In 1917, amidst the shadows of world war and revolution, the fate of a young student who came to Istanbul to study intertwined with the fall of an empire and the rise of a young republic. Paul Zazadze's journey from Georgia to Tahtakale resulted in the establishment of Türkiye's first, and the world's third, razor blade factory. This is the story of Zaza, which began in a student's suitcase and transformed into a century-old brand.
Some brands are born from strategic plans, while others are born from the inevitable directions of history. The story of Zaza, one of Türkiye's oldest brands, is precisely an example of success born from such a necessity. Having maintained its presence in the traditional shaving world for over 100 years, Zaza is not just a sharp blade, but also a living testament to perseverance and Istanbul's commercial culture.
1917: A Ticket of No Return
The story begins with Paul Zazadze's arrival in Istanbul from his homeland of Georgia in 1917 to pursue his education. Young Paul's plan was to complete his studies and return to his country. However, history had a different scenario in store for him. The Bolshevik Revolution in Russia closed the borders and completely changed the political climate.
Unable to return to his country and stranded in Istanbul, Paul Zazadze now has only one option: to survive in this city. Going to Tahtakale, the heart of commerce at the time, Zazadze starts his business life alongside his fellow Georgians. Diplomas are replaced by business ledgers, and school desks by the Baltacı Han.
The world's third largest and Türkiye's first razor blade manufacturer.
Showcasing his business acumen in his small shop in Tahtakale, Paul Zazadze began importing luxury and then-necessary items from Germany, such as razor blades, straight razors, gas stoves, and pocket knives. However, the young Republic's vision of domestic production also influenced Zazadze.
Not content with merely buying and selling, Paul Zazadze took a historic step in the 1930s. At a time when industrialization was still in its infancy in Türkiye, he established the country's first razor blade factory. This facility was so pioneering on a global scale that it is recorded as "the world's third razor blade factory." From then on, Turkish men began shaving with locally produced Zaza blades, instead of German-made ones.
Zaza Khan, who rose from the ashes.
As the brand took root, the location bore witness to this history. Paul Zazadze purchased the historic Baltacı Han in Tahtakale, where he began his business career. However, the building was in a dilapidated state and had suffered a fire. Zazadze had this historic structure restored to its original condition, bringing it back to its pre-fire state, and renamed it "Zaza Han." Today, this inn, one of the iconic buildings of Tahtakale, is a symbol of the brand's respect for its past.
A Tradition That Has Lasted for Three Generations
The legacy established by Paul Zazadze remains in the family's hands today. Zaza Group, with its range of products from razors to personal care items, is managed by the third generation of the Zazadze family.
This story, which began out of necessity a century ago, continues today as one of Türkiye's oldest surviving brands, maintaining its place in the "Centennial Brands" league. Zaza continues its journey by bringing traditional shaving culture to the modern world.
