The Art of Turkish traditional dress

The photo from civilisable website: https://civilisable.com/traditional-turkish-clothing/

Turkey is a country known for its rich history, where the influences of both Eastern and Western cultures come together. This blend of traditions is beautifully reflected in Turkey’s traditional clothing. Traditional Turkish dress varies depending on the region and occasion, and it’s filled with bright colors, intricate patterns, and meaningful details. These outfits aren’t just for decoration—they often symbolize the wearer’s age, status, and even region. Let’s dive into some of the most famous traditional clothes in Turkey and learn what makes them so unique.

The Entari:

The photo from sothebys website: https://www.sothebys.com/en/auctions/ecatalogue/2014/arts-islamic-world-l14223/lot.152.html

The entari is considered one of the most luxurious traditional Turkish clothes, and was worn by the women of the ruling family of the Ottoman Empire, and is still worn by women in Turkey. The entari is a very elegant dress full of needlework, made of the finest types of silk or cotton, and is characterized by being a long, loose dress with long sleeves., and is paired with a beautiful belt. The entari worn by women at cultural events or festivals to express pride.

The Şalvar

The photo from stylish Aristocrat: https://stylisharistocrat.tumblr.com/post/625819331471818752/turkish-salvar-and-cepkin-late-19th-to-early-20th

Şalvar is the other important part of Turkish traditional dress. Şalvar are loose-fitting trousers that are wide at the waist and narrow at the ankles, making them both comfortable and practical. These pants have been worn by men and women in Turkey for centuries, especially in rural areas.

The Şalvar is often paired with a short tunic or shirt and sometimes a waistcoat or jacket. They are made from cotton, wool, or silk, depending on the weather and the occasion. You might see women wearing brightly patterned Şalvar with bold floral or geometric designs, while men usually stick to darker, solid colors. Although not as commonly worn today, they are still part of traditional costumes in Turkish villages.

The Fes

The photo from ETSY website: https://www.etsy.com/listing/1095783585/turkish-ottoman-fes-pasha-fez-egyptian

No traditional Turkish outfit would be complete without the Fes, a small, round hat that has become one of the most recognizable symbols of Turkish culture. The Fes is typically red and shaped like a flat cylinder, often with a black tassel hanging from the top. Historically, it was worn by men as a part of their daily attire, but in the early 20th century, it was banned in an attempt to move toward more Western clothing.

Yemeni (Traditional Footwear)

The photo from anatolianleather website: https://anatolianleather.com/urun/turkish-genuine-leather-handmade-women-yemeni-shoes-natural-green

The Yemeni is a type of traditional shoe made from leather, often handmade by local craftsmen. These shoes are simple yet durable, and they’ve been worn by people in Turkey for hundreds of years. The Yemeni is lightweight and perfect for walking long distances, making it popular in rural areas. Today, Yemeni shoes are still made in some parts of Turkey, and they’ve even become a fashionable item, with modern versions being sold as stylish, comfortable footwear.

Turkey’s traditional dress is a reflection of its diverse history and the blending of cultures that have shaped the country over time. Through festivals and special events, these outfits continue to be celebrated, reminding people of the beauty and craftsmanship of Turkish culture.

Prepared By: Shayma Mohammed