Biography: The Monk of Mokha

Introduction
"The Monk of Mokha" is a 2018 bio by Dave Eggers that narrates the life of Mokhtar Alkhanshali, a Yemeni-American business owner who restores Yemen's coffee industry amidst a civil war. The story is both inspiring and helpful, shedding light on Arab-American immigration, international politics, and the rich history of coffee.

Early Life
Mokhtar Alkhanshali was born in San Francisco in 1988 to Yemeni immigrant parents. Growing up in the city's Tenderloin district, he experienced firsthand the difficulties faced by low-income immigrants making every effort to make a life in the United States. In spite of these difficulties, Mokhtar's parents instilled in him the value of effort, social justice, and education.

Mokhtar's interest in his Yemeni heritage and the Muslim faith led him to study Arabic and Islamic law. However, right after his research studies, he chose to leave for Yemen to learn more about his roots and make money for himself.

Mokhtar's Passion for Coffee
While in Yemen, Mokhtar discovered that Yemen had a rich history in coffee production which it is believed to be the birth place of coffee cultivation. The beans from Yemen were highly demanded in the past, making the nickname "Mokha", which describes the port city of Mocha in Yemen. Nevertheless, the quality and production of Yemeni coffee had actually decreased considerably over the years.

Motivated to restore the Yemeni coffee market, Mokhtar returned to the United States and began working at a cafe to find out about the business. He began going to coffee conferences, making connections with specialists and lovers, and soon ended up being certified as a Q-grader, a professional coffee cup.

The Formation of Port of Mokha
In 2013, Mokhtar founded his coffee business, Port of Mokha. He pictured the business as a method to import high-quality Yemeni coffee to the United States and, in turn, to assist enhance the lives of Yemeni coffee farmers. To guarantee the beans measured up to his high requirements, Mokhtar took a trip between Yemen and the United States frequently, working carefully with the farmers to enhance their growing methods and the quality of the beans.

Civil War in Yemen
In 2015, civil war emerged in Yemen, making Mokhtar's objective considerably more challenging. The war caused extensive suffering and destruction, making it almost difficult for Mokhtar to continue his work. With the help of the International Rescue Committee, Mokhtar collaborated an airlift of 110 pounds of top quality Yemeni coffee beans to the United States, the bare minimum needed to prove their worth in the specialty coffee market.

Port of Mokha's Success and Impact
Despite the challenges induced by the war, Port of Mokha grew, getting rave evaluations from coffee specialists and enthusiasts. In 2017, one of Mokhtar's beans received a rating of 97 out of 100 from the Specialty Coffee Association, making it among the highest-rated coffees in the world.

Mokhtar's success has actually brought much-needed favorable attention to Yemen and its coffee market. The high-quality beans from Port of Mokha command a high cost, which allows Yemeni farmers to make a much better living. Mokhtar has actually also established a scholarship program, assisting Yemeni women access quality education.

Conclusion
"The Monk of Mokha" is a compelling biography that informs the exceptional story of Mokhtar Alkhanshali and his quest to restore the Yemeni coffee industry. Throughout the book, the reader witnesses the transformative power of enthusiasm and perseverance in the face of amazing obstacles. Mokhtar's journey works as a motivating example of how one individual's decision can affect the lives of many and assist to bridge cultural divides.