Turkish Ottoman Empire Bathing Clogs (Qabqab)

Ottoman Empire, early 19th century, Turkey

An absolutely stunning and richly ornamented pair of hammam clogs (qabqab or nalin), masterfully carved from a dense hardwood, likely walnut or olive. The elevated soles are lavishly inlaid with mother-of-pearl and fine silver thread, forming intricate geometric and floral motifs characteristic of Ottoman luxury craftsmanship. The original leather straps are covered in beautifully embroidered green fabric, further attesting to the refined taste and social status of their owner.

Qabqab were essential accessories in the traditional Ottoman hammam (bathhouse) culture. Worn during bathing rituals, ceremonial ablutions, and daily cleansing routines, these clogs lifted the wearer above the hot, soaked, and often slippery marble floors. This particular pair—with its considerable height and opulent decoration—was clearly intended for a woman of wealth or noble rank. Due to their height, movement often required the assistance of a personal attendant, transforming the act of bathing into an elegant, almost theatrical experience.

The height of a nalin was not merely practical but symbolic: elevated platforms signified elevated social standing. The Arabic term qabqab refers to the distinctive clacking sound produced by the clogs as they struck the bathhouse floors.

Fashioned from hardwoods such as walnut, plane, boxwood, ebony, or sandalwood, fine examples were further embellished with silver, gold, tortoiseshell, bone, or mother-of-pearl. The straps—usually of leather or fabric—were embroidered with silk, metallic thread, pearls, or semiprecious stones, creating sumptuous personal objects that blurred the line between functional footwear and wearable art.

This exceptional pair exemplifies the sophistication and artistry of Ottoman domestic luxuries, capturing the refinement, ritual, and visual splendor that defined elite life within the Empire.

Good condition. Wear commensurate with age and use. Minor wormholes and small natural imperfections. Four mother-of-pearl inlays are missing. The fabric covering the straps shows some fraying. Size approx. 12,0cm x 23,5cm x 16,0cm. 

For a similar examples see:

Clog (bath), The British Museum, London, United Kingdom, Accession Number: 1553.a-b (https://islamicworld.britishmuseum.org/collection/RRM190209)

Hammam Shoes, The Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, Accession Number: 2011.24a, b (https://www.metmuseum.org/art/collection/search/162816)

Pair of pattens, Victoria and Albert Museum, London, United Kingdom, Accession Number: 1020-1869 (https://collections.vam.ac.uk/item/O355147/pair-of-pattens/)

References and further reading:

Ottoman Empire, Syed Muhammad Khan, World History Encyclopedia. Last modified August 24, 2020. (https://www.worldhistory.org/Ottoman_Empire/)

Shaw, Stanford Jay and Yapp, Malcolm Edward. "Ottoman Empire". Encyclopedia Britannica, 30 Nov. 2022. (https://www.britannica.com/place/Ottoman-Empire.)

The Ottoman Empire, Eman M. Elshaikh, Khan Academy.

Istanbul: The City and the Sultan, Marlies Kleiterp & Charlotte Huygens, Published by De Nieuwe Kerk, Amsterdam, 2007.