Turkish coffee expert Yunus Çakmak joins The Best 100 Coffee Shops

Yunus Çakmak, a Turkish coffee professional with SCA AST, Q Grader and Q Instructor credentials, has been selected as the sole Turkish member of the jury for “The Best 100 Coffee Shops,” a platform often likened to a Michelin guide for coffee [1].

Key takeaways

• Çakmak is the only Turkish professional on the jury of the globally recognized “The Best 100 Coffee Shops” list [2].
• He holds three prestigious coffee certifications: SCA AST, Q Grader and Q Instructor [1].
• His work spans training, seminars and on‑farm collaborations across Latin America, Africa, the Middle East and Europe [1].
• Çakmak emphasizes that his appointment reflects international acknowledgment of Turkey’s growing coffee sector [2].

From classroom to coffee farms: Çakmak’s global footprint

Yunus Çakmak’s career combines formal education with extensive field experience. Beyond teaching in training rooms, he has conducted workshops and seminars in numerous countries, working directly with coffee growers to improve harvest, fermentation and sensory analysis practices [1]. His hands‑on approach, which covers the entire coffee chain from farm to cup, has earned him a reputation as one of the few experts who engage both producers and baristas on site [1].

A symbolic milestone for Turkish specialty coffee

Çakmak describes his jury role as both a personal honor and a national milestone. He notes that having a Turkish professional among the world’s coffee authorities signals that Turkey’s specialty coffee standards are now accepted at an international level [2]. The “The Best 100 Coffee Shops” jury is described as the coffee industry’s equivalent of a Michelin guide, demanding not only technical knowledge but also years of sensory expertise and global respect [1].

Why it matters

Çakmak’s appointment underscores Turkey’s emergence on the global specialty coffee stage, offering a visible role model for aspiring Turkish baristas and roasters. It also suggests that Turkish coffee culture is increasingly aligning with the scientific and sensory standards championed by organizations such as the Specialty Coffee Association. As the industry continues to globalize, Çakmak’s presence on the jury may pave the way for more Turkish voices to influence international coffee rankings and standards.