December 28, 2020

“I started this job in 1960, I had an Armenian man working for me. The leather we use for making shoes is bull’s leather, I also use 2 or 3 years of age cow’s leather, too. Big Bull’s skin is usually used for the bottom of the shoes because it’s a dry skin. We make some shoes out of goat’s skin as well. When I was young, I was making eight pairs of shoes in a day, but now I can only make one or two pairs. Forty years ago, in Amed, there were about 100 to 150 shops doing what we do, there are now about 10. Anyone who personally knows me, or knows the value of handmade shoes will buy their shoes here. People with special needs or people who have big feet will need handmade shoes. However, people now buy shoes and only look at the brands regardless if they are good or bad quality, but handmade shoes are very comfortable. I hope more people buy these shoes because this is a part of our history and we have to continue doing it”.