Tuncer was the founder of a cologne brand that emerged during the early years of the Republic of Türkiye and stood out as one of the local production initiatives. The business he established under his own name in 1933 became one of the prominent domestic companies in the field of personal care and cosmetics.

Early Life and Migration

Eyüp Sabri Tuncer was born in 1898 in Banja Luka, a city located within the borders of the Ottoman Empire at the time, in present-day Bosnia and Herzegovina. In 1908, he migrated with his family to Istanbul and later to İnegöl. Following the death of his father, Süleyman Ağa, he assumed the responsibility of supporting his family at a young age. He gained his first commercial experience by apprenticing in the textile trade.

Education and Professional Formation

There is limited information about Tuncer’s formal education. However, his early entry into business life indicates that he developed his skills and knowledge through hands-on experience rather than formal schooling. It is known that he acquired competencies in areas such as trade ethics, customer relations, and supply chain management through working in textile shops.

Military Service and Contribution to the War of Independence

In 1919, Tuncer joined the military to support the National Struggle in Anatolia. He served as a soldier during the Turkish War of Independence and was later awarded the Medal of Independence. This experience had a profound influence on his sense of citizenship and work ethic in the years that followed.

Return to Business and Relocation to Ankara

In 1923, Tuncer moved from İnegöl to Ankara and began commercial activities in the newly declared capital. The store he opened on Anafartalar Street stood out as a modern retail space, reflecting the “department store” concept of the period. Initially focusing on haberdashery products, he eventually transitioned into the cosmetics field.

_{Eyüp Sabri Tuncer's First Store (Official Website of Eyüp Sabri Tuncer)}

Cologne Production and Brand Foundation

During a visit to Istanbul, Eyüp Sabri Tuncer was introduced to cologne production and decided to pursue it. In 1933, he produced his first colognes based on his own formulations and quickly gained recognition in Ankara. He institutionalized his cologne production and established a brand. In line with the marketing strategies of the time, he implemented methods such as printed catalogs, sample distribution, and public demonstrations.

Brand Development and Product Range

The Eyüp Sabri Tuncer brand expanded its product line starting with lemon cologne, followed by lavender, floral, musk, and oriental scents. Over time, the brand's portfolio grew to include personal care products such as shampoos, soaps, and lotions. This diversification helped the brand become a local alternative not only in cologne but across the broader cosmetics sector.

Family Legacy and Institutionalization

Following Eyüp Sabri Tuncer’s death in 1980, management of the brand passed first to his son Sabahattin Tuncer and then to his grandson Engin Tuncer. Over time, the brand evolved from a family business into a corporate structure, becoming one of Turkey’s leading cosmetics companies. Today, its production processes are carried out in accordance with principles of environmental awareness and sustainability.

Cultural Reflections and Social Perception

In Türkiye, cologne has come to symbolize not only hygiene but also hospitality, elegance, and social solidarity. The Eyüp Sabri Tuncer brand has played a significant role in embodying this symbolism. Its presence in holidays, condolence visits, and traditional offerings in public institutions has reinforced the brand’s social impact.