A Fashion History of Ottoman Empire

                                                                                                       

Given the Ottoman Empire's zeal for cultural development and growth during its heyday, it's no surprise that certain aspects of its history continue to inspire Turkish artists, chefs, and designers to this day. For a small glimpse of those imperious days, we look at the history of Ottoman clothing, from the sultan's garments to the clothing worn by women of the court. The Ottoman Empire reached a pinnacle of economic and political power in the 16th century. As a result, the textile industry experienced a boom, with weaving techniques and fabric quality reaching new heights. Of course, the sultans would wear nothing less than luxurious kaftans made of the most expensive fabrics and threaded with gold or silver. In order to meet the high demand, special workshops designed court apparel and furnishings, sometimes even placing orders with other workshops in Istanbul and Bursa.

Fabrics used to make the stunning sultan kaftans (worn with alvar, loose trousers) included brocade, velvet, satin and silk lampas, taffeta, mohair, and cashmere. International influence was also important, with cloths ordered from renowned Italian weaving centers in Venice, Genoa, and Florence, as well as diplomatic gifts from textile-rich countries like Iran, India, and China. The Chintamani motif, which was composed of a wavy line with three circles, was one of the most famous designs from this era. Other common motifs included flowers, branches with leaves, the sun, moon, stars, and the endless knot.

For women of the sultan's family, a kabast (a diadem with a stone in the center) was worn on the head to indicate their rank. Women's head ornaments evolved in the 17th century, becoming more ostentatious, with carefully selected set jewels. A fez with a thin white scarf covering the entire head and shoulders was also worn in the 16th century. Women in the court wore an i entari inner robe with an elaborate belt called the cevberi. These belts became quite decorative, with jeweled daggers or embroidered key purses attached.

Significant changes in clothing began to occur during the reign of Ahmed III (1703-1730), as Western influence took hold. The ferace (a plain outdoors overcoat) became more colorful and embellished with gilded trimmings and ribbons as women began to enter the recreational public sphere. Women wore headgear with crests and a thin white veil, and carried silk parasols with jeweled hand grips. During the reign of Sultan Mahmud II in the 17th century, there was a movement toward Westernization in dress, and Ottoman sultans began to dress like Western commanders in darkly colored. By the 1850s, women's interest in European goods had grown, and orders were placed, resulting in the import of fashion that drastically altered Ottoman fashion. 

Until now Turkey Fahsion is still a trend and is famous for its good quality and unique design. If you want to buy fashion products made in Turkey, you can visit the Turkey Items Store, they ship worldwide so even if you are in a very far country from Turkey, you can still have it.