In a tiny 5-square-metre workshop in Fethiye’s Cumhuriyet neighborhood, the steady rhythm of hammer on leather signals a craft that has survived centuries. Here, Tunahan Uysal, a shoe repairer and Traditional Handicrafts Artist with the Ministry of Culture and Tourism, works to preserve the gömbe sandal, a symbol of Yörük culture and an enduring piece of Turkish heritage.
Uysal begins his day at dawn, crafting sandals and yemeni shoes to order. Outside his workshop, the neatly displayed footwear draws the curiosity of both local and international tourists, who are fascinated by the blend of simplicity, comfort, and history in each pair.
The Teke region sandal, unique to areas of Antalya, Burdur, Isparta, Muğla, Aydın, and Denizli, is deeply intertwined with Yörük traditions. Uysal is one of the last masters of this craft, promoting it at trade fairs across Turkey and abroad and traveling to Yörük Turkmen festivals to share his knowledge.
“I continue to make sandals to introduce them to today’s youth,” says Uysal. “We are Ministry artists, trying to bring our values — which are on the verge of extinction — to light. There are only four or five sandal makers left in Turkey.”
Every pair of sandals takes about ten days to make, handcrafted entirely from the back hide of an ox. Natural, durable, and even beneficial for foot and joint health, the sandals are practical for daily wear and particularly useful for mountain walks, when paired with traditional socks.
Despite their cultural importance, Uysal faces challenges in keeping the tradition alive. “The younger generation doesn’t value this craft. We face the same challenges as barbers, tailors, and tinsmiths,” he explains. Yet his passion is undiminished. In addition to full-size sandals, he creates miniature versions, which have become popular keepsakes for residents and visitors alike.
Tourists and locals alike recognize the value of his work. Sibel Dural, visiting from Ankara, said, “Those who pass on craftsmanship-based professions are very important. I wanted to buy a pair, but they didn’t have my size!”
Local resident Izzet Sülek, 70, has worn Uysal’s sandals for years. “We can’t find these anywhere else. They’re light, comfortable, and perfect for walking. When we wear sandals with socks in the mountains, we move fast. Young people should learn from the old ways.”
Through his dedication, Tunahan Uysal is doing more than making shoes — he is preserving a living piece of Fethiye’s history, one handcrafted sandal at a time.
A small workshop, a big step for tradition.
Source: Anadolu Ajansi
