Shoes, shoes, shoes: Getting to know footwear.

Throughout history footwear in Turkey has taken on many different roles. From highlighting status in bathing rituals to being worn as a tool during religious ceremonies.

Slippers made by Sufi shoes now combine history and tradition by offering handcrafted ikat velvet slippers ideal for indoor or outdoor wear.

Slippers or ‘terlik’ or as they are called in Turkish, are an essential part of the culture in Turkey. Not only does every person have at least one pair of their own, but they also have spares to offer guests as outdoor shoes are taken off before entering a home.

Ottoman Empire by Mercator G. Hondius - 1623

During the time of the Ottoman Empire (14th-20th century), wooden platform terlik called ‘Nalın’ were worn in bathhouses made from ornamental woods such as walnut and sandalwood, embellished with silver, gold filigree and mother-of-pearl. They were often gifted as a dowry to a bride and the height of the platform symbolised status.

By the 20th century, Nalın lost their popularity to a simpler version of the wooden clog called ‘Takunya’. These were lower in height but were still functional in protecting the wearer from the wet floors of the bathhouses.

Above: A Women's Bath-house In Turkey c. 19th century. Below: Various Nalın and Takunya inlaid with mother-of-pearl.

With the Industrial age, more ergonomic footwear gained popularity. Wooden shoes have now mostly all been replaced by the practicality of leatherwork.

Kamarçin shoes worn by the Whirling Dervishes during the formal ceremony of Sema have influenced a lot of the styles of slippers seen today.

The Whirling Dervishes are known officially as the Order of Mevlevi. It is a Sufi movement founded after the death of Mevlana Rumi in the 13th century who was a famous poet and philosopher.

The whirling or spinning of the dance is seen to represent the earth’s orbit around the sun. It is a symbolic journey in which those who partake are believed to move closer to God, enlightenment and truth.

Sufi shoes are original makers of Kamarçin, worn in the ceremonies by the Dervishes. The craftsmanship and tradition having been handed down through generations.

As a modern development, Sufi shoes now combines these ancient techniques with an equally historic textile - Ikat.

Ikat is one of the oldest forms of textile decoration, but knowing its true origin remains a mystery.

Ikat fabric in traditional primary tones.

Regions all across the world from Central and South-East Asia, Africa, Latin America, the Middle East, Europe and the Pacific have each formed their own style of binding, dying and weaving fabric to create geometric patterns.

With the height of trade on the Silk Road, the technique of making ikat is likely to have been popularised. Both Uzbekistan and Turkey are now two of the largest producers of ikat.

Une dame en costume turc avec sa servante au hammam (Woman wearing Turkish costume with servant in hamman) by Jean-Étienne Liotard - 18th Century

Footwear has come a long way from the times past. But it’s good to know that quality and craftsmanship remain strong for those that love fancy footwear.

Discover the collection of timeless and divine mule slippers made in collaboration with Sufi Shoes and House of Rolfe and start your journey of heavenly footwear today.

Each pair is made using natural and organic materials and dyes, handmade and crafted to perfection.