Lalem is an exclusive Turkish Coffee Set, inspired from Coffee and Tulips, which both are the defining cultural products of the Ottoman eighteenth century, along with their related institutions of palace and coffeehouse. These cultural products hold multiple meanings in the history and historiography of the period.
Shortly after coffee was introduced to the Ottomans in 1543, it became so popular so quickly that coffeehouses and small shops opened specializing in roasting coffee. In the following years numerous coffeehouses were opened in various districts of the city and became important meeting points not only for the people but also for famous poets, scholars and art community. In time coffee houses has been called as “kıraathane” (reading home), because discussions and debates about poetry, literature and science have taken place frequently in these places.
Tulips also were brought to Europe in the 16th century from Istanbul. Ottoman’s Tulip period saw a thriving of arts, culture and architecture. Generally the style of architecture and decoration became more elaborate, being influenced by the Baroque period in movement. A classic example is the Fountain of Ahmed III in front of Topkapı Palace in Istanbul. The architectural style is a fusion of classical Islamic elements with baroque European ones, making it into distinct Ottoman architecture of the 18th century. The tulip was also praised in poetry and motifs used in paintings. To this day in modern Turkey the tulip is still considered the embodiment of perfection and beauty.
Although different tulip colors carry distinct meanings – yellow tulips symbolizing joy, cheerful thoughts, white conveying forgiveness and purple representing royalty. The 11th wedding anniversary flower, it’s said that the tulip’s velvety black center represents a lover’s heart, darkened by the heat of passion. With the power to rival roses in their red variety and the sweet charm to express simple joy when yellow, it’s no wonder that in addition to all its other symbolism, in the language of flowers, a tulip bouquet represents elegance and grace.