Today the Kurdish community of about 26 million people is spread out over five countries : Iraq, Iran, Syria, Turkey and Russia. The geographical centre of Kurdistan is the province of Hakkari in the south-east of Turkey. The main source-rivers of Tigris and Euphrates rise in the mountains of Kurdistan. The area is rich in oil, gold, silver, chromium and marble. Therefore it is a politically very sensitive area. The Kurdish people, influenced by their Persian background, create artistic and colourful designs like the above bridal shoe. The leather upper is embroidered entirely with colourful thread. The leather sole and layered heel are hand sewn to the upper with heavy thread.