70-Year-Old ‘Barista Aunt’ Captivates Young People in Fatih
70-year-old Air Çal, a former barista at a coffee shop in Fatih, has become a sensation among young people who frequent the shop. Dubbed ‘Barista Aunt’ on social media, Çal shared that she received three months of training from her daughter before becoming a barista herself.
Sixteen years ago, Çal returned to Istanbul from Austria, where she had lived for 36 years, to support her daughter in managing a coffee shop in Suleymaniyah. She discovered her passion for making coffee and decided to become a barista to help out at the shop during her free time.
Reflecting on her journey, Çal said, “I learned about barista work after my daughter opened her shop. I spent many years in Austria, where I learned to speak German fluently. My children grew up there, got married there, and then I decided to return to Istanbul. Making coffee brings me joy.”
Despite the shop’s busy atmosphere, Çal is committed to helping out. She emphasized, “My daughter is the main barista, and she trained me. We also trained our employees, who had no prior experience. It’s rewarding to see them grow and develop their skills.”
Customers like Melek and Rabia Tekirdag have been impressed by Çal’s dedication and skills. Melek shared, “I was surprised to find out that a 70-year-old woman could be a barista. She is very friendly and speaks German fluently.” Rabia added, “I didn’t know ‘Barista Aunt’ worked here. Her coffee was excellent, especially the special blends she offers.”
With her passion for making coffee and dedication to her family’s business, Air Çal continues to inspire and impress customers of all ages. Her story serves as a reminder that age is just a number when it comes to pursuing one’s dreams.
