Mohammed Alkohaiz, a student through the English Language Institute and native of Saudi Arabia, shared an important aspect of his culture surrounding Arabic coffee with students and faculty on Tuesday evening in the International House Great Room.

“In my country, when getting married, the first question asked to the woman is if she knows how to make coffee,” Alkohaiz said.

Students and faculty quietly sipped at their coffee during the presentation. The ingredients lay on a table between the speaker and the audience. Coffee beans from Brazil, Yemen and Ethiopia, saffron from Iran, cardamom and cloves were some of the ingredients used. The color of the coffee is not black, like in most Western countries, but a light golden-yellow. A plate of dates was offered as finger food to the guests.

The process of making the specialized coffee can take anywhere from half an hour to three hours, depending on the quantity being made. Although a special kind of coffee pot is used for creating the mixture, a thermos works just as well for carrying it around. However, the coffee is typically taken in small amounts due to its potency. The traditional cups used are small and fit between the index finger and the thumb.

Alkohaiz said having four or five cups during your first go is said to keep you from sleeping. Coffee is made in the mornings and evenings with family meals. In the spirit of hospitality, guests are served this coffee as well. Additionally, the beverage is served before meals, not after.


“To be honest, I knew nothing about Arab culture, so it was really neat to learn about it,” Mindy Reed, a freshman in psychology, said.

Alkohaiz weaved elements of his culture into the short presentation. Women and men, for example, drink coffee in separate places. However, before the oil revolution, both genders shared the experience together. Although the attendance was small, the reception was positive.

Katie Brown, freshman in psychology, gained an interest in Saudi Arabian culture from the presentation.

“From what I experienced tonight, I would really love to experience more of Saudi Arabian culture,” Brown said.

The International House has hosted activities every day of week. Saudi Arabia Week kicked off on Monday at the I-House with a showing of the film “Keif Al-Hal.” Wednesday, Jan. 25 is Saudi Arabia Culture Night, which begins at 6 p.m. and ends at 8 p.m.  Presentations, music, a dance performance and a Saudi Arabian meal will be available with the purchase of a $5 ticket from the I-House front desk.

On Thursday, Jan. 26, Patrick W. Ryan will lecture on the relation between Saudi Arabia and American interests in the Middle East. Ryan has served as the editor-in-chief of Saudi-U.S. Relations Information Service and was the President of Tennessee World Affairs Council. Unlike the Culture Night, the lecture is free and runs from 6:30-7:30 p.m.