3 / 2000
Turkey * Armenian ankle boot with leather upper and sole
The previous kingdom of Armenia was situated in the central highlands between the highlands of Anatolia and Persia, the Kura valley in Trans Caucasia and the low land of Mesopotamia. The highest mountain top is the Great Ararat (5156 meters). In its existence, Armenia remained the plaything between Turkey and Persia until the beginning of the 20th century when the original country was split up among Turkey, Russia, Iran and Iraq. Armenian cultural traditions, however, are carried on until today. Footwear design is resourceful and artistic and due to the mountainous area, mainly consisting of practical and sturdy half- and ankle boots named "cerik" like the one shown above. The sole is attached to the upper by hand tunnel-stitching except for the heel part which is, after turning the upper, reinforced and stitched all the way through.
Research and text by : W.A.H.M. Habraken-Oosterhout-Holland
Illustration by : Colin Ball - Waalwijk - Holland