Bring your glasses and join the samovar conversation!

"You can't go on a picnic without taking your samovar... You have to put the samovar in the middle and drink your tea while smelling the charcoal, so that it really has meaning," our elders used to say.

The Legend of the Samovar

And if you have an exceptionally skilled uncle who has already lit the barbecue and appeared at the samovar before you even realize what's happening, then you've more or less understood the samovar culture. (By the way, this uncle or family elder alone is worth an entire bistro staff.)

Where does the name samovar come from?

"I have crazy questions in my head; Lazika blog has crazy answers," I begin our story. Who invented the samovar, and why samovar? The word 'Samovar,' which entered the literature by combining the Russian words 'Sama' and 'Varit,' means 'to boil by itself.'

Structure of Samovars

All samovars have four legs at their base. This base prevents the heat from damaging the surface where the samovar is placed. The neck of the samovar is located at the top, of course. If we were to call it "sheyka" instead of neck, we might be using its full name.

History of the Samovar

The Romans invented water heating vessels called Auteps, very similar to the samovar. In the early 18th century, the samovar was invented in Russia to make drinking tea more enjoyable during the cold weather.

Samovar and Turkish Tea Culture

In many cultures, if you see a samovar in someone's home, you can be sure there will always be conversation. The samovar's deep history and function are an important part of Turkish tea culture.

Conclusion

"Samovars have the ability to keep tea hot for a long time. That's why conversations last longer when there's a samovar around." – Zeynep

Photograph

Photo: A 19th-century samovar made in Voronzov.