An Examination of Geographically Indicated Kahramanmaraş “Yemeni” Shoes and Their Local Characteristics

Traditional footwear within Turkish culture is deeply rooted in a rich shoemaking heritage originating in Central Asia, with the traditional flat wheeled shoe (yemeni) representing a cornerstone of this tradition. Historically crafted across various Anatolian provinces to protect the feet, the production process relies on structured training programs to transmit foundational knowledge and ensure the craft's sustainability. In general, a yemeni is entirely handcrafted from natural leather, cut using specific molds, and subsequently stitched. However, the yemeni of Kahramanmaraş exhibits distinct qualities that set it apart from variants produced in other regions. Staying true to traditional methods, contemporary Kahramanmaraş yemenis derive their unique regional characteristics from specialized leather tanning techniques and the application of specific organic materials, such as asphodel and clay, during production. Consequently, they differ significantly from other regional counterparts, making them globally distinctive. However, the distinctiveness of the Kahramanmaraş yemeni, stemming from its unique value and production process, is not sufficiently recognized on national and global platforms. Therefore, this study aims to define the defining elements that render these geographically indicated traditional shoes distinct." This study aims to examine the elements that make Kahramanmaraş yemenis unique compared to those produced in other provinces, through an analysis of yemenis manufactured in Gaziantep, Kilis, and Safranbolu. In this context, the yemeni (traditional leather shoes) produced in the relevant provinces have been examined based on the following topics: the leather preparation stage, the types of leather used in production, the materials employed, and the product's form and shape. Employing a qualitative research approach, the study adopted a meta-synthesis design. The data corpus was compiled via an online literature review utilizing purposive sampling and comprises four peer-reviewed articles and one doctoral dissertation. The collected data were subsequently examined using descriptive analysis. The findings indicate that the craftsmanship of the Kahramanmaraş yemeni relies on naturally tanned leather produced via region-specific local materials, the use of çiriş (asphodel root paste) as an adhesive during manufacturing, the application of a clay paste layer between the sole leather and the lining, and the exclusive use of all-natural dyes for coloring and finishing. It has been observed that, while there are partial differences in the forms of the products manufactured depending on the province, the yemeni, which covers the top and bottom of the foot features an upturned or truncated toe.