For the master shoemaker Ertekin Altınbilek, every handmade sandal and custom shoe produced in his atelier carries a soul. “Every detail reflects years of experience, every stitch bears the mark of our labour,” he says. “By implication, my handmade products are not only worn but also valued.” Ertekin is a prominent Turkish master craftsman who has been preserving the traditional art of sandalmaking in Bodrum since founding his atelier, Altın Sandalet, in 1982. Made from 100% natural leather and genuine calfskin, around 700 to 800 pairs of shoes are produced annually. Designs are deeply rooted in the history of the Aegean region, with inspiration often drawn from the ancient models discovered in the Mausoleum at Halicarnassus.

Ertekin's commitment to his craft has earned him significant national recognition, including the prestigious handicrafts oscar El Sanatları Oskarı in 2017, as well as accolades from the Ministry of Culture, for his role in modernising traditional techniques without losing their cultural essence. Today, his atelier serves as a cultural landmark in Bodrum, where he continues to advocate for the survival of the craft by training new apprentices. "I hope they will ensure that the iconic Bodrum sandal remains a living piece of Turkish heritage," he shares. “I have nurtured this craft with hard work, discipline and love, upholding it with the same dedication over all these years. For me, it is not merely about making footwear, it is an art form.”