#ቡ.ጠ.ማ(Coffee Drinking Association)

ቡ.ጠ.ማ (B.T.M.) refers to the Buna Techi Mahber (Coffee Drinking Association), a traditional social institution in Ethiopia that centers around the elaborate and communal Ethiopian coffee ceremony. While the term can sometimes refer to formal cooperatives or modern associations, its cultural roots are deeply embedded in neighborhood social bonds. Core Features of B.T.M. Social Networking: It serves as a daily or weekly gathering where neighbors meet to discuss local news, resolve community conflicts, and strengthen social ties. The Ritual: The focus is on the traditional coffee ceremony, which involves roasting green beans, grinding them by hand, and brewing the coffee in a clay pot called a jebena. The Three Rounds: Participants typically drink three rounds of coffee, known as Abol (the first), Tona (the second), and Bereka (the third/blessing). Mutual Support: Beyond just drinking coffee, these associations often function as informal "Equb" (savings groups) or "Iddir" (funeral/emergency insurance), where members contribute small amounts of money to help one another in times of need.