Each country is proud of its history and traditions, including national cuisine, clothes, rituals, etc. One of the most ancient states is Turkey, on the territory of which different nationalities lived, preserving their customs and original 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
Beginning in the 16th century, the Ottoman Empire experienced a period of prosperity, and from that time on, clothing gradually began to be perceived by society as an indicator of status. By the appearance of any person, it was possible to determine the financial condition, marital status and religious views. Even the place of work or service was easy to recognize by the outfit. By the way, almost until the beginning of the 20th century, the Turkish national costume retained its original appearance.
Features of womenoutfits
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 slits and a magnificent belt with inlays of precious stones.
Muslim women wore loose-fitting outerwear called "feraja", cotton shirts and loose trousers. The most important element was the veil, which completely covered the head (except for the eyes) and shoulders. However, according to some researchers, only young ladies from the we althy class should have covered their faces, while slaves and poor girls were not required to do this.
A hat or fez was put on the head, and later hotoz and veil came into fashion. Clothes were sewn mainly from silk and velvet, and as for colors, green and blue shades were preferred.
For non-Muslim women (Armenian, Hungarian, Greek women), a fustanella skirt, loose-fitting blue pants and a headscarf were allowed in the wardrobe.
Men's clothing
Men, regardless of status and class, wore wide trousers, a shirt, a caftan, a camisole or a jacket. An upper caftan and a sash were also added. Trousers (or "zagshin") were worn on the naked body and girdled. Later, their shortened version appeared to the knees, which was worn by the Turkish military. A long-sleeved shirt, usually made of silk or cotton fabric, was worn over the trousers. The caftans were also long, their hem was sometimes tucked up and fastened tobelt. As for the Janissaries - the military - they preferred sleeveless caftans so as not to hinder movement.
After the 16th century, instead of a caftan, they began to wear a camisole, decorated with embroidery and buttons, and a jacket. All this was girded with a sash, and the soldiers with a special belt made of leather and metal.
Major changes
The Turkish national costume changed noticeably at the beginning of the 18th century. The reason for this was the cultural and trade exchange with the countries of Western Europe. For the manufacture of feraji, fabrics of lighter colors and lower density are now used. The veil also changes - there is no need to fit the face, it can hang freely to shoulder level.
Home attire is becoming more relaxed, transparent fabrics and fabrics with floral patterns, fitted styles are in fashion. At the end of the 18th century, a new thing appeared in the women's wardrobe - a shawl that was tied around the hips.
The 19th century does not bring significant changes in outfits. Only the veil is now sewn from a transparent fabric through which jewelry is visible. Also in the home outfit there are corsets and lace collars.
Reforms in clothing
Since the Ottoman Empire has always been a Muslim power, the fairer sex dressed according to Sharia law. In other words, women were required to observe modesty and restraint in outfits and hide their bodies from the eyes of strangers. For this, the feradzha was invented - outerwear (cape), covering the dress, which was worn when going out into the street. The face was covered with a veil, and a headdress called a turban was put on the 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
Turkish national costume (women's and men's versions) necessarily includes harem pants - loose trousers made of thin material, draped and decorated with complex patterns. Their difference is that they are quite wide along the entire length and narrow only at the level of the ankles.
Another obligatory element of the traditional attire is a loose-fitting long shirt. Representatives of the stronger sex, as a rule, tuck their shirt into their pants, while women, on the contrary, wear bloomers over them. In addition to the shirt, ladies also wear a dress that looks like a bright caftan. These dresses can be made with both long sleeves and short sleeves. This outfit "fixes" a special belt - a sash.
From what fabrics was the Turkish national costume made? Men's attire was mostly sewn from muslin, velvet, fur, taffeta, and women's - silk, brocade, etc.
Modern national clothes
It is interesting that each region of Turkey has its own traditions regarding attire. For example, in some villages only merchants and we althy merchants lived, who could afford clothes made from expensive fabrics. And in otherssettlements - 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 overall original appearance. The first thing that catches your eye is bright colors: blue, bright blue, green, crimson, yellow, orange, etc. Men's clothing is made in darker colors, including brown, dark gray, blue, black. Shirts must be white. As for the belts, you can see multi-colored stripes, lilac or yellow laces on them.
Turkish clothes are mostly free cut, but the figure can be emphasized. A woman's outerwear is often adorned with embroidery of silver or gold threads. It can be national or floral ornaments.
It is noteworthy that modern designers have borrowed some elements of the Turkish wardrobe to create their collections in oriental style. So, harem pants, elongated tunics, beautiful shawls are firmly in vogue.
Shoes and accessories
It is worth noting that the Turkish national costume for a girl (or woman) necessarily includes a multilayer scarf. Sometimes young ladies put on several scarves at once to cover their head, 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 are socks that are high enough to cover the legs. They often feature hand embroidery.
Men's headwear is a fez or turban. A military suit for men can be recognized by cropped bloomers. Shoes must be leather.
Costumes for kids
Children's national clothes do not differ too much from adults in their composition. So, the Turkish national costume for a boy includes bloomers, a shirt, a belt and a vest. Girls, like adult young 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, there are no expensive embroideries and rare fabrics on a children's costume, that is, the materials are used a little easier. As a rule, outfits for babies are made of fabrics of bright colors with colorful ornaments.
