Each country is proud of its history and traditions, including national cuisine, clothing, rituals, etc. Turkey is one of the most ancient states, on the territory of which different nationalities lived, preserving their customs and peculiar attire. Therefore, it is not surprising that the Turkish national costume has undergone changes for a long time. This was influenced by the rich history of the development of the empire and, of course, the cultural heritage of its inhabitants.
Historical sketch
Starting from the 16th century, the Ottoman Empire was in its heyday, and from that time on, clothes gradually began to be perceived by society as an indicator of status. The appearance of any person could determine the financial condition, marital status and religious views. Even the place of work or service was easily recognizable by the side. By the way, almost until the beginning of the 20th century, the Turkish national costume retained its original appearance.
Features of women's dresses
For example, the first wife of the Sultan had the legal right to wear only the best and most expensive attire: dresses made of silk with an impressive neckline, long cuts and a magnificent belt with inserts made of precious stones.
Muslim women wore loose-fitting outerwear called feraja, cotton shirts, and loose pants. The most important element was the veil that completely covers the head (except the eyes) and shoulders. However, according to some researchers, only young ladies from a wealthy class had to cover their faces, while slaves and poor girls were not obliged to do this.
A hat or fez was put on his head, and later a hotoz and a veil came into fashion. The clothes were sewn mainly from silk and velvet, and with regard to colors, green and blue shades were preferred.
For non-Muslims (Armenians, Hungarians, Greek women), a fastanella skirt, loose-fitting blue trousers and a scarf on her head were allowed in the wardrobe.
Men's clothing
Men, regardless of status and class, wore wide pants, a shirt, a caftan, a camisole or a jacket. Also added top caftan and sash. Pants (or "dzagshin") were put on a naked body and girdled. Later there appeared their shortened version to the knees worn by the Turkish military. A shirt with a long sleeve, which was usually made of silk or cotton, was always worn over the trousers. The caftans were also long, their hem was sometimes tucked and fastened to the belt. As for the Janissaries - the military - they preferred sleeveless caftans so as not to hamper movement.
After the 16th century, instead of a caftan, a camisole, decorated with embroidery and buttons, and a jacket began to be worn. All this was belted with a sash, and warriors with a special belt made of leather and metal.
Major changes
The Turkish national costume markedly changed at the beginning of the 18th century. The reason for this was the cultural and commercial exchange with the countries of Western Europe. For the manufacture of ferajs now use fabrics of lighter colors and lower density. The veil also changes - there is no need to fit the face, it can freely hang down to shoulder level.
Home vestments are becoming more relaxed, transparent fabrics and fabrics with floral patterns, fitted styles come into fashion. At the end of the 18th century, a new thing appeared in the women's wardrobe - a shawl that was tied to the hips.
The 19th century does not bring significant changes to outfits. Only the veil is now sewn from a transparent fabric through which jewelry is visible. Also in home attire there are corsets and lace collars.
Reforms in clothes
Since the Ottoman Empire has always been a Muslim power, women were dressed according to Sharia law. In other words, women were obliged to observe modesty and restraint in dresses and to hide their body from the eyes of strangers. For this, the feraja was invented - outerwear (cape) covering the dress that was worn when leaving the street. A veil covered her face, and a headdress called a turban was put on her head.
Everything changed after the 1925 reform. It was then that Turkish women were allowed to wear absolutely any outfit that, in their opinion, was considered fashionable. This right is still enshrined in the Constitution of the country.
Distinctive elements of Turkish clothing
The Turkish national costume (female and male versions) necessarily includes harem pants - loose trousers that are made of thin material, drape and adorn with complex patterns. Their difference is that they are quite wide along the entire length and taper only at the level of the ankles.
Another indispensable element of a traditional outfit is a long loose-fitting shirt. Representatives of the stronger sex, as a rule, tuck a shirt in their pants, and women, on the contrary, wear over a harem pants. In addition to the shirt, the ladies also wear a dress that looks like a bright caftan. These dresses can be made both with long sleeves and with short ones. This outfit “fastens” a special belt - a sash.
What fabrics were the Turkish national costume made of? The male outfit was mostly sewn from muslin, velvet, fur, taffeta, and the female outfit was silk, brocade, etc.
Modern national clothes
Interestingly, each region of Turkey has its own traditions regarding clothing. For example, in some villages exclusively merchants and wealthy merchants lived who could afford clothes made from expensive fabrics. And in other villages - poor peasants who do not have extra money.
However, now, despite constant changes, Turkish national costumes, photos of which can be found in our article, have retained their general original appearance. The first thing that catches your eye is the bright colors: blue, bright blue, green, raspberry, yellow, orange, etc. Men's clothing is performed in darker colors, including brown, dark gray, blue, black. Shirts are required in white. As for the belts, on them you can see multi-colored stripes, laces of a lilac or yellow hue.
Turkish clothes are mostly loose-cut, but the figure can be emphasized. Outer clothing of a woman is often decorated with embroidery of silver or gold threads. It can be national or floral ornaments.
It is noteworthy that modern designers borrowed some elements of the Turkish wardrobe to create their collections in oriental style. So, harem pants, elongated tunics, and beautiful shawls are firmly in fashion.
Shoes and accessories
It is worth noting that the Turkish national costume for a girl (or woman) necessarily includes a multi-layer scarf. Sometimes young ladies put on several shawls at once in order to cover their heads, neck and shoulders from prying eyes. In addition to scarves, you can see hats with an additional front part - a veil that covers the face.
To decorate clothes and demonstrate status in society, the outfit is decorated with precious or semi-precious stones, various jewelry. An interesting element of clothing is socks high enough to cover your legs. They often have manual embroidery.
Men's hats are fez or turban. A military suit for men can be recognized by shortened harem pants. Shoes must be leather.
Costumes for children
Children's national clothes in their composition are not too different from adults. So, the Turkish national costume for the boy includes harem pants, a shirt, a belt and a vest. Girls, like adult ladies, put on loose pants, a shirt (or, as they call it now, a tunic), an overcoat, and a hat. Decor is sometimes sewn onto a hat for beauty, for example, small coins. Usually, children's costumes do not have expensive embroideries and rare fabrics, that is, materials are used a little easier. As a rule, outfits for babies are made of fabrics of bright colors with colorful ornaments.