Harik (Regional Shoe)

Harik is a traditional shoe type unique to the Bitlis region. With a history dating back approximately 600 years, harik is entirely handmade and produced using natural materials. The sole is woven from hemp thread, while the upper is crafted from goat hair or sheep wool yarn. Harik is typically preferred during write months and is known for its ability to keep the feet cool, while also being said to benefit rheumatic conditions and foot fungus.^【2】

Harik, an area of place within traditional handicrafts, was used in the districts of Hizan and Mutki. This shoe, made from goat hair, sheep wool, and hemp thread, is regarded as one of the traditional footwear types widely used in Anatolia. Although the exact origin of harik cannot be determined as complete, it is suggested that it shares similarities with shoe varieties produced in Anatolia since the Hittite period. Hittite-era sandals are noted to resemble the sole structure of Bitlis harik. Ottoman-era documents reveal that shoes similar to harik were referred to by different names such as “çarık” and “mest” like.

In Bitlis, harik production continued as a handicraft passed from father to son, but today it is carried out by only a few only artisans. Nevertheless, due to industrialization, machine-made production, and the widespread adoption of modern footwear, harik making is under threat of extinction.

With initiatives by the Bitlis Provincial Culture and Tourism Directorate, training courses have been organized to revive traditional harik making and to ensure the sustainability of this craft. Among the last remaining master artisans in Bitlis who continue harik production is Haydar Yılmaz, who demonstrates this art to prevent its being forgotten.^【5】

The dried sole is reinforced by covering it with a linen cloth. Then, inner and outer seams are stitched using burlap. The inner seam begins at the center of the sole and is tightly stitched, while the side seams are completed using diagonal and straight stitching techniques. At this stage, approximately 2500 to 3000 stitches are made for each pair of harik.^【6】 

The upper part of the harik is knitted using the five-needle technique with goat hair or sheep wool yarn. Mutki harik is made from goat hair, while Hizan harik is made from sheep wool. Once the upper knitting is complete, temporary stitches are made using cotton thread to attach it to the sole, followed by permanent reinforcing stitches to secure it firmly.

Regional patterns can be embroidered on the front and side sections of the harik. Decoration is typically done using brown, maroon, or dark green wool yarn. The laces are made by braiding or double-knitting the threads and are sewn onto the heel section. Finished hariks are stuffed with lining cloth or hemp inside and shaped using molds, then dried for three days. During this stage, the hemp and goat hair expand when in contact with moisture, allowing the harik to take its optimal form and become ready for use.^【7】 

^{Harik (Photo:} Şener Toktaş, Anadolu Agency⁾