Long Skirt with Matching Jacket
[late 19th and 20th Century – Ottoman]



Over the centuries Turkish costume has been affected by many cultural factors and religious beliefs, and varied widely from region to region.  But in all times and places, the most important costume for women has undoubtedly been the wedding dress.  In Ottoman tradition young girls generally dressed plainly because it was considered improper for them to wear fancy clothing made with fabric of silver or gold thread, sequins or embroidery until they were married.  The wedding dress was therefore the first richly ornamented attire they wore.  Starting in the beginning of the 19th century, the traditional bindalli, made of purple or dark red velvet and richly embroidered in gold or silver thread with floral designs was worn as a wedding dress and for other ceremonial occasions.  From the reign of Abdülhamid II (1876-1909) onwards, the bindalli began to be superseded in cities by long skirts and matching jackets influenced by western fashions, and made of silk fabrics like satin, taffeta and brocade.