Legend has it that the benefits of Miraa were first discovered by a pastoralist in the Ethiopian highlands, whose sheep got unusually stimulated upon eating the leaves.
In any case, Miraa already enjoyed popularity in antiquity, long before humans started drinking coffee.

Ancient Egypt

The ancient Egyptians considered Miraa a "divine food", capable of liberating the divinity within humans. The elect few who consumed it in sacral rituals were considered to transcend into apotheosis, a god-like state.

A bundle of fresh Miraa twigs, as has been offered in marriage proposals and peace talks for millennia.

Eastern Africa

Miraa's unique features yielded it a particular cultural significance in its host communities in Eastern Africa. Traditionally, its consumption was a ceremonial act permeated with spiritual meaning and reserved for special occasions: the preparation of marriages, peace talks, important business deals.

The weekend starts with some good Miraa in many Arab countries.

The Arab World

Many Arab countries, although originally importers of Miraa, have made it a part of their everyday culture. A get-together among good friends or novel acquaintances? The Miraa goes without saying for the young as well as older generations.

Worldwide acclaim

With the development of road and air transport in the 20th century, a broader audience got to know and appreciate Miraa. For decades, it was imported and freely enjoyed in Europe and North America. Starting in the 1980s, some countries started prohibiting the importation, going against the scientific consensus. However, different rules apply to dried Miraa. This is where Marqan comes in...

Learn more

Beckerleg, Susan (2010): Khat and Social Change in Africa.
An overview of the historical roots and contemporary social significance of Miraa consumption in Uganda.
Carrier, Neil (2007): Kenyan Khat: The Social Life of a Stimulant.
A detailed ethnography of the production, marketing and consumption of Miraa in contemporary Kenya and internationally.
Carrier, Neil (2005): 'Miraa Is Cool': The Cultural Importance of Miraa for Tigania and Igembe Youth in Kenya.
A study of Miraa culture in Kenya, concluding that it reinforces young people's appreciation of their cultural heritage.
Kennedy, John (1987): The Flower of Paradise.
An early review of Miraa culture in Yemen, as well as an introduction to Yemenite society.
Wikipedia: Khat, History.
A short introduction to the history of Miraa.

History

Legend has it that the benefits of Miraa were first discovered by a pastoralist in the Ethiopian highlands, whose sheep got unusually stimulated upon eating the leaves.In any case, Miraa already enjoyed popularity in antiquity, long before humans started drinking coffee.