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Abstract
In Ottoman society, which maintained its tradition of clothing without change for a long time, the transformation of its dressing styles occurred via a long and protracted process. Westernization in Ottoman society started in the 17th and 18th Centuries, accompanied by attempts at modernizing and/or westernizing of fabrics, patterns, and colors. Along with the decrees of the administrative reforms, a process of westernization was put into motion. Changes in military costumes were undertaken and these then had an impact on civil costumes and clothing. Westernization in women's attire underwent a slower process compared to that of men. Starting from the 17th Century till the formation of the Republic, women performed a silent but a decisive struggle relating to their concept of clothing. Westernization in a real sense for Turkish women came into practice in the era of the Republic of Turkey, founded by Kemal Ataturk. This study aims to discuss the process of westernization and the corresponding modifications that occurred in clothing in historical perspective.
Keywords
Fashion; Culture; Ottoman; Women's Garments; Modernization; Westernization
Introduction
Even if the bear pelt that the primitive humans used as a garment is not included in fashion history, it can be regarded as a pioneer among garments. Human beings have always attached importance to dress and finery; they have embroidered their garments in different styles and used their artistic creativity in many ways. Styles of dress and finery underwent little change among the Turks who were strictly devoted to their traditions and passed them on to succeeding generations. The dressing style of the Turks, which consisted of shalvar, slip, top and caftan, while living in Middle Asia was transferred to Anatolia by the Seljuks and Ottomans who originally pursued this style. The ternary, consisting of shalvar (baggy trousers worn by women and men), entari (long garment with wide arms worn over other clothes by women and men) robe and top caftan (cloak) used by Ottomans in the classic period, were used during the time (Tezcan, 1997). The clothes used in the Ottoman period varied from region to region and different styles reflected people's status, place and time. In this way, a tradition of rich and colourful clothes continued with some variation. In every part of the country,...