"WHILE YOU WAIT" IN CONSTANTINOPLE:
The Turk has slippers, with their heels turned in, repaired while he waits. He slips into and out of them a hundred times a day, and, having but one pair, he sits and chats with the cobbler until the needed patch is added.
Photograph by Solita Solano, 1922. Click here to enlarge.
Traditional Turkish slippers, known as terlik or babouche, are a distinctive form of footwear with a long cultural history. Often made of leather or fabric, these slippers typically feature a pointed or rounded toe and a backless design for easy wear. They were commonly worn indoors and sometimes outdoors by both men and women, especially in Ottoman times. Wealthier individuals might have worn slippers decorated with embroidery, gold thread, or jewels, reflecting status and craftsmanship. The design varied by region and purpose, with some being simple and functional, while others were elaborate and luxurious. These slippers combined comfort with artistry and remain a symbol of traditional Turkish attire. Today, they are still crafted by artisans and sold in markets as both functional items and cultural souvenirs.
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