Ankara’s ‘Protocol Shoemaker’ Bale Kundura Closes After 65 Years
An era in Ankara is coming to an end as Bale Kundura, the esteemed shoemaking shop that has served artists and politicians for 65 years, prepares to close its doors. Founded by 88-year-old Nurettin Cebeci, who even made shoes for the late Prime Minister Bülent Ecevit, the shop was known as “Ankara’s protocol shoemaker” and hosted many prominent figures from the art and political worlds.
The closure of Bale Kundura, located in the Cebeci district of Ankara’s Çankaya, marks the end of a significant chapter for the city. Nurettin Cebeci, born on November 30, 1938, in Muratlı village of Artvin’s Borçka district, is preparing to leave behind 65 years of dedicated craftsmanship.
From Humble Beginnings to Shoemaker to the Elite
Cebeci’s childhood was marked by hardship. He recalled, “I bought paper and pencils by selling eggs, that’s how I managed to get an education.” He began his apprenticeship with a shoemaker relative at the age of 14-15, continuing his craft first in Istanbul and then in Ankara.
In 1963, Cebeci opened his own shop on Ziya Gökalp Street, naming it “Bale Kundura,” a name that would soon become well-known in Ankara. The name originated from a challenge posed by theater circles: “Can you make ballet shoes in Turkey?” Cebeci responded by meticulously replicating a sample brought from London, which garnered significant attention and quickly spread the shop’s reputation.
A Hub for Art and Politics
Bale Kundura quickly became a popular spot for artists from Ankara Radio. Master composer İsmet Nedim was among his first customers, and over time, the shop’s archives transformed into a memorable album filled with photographs of artists such as Zeki Müren, Adnan Şenses, Mustafa Sağyaşar, and Ahmet Sezgin.
The shop also became a preferred destination for political figures. Former Minister of National Education Ali Naili Erdem, former ministers Halil Başol and Ahmet Tahtakılıç, and former Speaker of the Grand National Assembly Köksal Toptan were among those who had their shoes made at Bale Kundura. A photograph of CHP Chairman Özgür Özel’s visit during his time as Group Deputy Chairman still adorns the shop’s entrance.
An Unforgettable Memory with Bülent Ecevit
One of Cebeci’s most cherished memories is a brief dialogue he had with the late Bülent Ecevit. Cebeci recounted the moment he tried to help Ecevit put on his shoes:
“I wanted to help him put on his shoes with a shoehorn, but he refused. ‘I will put them on myself,’ he said. When I insisted, he took the shoehorn from my hand, put his foot under the armrest, and put on his own shoes. He generally preferred round-toed shoes; he was very polite.”
The closure of Bale Kundura signifies the end of an institution that has left an indelible mark on Ankara’s cultural and political landscape, a testament to the skill and dedication of Nurettin Cebeci.
Source: odatv.com
