrenched daily ritual that shapes the country’s social and communal memory, giving Libyans a distinctive cultural signature for its consumption. The world celebrated International Coffee Day on October 1st, recognising a drink that has evolved from a simple warm cup into a universal symbol for meetings and conversation, reflective of diverse global lifestyles.
Flavours, Traditions, and Preparation Methods
Libyans vary their preparation of the coffee, locally termed Arabic coffee, often adding distinct flavours. Some prefer it with coriander, others add cardamom to impart an authentic oriental aroma, and more recently, the use of Arabic mastic has emerged as a new addition to the local taste.
There are also differing preferences for the degree of bean roast: some opt for a dark, strong flavour, while others desire a light, pale brew, and a mixed roast is common. In the South of Libya, tradition lends a unique flavour profile; some residents add black pepper, locally called “al-akhal,” while certain families use rose water, making the coffee a signature drink expressive of the region’s particularity.
Coffee in Social Settings and the Marketplace
Coffee accompanies Libyans across various times and events: it is essential in the morning, and in the evening it’s known as “afternoon coffee”, often served alongside local, Arab, and Western sweets. In the South, it is consumed with dates. It is central to social customs: it is offered first to guests, is served with sweets at weddings, and in mourning gatherings, it is offered with or without dates as a mark of grief.
The drink is also a key feature of women’s gatherings, where it is said that it “creates conversations and stories.” Women often prepare coffee for themselves as a reward and moment of rest after tidying the home, frequently accompanied by an incense burner with the famous Fasukh incense, allowing the scents of coffee and incense to blend in the evening—a scene reflective of domestic warmth and family closeness.
Global Beans and Surging Prices
Libyan coffee trader Faris Balah confirmed in an interview monitored by Al-Manasa that his family has been in the coffee trade since the 1960s, having initially specialised in legumes and spices. He pointed out that the Libyan market has one of the highest demands for coffee compared to neighbouring countries like Egypt, Algeria, and Sudan, given its integral role in social tradition.
Balah explained that the local market relies on diverse blends of beans, primarily Brazilian, Vietnamese, Indian, Yemeni, and Ethiopian, arguing that local Libyan coffee processing is comparable to the Italian product and even superior in some varieties. He added that green coffee has also begun to gain popularity in Libya for use in dietary and medical weight-loss recipes.
In a related context, Salah Mohamed, the owner of a coffee company, explained to Almanassa that global coffee prices have seen a significant rise in recent years due to climate change impacting production, particularly the drought in Brazil, a source known for its high-quality beans. Mohamed noted that Libya also imports coffee from India, South Africa, Peru, Uganda, and Colombia. He highlighted that the price per kilo of Turkish coffee, locally known as “Arabic coffee”, has increased by approximately sixfold between 2013 (when it was 11-12 dinars) and 2025 (currently ranging between 65 and 75 dinars per kilo).
In the morning hours, city streets are filled with the clamour of cafés and the pleasant aroma of the beans. It is here that aficionados meet to begin the day’s tales over the sound of their cups. These cafés also feature Western-inspired varieties such as Espresso, “The First Squeeze” (Al-Asra Al-Oula), Cappuccino, Macchiato, and other named versions. The names are numerous, and tastes vary, but the common thread is that in Libya, coffee is the start of an unending conversation and a mood that embraces the moment. Ultimately, whether served in a family gathering, among friends, or at a café table, coffee remains a social ritual and an essential part of the daily Libyan identity—it is what fills the soul with warmth and connection.