Most of Turkish citizens are Muslims, but Turkish society is basically modern, so the European style of dress prevails. If you go on vacation to Turkey, you will notice that people here dress the same as in France, Germany, Italy or the UK. Some women can be seen wearing a burqa (a black covering of the whole body with a black veil on the head). In fact, this outfit is illegal in Turkey (but few people care about the law), and even wearing hijabs in a secular context (universities, government offices, etc.) is controversial.
Stylish dresses for going out
Typically, people who go on vacation to Turkey think that they will see locals dressed in rags there. In addition, many believe that all Turkish women wear a veil. But it is not so. Turkish dresses can also be stylish. Although there is one peculiarity among the inhabitants of Turkey: in summer, both women and men dress almost the same. It can be light shorts with a T-shirt. Although if a lady plans to attend some kind of event, then she will not do without a dress. In Turkish cities, as well as in Sydney, New York or London, most of the locals around you will be dressed in style.
Modest clothing
Of course, Turkish dresses can be modest. Clean modest clothing is valued and often required. In short, with her help, women do not show the hips, shoulders or the top of the shoulders. These are wide trousers or a knee-length dress / skirt, a blouse or top with sleeves up to the middle of the elbow. There is a headscarf so that women can cover their hair. In the cool season, they wear a light hoodie. It's a great idea to just put it on your head when you enter a mosque, so Turkish women don't have to fumble with a headscarf when it's cold outside.
But that doesn't mean you can't wear casual clothes in Turkey. The shops here sell both shorts and sleeveless jackets, and even revealing clothes for women and men. Shoes don't matter. But in Turkey they are accustomed to wearing something comfortable so that it can be easily removed at the entrance to the mosque. Therefore, almost all the inhabitants of the country walk in moccasins. In the most visited mosques, attendants can provide all clothing covers (free of charge) if the person's dressing style is inappropriate for the establishment.
Beachwear
In seaside resort towns, you can dress as you please. However, it must be taken into account that nudity is illegal, but some tourists sunbathe topless on the beaches of Turkey. Although if the police find out about this, you will have to pay a fine. Interestingly, Muslim women have their own special beach outfit. It is somewhat reminiscent of a diving suit.
Going to a restaurant
If a woman decides to go to a restaurant, then she needs to buydiscreet Turkish dresses, photos of which can be seen a little lower. This outfit looks more formal than in the US or Australia. In no case is it allowed to visit restaurants in shorts and T-shirts. The same applies to canteens. That is, it is necessary to eat in beautiful clothes. In the evening, it is preferable to wear Turkish fashionable dresses, a skirt or a top. Men do not have to tie a tie (but you can do this if you wish). A jacket is also optional. If a man comes to a restaurant in a jacket, then it can be removed at any time and asked the waiter to take it to the hall.
Country clothes
In rural areas away from the tourist spots, the Turks will receive you in normal clothes. But you are unlikely to be able to see stylish Turkish styles of dresses on women here. Most likely, it will be a completely closed outfit. If a foreign woman wants to become a part of traditional Turkish life, then she will wear trousers. You can also buy traditional Turkish trousers, a top with sleeves (at least to the elbows). You should not go out into public places without a hat. Although usually visitors go directly to tourist bases, they are not particularly interested in the countryside.
Traditional women's costume
Turkish national dresses have several variations: jalabiya, abaya and hijab. Now not everyone wears them. Basically, such an outfit is a necessary attribute for Muslim women living in remote areas.areas.
Jalabia is a dress or shirt up to the heels. Also, such Turkish dresses, the photo of which is given below, have long sleeves, since women are forbidden to even show their hands. There are simple (homemade) jalabiyas and festive ones, the surface of which is decorated with embroidery.
Abaya is mostly black. Since battles in Arab countries usually took place at night, women wearing black Turkish dresses could run away unnoticed. The abaya is meant to be worn in public places, while the jalabiya is a home outfit. Usually worn with a headscarf.
Hijab is a costume that reveals a woman's face. This is a long loose dress with which you can disguise the figure. It is very convenient to breastfeed in this outfit, as it is practically invisible. It is also difficult to distinguish a pregnant woman, although in this position she is rarely allowed to leave the walls of the house. Women used to wear veils to feel protected. She is now rarely seen.
Thus, in Turkey, people dress differently in different areas. But do not assume that there are no stylish clothes. On the contrary, visitors often note that Turks are practically no different from tourists.
