At a tea tasting event held in honor of International Tea Day, Australian Ambassador Miles Armitage highlighted the tea cultures of Türkiye and Australia, pointing out a meaningful connection between the two nations. “One of the few possessions the ANZAC soldiers had in Çanakkale in 1915 was tea,” said Armitage. “They were brewing tea in tin cans over open fires. On the opposing side, the Ottoman Turks were drinking tea too. This is a special link between our countries, one born from tragic moments, yet it has evolved into a strong friendship over time.”
M. Ferhat YÜKSEL
During the International Tea Day event, guests tasted two different Australian-grown teas. Ambassador Armitage, who hosted the event, explained that tea has deep roots in his country: “It’s a tradition going back to the first British settlers and, of course, our pioneers who drank camp tea. But it also connects to the First Nations people, who have been steeping and drinking various native plants as tea for thousands of years.”
“I DRINK 4 TO 5 CUPS OF TURKISH TEA A DAY”
Having served in Türkiye for three and a half years, Ambassador Armitage said he drinks Turkish tea regularly and added, “It’s offered to me all the time, so I can say I drink four or five cups of Turkish tea every day,”. Armitage also commented on the differences between Australian and Turkish tea cultures. “Most Australians drink black tea, but usually with milk. I know that’s not common in Türkiye. I think that’s the biggest difference.”
“TEA WAS ONE OF THE FEW THINGS ANZAC SOLDIERS HAD”
Ambassador Armitage emphasized that tea symbolizes a powerful bond between the two countries. “One topic we discussed today, as part of celebrating International Tea Day, was how tea was one of the few things the ANZAC soldiers had in Çanakkale in 1915. They were boiling tea in tin pots over open flames. But it also came up that the Ottoman Turks fighting against them were drinking tea too. Both sides were tea drinkers. This marks a unique connection, rooted in very tragic events, yet it has grown into a deep and lasting friendship.”
