Tea culture symbolizes knowledge, traditions and skills linked to cultivating, preparing and drinking tea by communities in Turkey. Tea (Camellia sinensis) is an agricultural plant that its leaves and buds are used to make beverage. Tea plant transforms into the dried leaves after the steps such as plucking, withering, rolling, fermentation and drying. Tea as a plant has an indispensable economic value in Eastern Black Sea Region and life is revolved around tea culture in Rize province where the tea farmers and tea companies are the most intense in Turkey. Residents organize their social events like wedding or circumcision ceremonies after harvest time. Due to its distinguished presence in cultural and economic life tea is referred as “green gold” by the community living in the region. Although there are different types and brewing techniques, the most consumed and harvested type is black tea and using a double kettle called "çaydanlık" (tea pot) and samovar while brewing. Samovar is a traditional copper, metal or brass container, mostly produced in Amasya and Samsun, used to heat and boil water for brewing tea. Tea is traditionally served in small tulip-shaped glasses which is called “ince belli bardak” (thin waist glass). In Erzurum and other towns in Eastern Turkey, tea is drunk with sugar called “kıtlama”. In this style, instead of pouring sugar directly into the glass, a piece of sugar that is broken with tea shear is placed under tongue. Traditional techniques used to prepare and harvest tea have led to the production of special tools of artistic value, such as teapot, tea glass, samovar, silver tray, wooden tea basket and tea shear.

Tea culture and tradition has various aspects which makes it not only a beverage but also a fundamental socialization instrument for Turkish daily life. Tea is consumed all day long starting with breakfast and continuing until bedtime. When breakfast is ready it is called "tea is ready". Offering tea and drinking tea together is a gesture of friendship, hospitality and kindness. Teahouses and tea gardens are the places where friends meet, people communicate and share their daily problems. In every home and workplace, a pot of tea is always brewing and ready to drink or offer guests. Workplaces are required by law to allow at least two tea breaks within the working day. Besides being the most consumed beverage after water in daily life it is also served at special occasions, ceremonies, events and gatherings, where all family members or guests come together and share common values.