Clothing in the Ottoman Period: Symbol of Splendor and Elegance
The clothing of the Ottoman period had a rich and unique diversity that reflected the social structure, cultural values and aesthetic understanding of the society. In this period, clothing was an important element of identity, revealing the wearer’s social status, profession, religious beliefs and even region. The Empire’s vast territorial expansion and the coexistence of different ethnic groups brought together a wide variety of styles in Ottoman clothing culture. In particular, the commercial and cultural exchanges brought about by the Silk Road brought together the weaving, patterns and colors of East and West in Ottoman clothing. Expensive and flamboyant materials such as silk, velvet, atlas and brocade were used as fabrics, while the clothes often featured gold and silver embroidery and details embellished with precious stones.
In the Ottoman Empire, an important part of clothing was determined according to social class. Sultans, princes and members of the dynasty living in the palace wore flamboyant and elaborately embroidered clothes. Caftans specially woven for sultans reflected the fashion of the period with their bright colors and buttons embroidered with precious stones. Caftans were elegant garments that widened especially at the waist and opened downwards, often reaching to the floor. Women, on the other hand, wore clothes such as entari, shalwar and ferace, and adorned these clothes with embroidered sashes and precious jewelry. Ottoman women also wore crown-like headdresses called “kavuk” or “cone” and finely embroidered shawls. Outside the palace, although the clothes were simpler and more functional, great attention was paid to clothing in all classes of the Ottoman Empire.
Among the other factors affecting the fashion sense of the period, Islamic dress codes also had an important place. Women usually wore a long and loose garment called “ferace” when going out and covered their heads with veils such as “yemeni” or “tulbent”. Men, on the other hand, wore a turban or a fez and long “jacket” and “shalwar”. Colors also had a great significance during the Ottoman period. For example, distinctive colors such as yellow and red were reserved for courtiers and forbidden to be worn by the general public. These strict rules on clothing reflected the majestic structure and hierarchical order of the Ottoman Empire on the outward appearance. Today, Ottoman clothing remains a rich part of Turkish culture with its fashion-inspiring embroidery, colors and unique patterns.