Turkish folk dress

Within the folk style of clothing are many variations and references that may be based on region, gender, ethnicity, the class of the wearer, culture and to a less extent religion.

[1] Traditional folk clothing throughout Turkey today is heavily influenced by Ottoman fashion and based on the developments that occurred during and after the Empire’s reign.

Although the notable Fez was also used by non-Muslim communities within the empire without religious intend, it was one of the earliest to fall out of fashion in these regions following the collapse with the sarık, including Turkey, after the official ban of the headwear in 1925.

The traditional fashion of the Black Sea region is bold and proud-spirited, seen in its deep colors, vibrant and vivid patterns usually referencing the nature of the Pontic Alps, and sportfulness, with an element of patriotism.

Prominent in the geographically European (Thrace) and northwestern parts (Marmara) of the country, with large populations of Balkan migrants throughout history.

After the collapse of the Ottoman reign and the establishment of the Republic of Turkey, the new Kemalist regime which assumed power in 1923, implemented strict policies of modernization, westernization and secularization in all aspects of Turkish society, including clothing styles.