Atsarouchi (Greek:τσαρούχι; plural: τσαρούχια, transliteratedtsarouchia; from Turkishçarık) is a type ofshoe, which is typically known nowadays as part of the traditionaluniform worn by theEvzones of theGreek Presidential Guard.[1]
Their origin is obscure and goes back to theByzantine time, with influences from styles imported by neighbouring tribes, including theTurks. Originally, various types of similar shoes were worn all over theBalkans, buttsarouchia are mainly associated with theGreeks. They were the most common footwear worn by both urban and rural Greeks, mainly men, but also many women. After the Greek independence in early 19th century, their use was limited to isolated rural areas and nomadic populations, seen by westernised urbanites as a sign of uncouthness and backwardness. In a version with reinforced sole, they remained the issue boot for theEvzone units well into the 20th century, though after theFirst World War were gradually replaced in active service by the standard laced boot.Tsarouciia provide a clear link with the origin of the Evzone uniform in the traditional Greek costume, and with the fact that Evzones were largely enlisted from rural mountainous regions of Greece. Nowadays they are almost exclusively used by the presidential guard and in various traditional festivals and dances along with other traditional Greek garments.
Tsarouchia are typically made of a number of pieces of stiff leather hand-sewn together, in themoccasin fashion. They have a characteristic upturned toe, usually covered by a large woolenpompon, which often occurs in Turkey as well. The latter was a relatively late addition, originally a way of making the shoe's toe waterproof, but increasingly becoming an essential feature of their decoration.[2] Simpler versions also exist, made from one piece of leather held in shape with thongs (a very common type found everywhere in the Balkans and Anatolia, e.g.,Opanak orCharvuli) and without any decoration.
Tsarouchis (Τσαρούχης) is also a Greek surname, withYannis Tsarouchis being the most famous person bearing it.
Aromanians from Balkans have a similar word for shoes, "tsâruhi". Countryside tsâruhi were made out of leather piece.
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