You Are Here – Almaty

You Are Here – Almaty is an unexpected release from Kazakhstan, a vast, landlocked country in Central Asia, known for its cultural heritage, diverse landscapes, and rich natural resources. Interestingly enough, Kazakhstan only saw two other releases from the YAH series: the Astana mug and the Kazakhstan ornament.

Almaty, the largest city in the country, has a fascinating history that spans centuries. Originally known as Alma-Ata, which translates to “Father of Apples” in Kazakh, the city’s name reflects its deep connection to the fertile region, famous for its wild apple trees.… Read more

You Are Here – Torun

You Are Here – Toruń is a mug for a city steeped in history, where cobbled streets echo the past. Known for being the birthplace of the famous astronomer Nicolaus Copernicus, Torun’s medieval architecture and well-preserved Old Town are UNESCO World Heritage Sites. The city is a living museum, showcasing its rich heritage through landmarks like the Gothic-style Torun Cathedral and the imposing Teutonic Castle. Its history, dating back to the 13th century, intertwines with the development of science, trade, and culture, making Torun a fascinating destination for history enthusiasts.… Read more

You Are Here – Baku

Starbucks You Are Here – Baku comes from Azerbaijan, also known as the “Land of Fire.” This country in the South Caucasus region is blending ancient history, rich culture, and modern development.

Baku, the capital of the country, is a vibrant city where ancient history meets modern innovation. The iconic Flame Towers light up the skyline, while the medieval Old City, a UNESCO World Heritage site, showcases landmarks like the Maiden Tower and the Palace of the Shirvanshahs. Along the Caspian Sea, the city’s waterfront promenade, Baku Boulevard, offers a lively atmosphere with parks, cafes, and stunning views.… Read more

You Are Here – Al Madinah

After a short break, I am back to exploring unique Starbucks mugs from around the world! This time we’re looking at the design of the recently released You Are Here – Al Madinah. Also known as Medina, it is one of Islam’s holiest cities that holds deep historical significance as the place where Prophet Muhammad and his followers migrated in 622 CE, an event known as the Hijra, marking the beginning of the Islamic calendar. It became the first Islamic state and the site where many key revelations of the Quran were received, shaping the foundations of Islamic governance and community life.… Read more

You Are Here – Belfort

A friend sent the photos of the You Are Here – Belfort mug to me, and I am excited to share them with you! With this new release, France has more YAH mugs than any other European country now.

Founded in the 13th century, Belfort has a legacy deeply intertwined with its strategic location in the Franche-Comté region. The city was originally established as a defensive stronghold, strategically positioned at the intersection of important trade routes between Germany and France. During the Franco-Prussian War of 1870-1871, Belfort gained particular fame under the leadership of Colonel Pierre Denfert-Rochereau, who heroically defended the city against a prolonged Prussian siege, earning it the nickname “the unconquered city”.… Read more

You Are Here – Le Mans

I’m excited to share the news about the release of the new mug from France, You Are Here – Le Mans! Huge thanks to the blog reader for providing the pictures!

Le Mans, a city in northwestern France, is steeped in a rich history dating back to Roman times. Originally known as Vindinium, it was the capital of the ancient Gallic tribe, the Cenomani. The city flourished under Roman rule, evident in its remarkably preserved Gallo-Roman walls, which are among the finest of their kind in Europe.… Read more

You Are Here – Venezia

Starbucks You Are Here Venezia is a mug for a well-known city in northeastern Italy that emerged from a unique historical melting pot. Founded in the 5th century by mainland residents fleeing barbarian invasions, Venice began as a series of lagoon settlements that gradually developed into a powerful maritime republic. By the Middle Ages, the city had transformed into a dominant naval and commercial power, controlling extensive trade routes between Europe and the Byzantine Empire. The Venetian Republic, which lasted for over a thousand years until 1797, was renowned for its sophisticated political system, intricate diplomatic networks, and extraordinary wealth generated through maritime commerce.… Read more

You Are Here – Bydgoszcz

This fresh release from Starbucks is not the last Poland city mug that we know of. Stay tuned for more updates!

You Are Here Bydgoszcz is a mug for a city located in the northern part of the country. Bydgoszcz is known for its rich history and cultural heritage. Founded in the 10th century, the city has been an important center of trade and commerce throughout its history. During the Middle Ages, Bydgoszcz was part of the Polish Kingdom and later came under Prussian and German rule.… Read more

You Are Here – Katowice

Starbucks You Are Here Katowice is a brand new release for a city in southern Poland that has a rich industrial history dating back to the 19th century. Originally a small village, it rapidly grew into an important coal mining and steel production center during the Industrial Revolution. The city gained municipal rights in 1865 and became part of Poland after World War I. During the interwar period and under communist rule, Katowice continued to be a major industrial hub. Since the fall of communism in 1989, the city has undergone significant economic restructuring, transitioning from heavy industry towards a more diverse economy focused on services, technology, and culture.… Read more

You Are Here – Kapadokya

You Are Here Kapadokya is the latest (for now) mug from Türkiye.

Kapadokya, an ancient region in central Anatolia (modern-day Turkey), has a rich history spanning thousands of years. First inhabited by the Hittites in the late Bronze Age around 1800 BCE, the region later came under Persian rule as one of their important satrapies. After Alexander the Great’s conquest, it was ruled by a line of independent kings before becoming a Roman province in 17 CE. The region gained particular significance in early Christian history during the Roman and Byzantine periods (3rd-11th centuries CE), when Christians carved thousands of cave churches and underground cities into the area’s distinctive soft volcanic rock formations, creating a vast network of refuges to escape persecution.… Read more

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