50 years of color-coordinated outfits makes Turkish man the talk of the town

By Behcet Alkan and Seda Sevencan

NEVSEHIR / ISTANBUL, Türkiye (AA) – For 50 years, he has been turning heads in central Türkiye with his striking, color-coordinated outfits.

Known as the “colorful mustache man,” Nureddin Ortacal, 63, carefully matches his shirts, pants, belts, and shoes, creating a signature look that locals in the city of Nevsehir instantly recognize.

Born in the city’s Hacibektas district, Ortacal’s passion for vibrant clothing began when he was just a teenager, after a red shirt-and-pants combo he wore drew admiration.

Since then, he has never abandoned his love for bold, coordinated clothing in shades of red, yellow, white, turquoise, and blue.

Ortacal often commissions his tailor to make single-color outfits, and even has his shoes and belts custom-made.

“Since I was 13, I’ve worn colorful clothes. It’s just a passion,” Ortacal told Anadolu. “Even if someone gives me jeans and a T-shirt, I can’t wear them. It has to be colorful.”

Ortacal said that his vibrant wardrobe gives him a unique sense of confidence and happiness, and he has no intention of changing his style.

He said the attention he gets from family, friends, and strangers motivates him, and sometimes people even ask to take photos with him while he’s out for a walk.

“I’ve been dressing like this for 50 years,” Ortacal said. “Wearing colorful clothes makes me happier. When I enter a room, people notice me. When I feel their gaze, I stroke my mustache—it’s priceless. My mustache used to be one-and-a-half meters long, but I cut it in 1992 when I started working in road construction.”

“Even when I worked in construction, I would change into my suits after work. Once I wear them, any weariness disappears,” he added.

Metin Sertbakan, his tailor of 21 years, said Ortacal’s colorful personality has inspired some young customers to request similarly vibrant clothing.

“Uncle Nureddin is one of the most colorful people in Nevsehir,” Sertbakan said.

“Among my customers, his style is unique. We love him, and so does the city.”