Without the Efes of old, Turkish barbering would have died out a long time ago. It was the flamboyantly attired Efes with their straight razors who rebelled against the closure of the coffee house barber shops during the Ottoman Empire and kept the nation immaculately groomed with close shaves.
Thanks to their protection, the barbers continued their craft on the streets, becoming 'walking barbers' or haman (Turkish bath) barbers. So next time you feel your baby soft skin, remember the bravery of those men and their dedication to shaving the men of the Ottoman Empire. Maybe they'll rise again with their razors, hot towels and shaving traditions to save us all from the surge of disposable razors? |
