17.02.2025 11:40
Hacı Muhammet Kırbaç, known as "Horasanlı Pala," is a barber in the Horasan district of Erzurum who has been growing his mustache for 60 years. With a mustache longer than 1 meter, he has become a center of attention. Kırbaç, who has also won the title of Turkey's mustache champion, stated that he never considered cutting his mustache because he knew how much his late wife loved it.
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Hacı Muhammet Kırbaç, who has been a barber in Horasan with his son, is the father of 5 children and the grandfather of 43. He attracts the attention of those who come to the district. Kırbaç stated that he has never cut his mustache, which exceeds 1 meter, since he was discharged from the military and that he regularly takes care of it.
"I WORKED AS A BARBER BY RIDING A HORSE THROUGH VILLAGES" Kırbaç explained that he started growing his mustache after receiving his discharge papers from military service, mentioning that there is a 'Turkey Mustache Championship.' He said that he never thought of cutting it because he knew his late wife loved his mustache. "I started my profession at the age of 12, which was 68 years ago. When I started barbering, I first bought a smooth-gaited horse for myself. For years, I worked as a barber while riding a horse through villages. I had 8-9 villages. In exchange for a haircut I did in the villages, I would receive 5-6 kilos of grain. My situation was very good. I became quite wealthy. I would buy a bull. Then I opened a shop in Horasan district. Thanks to my mustache, I became increasingly famous," he said.
"KENAN EVREN GAVE ME THE NAME 'HORASANLI PALA'" Kırbaç stated that he has traveled all over Turkey upon invitation thanks to his mustache. He mentioned that he has participated in TV programs and has been featured in many national and international news stories, emphasizing that he takes great care of his mustache. He said, "I use herbal mixtures at certain intervals on my mustache to ensure it doesn't fall out and remains lively and shiny. Of course, there are also some special medicines that I prepare myself. I don't plan to cut my mustache until I die. Because we love mustaches from generation to generation. This is my wealth; because thanks to my mustache, both I and my district became famous. Everyone shows interest and wants to take photos with me. My workplace is right on the main road.
People coming from Erzurum to Kars, Ağrı, and Van come to take photos with me. I couldn't do this for money. Kenan Evren, who visited our district, gave me the name 'Horasanlı Pala.' I became famous. I was invited everywhere. I was a guest on TV programs and appeared in the news. Everyone in the district where I work as a barber loves me very much. When Horasan is mentioned, I am the first person that comes to mind. Many people come and go here. They know me in many places in Turkey. Wherever you go, there is a photo of me. If I die one day, my only request from my loved ones is to look at the photo they took with me and read a Fatiha."
"WE ARE PROUD OF HIM" Serkan Altunbaş, a tradesman who has been getting his haircut from Hacı Muhammet Kırbaç since childhood, said, "Uncle Hacı is the Turkey mustache champion representing our Horasan. As long as we can remember, we have been getting our haircuts from uncle Hacı's barber shop. We are proud of him. May God bless him; we are pleased with his trade and personality," he said.
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