Some scents can instantly transport you back to your childhood, to your father's Sunday morning shave, or to the safe chair of the neighborhood barber. Born in 1957 as Türkiye's first industrial shaving soap, Arko has evolved from its famous "Red Stick" form to become a guide to modern man's personal care. This is the story of Evyap, which began in Erzurum and culminates in a rebirth manifesto in 2025.
If the history of men's grooming in Türkiye were to be written, the first page would undoubtedly begin with Arko. A prime example of Evyap's industrial vision, the brand is more than just a cleaning product; it's a bond that spans generations. That classic scent, passed down from grandfather to grandson, from master to apprentice, has preserved its spirit throughout its nearly 70-year journey, even as it has changed form.
1957: The Birth of a Legend, the Red Pack Arko Shaving Soap
The story begins in 1957. Until then, the shaving ritual, performed using traditional methods, achieved an industrial standard with Arko Shaving Soap, introduced to the market by Evyap. With its cylindrical form, red packaging, and its unique, clean-smelling scent, this product quickly became a staple in every barbershop and bathroom cabinet in every home in Türkiye.
That soap became so popular that the expression "to smell like Arko" became a popular phrase signifying cleanliness and good grooming. In 1960, the brand expanded its product range with Shaving Cream, which accelerated the lathering process.
From Foam to Gel: Adapting to Accelerating Times
As Turkey modernized and urban life accelerated, Arko kept pace. While the pleasure of lathering with a brush and soap gave way to speed, the first Shaving Foam appeared on the shelves in 1992, followed by the Shaving Gel in 2001.
The brand focuses not only on the shaving process but also on the aftermath. Launched in 1995, the After Shave Cologne and in 2004, the After Shave Lotion became classics, blending that famous burning sensation with a refreshing feeling. In 2007, Arko Men also entered the cutting tools market, beginning the production of razor blades and taking ownership of the male grooming ritual from A to Z.
Rebirth in 2025: Confront Your Best Self
Arko Men has initiated a "Rebirth" process in 2025, blending its rich history with a modern vision. Completely redesigning its logo and packaging, the brand has changed not only its appearance but also the way it addresses the male audience.
The brand's new manifesto defines shaving not just as an act of shaving, but as a stance towards life:
“"Don't ask 'Who am I?', ask 'Who do I want to be?'. And find the strength you need, because you can face anything."”
Arko Men, a company that originated in Erzurum and grew with domestic capital from Evyap, is a market leader in many countries from Russia to the Middle East; it continues to be a Turkish brand by combining the sincerity of that first soap in 1957 with the technology of 2025.
