Turkish Embroidery

The art of embroidery belongs to an ancient tradition with roots extending from the history to the present day has traditionally occupied an important place in Turkish life. Needlework found a particularly wide range of applications, among the Ottoman Turks, especially in the court and its circle which produced embroidery of such high quality that it has all the characteristics of fine art. This is true even of terms used in the daily life of the palace, such as men's and women's garments for example robes, kaftans, underclothing, a variety of decorated headscarves, numerous kinds of headgear, such as head bangs called “kaştıbastı” and, also waist bands, belts, and handkerchiefs. The most striking examples of Turkish embroidery however, are those that were used in the furnishings of the palaces-divan and cushion covers, floor coverings known as “nihale” wall and door curtains. Embroidery however was not an art limited to the palace. On the contrary, because textiles of all kinds were so closely connected with the Turkish way of life, embroidery was produced and used at every level of society, from the rich to the poor. Whether made for a sultan or a peasant, it added color and beauty to everything from military campaign tents to the most delicate hand towel.