Traditional Costume from Urfa (Şanlıurfa) Region

The traditional costumes in the photo belong to the Urfa (Şanlıurfa) region and are typically worn during folk dances known as “Urfa bar” or local cultural performances. These outfits carry both aesthetic and cultural significance.

Male Costume Features:

• Şalvar (Traditional Trousers): Wide-cut, dark-colored pants (usually brown, navy, or black).

• Shirt: A light-colored inner shirt, often striped or plain.

• Vest or Jacket: Worn over the shirt, often decorated with traditional embroidery.

• Scarf and Sash: Colorful sashes around the waist and scarves on the shoulder or neck.

• Tassels: Colorful tassels hanging from the shoulders add decorative detail.

• Red Yemeni Shoes: Handmade red leather shoes (called “yemeni”) specific to the region.

Female Costume Features:

• Bindallı or Three-Skirt Dress: Traditional dresses made of richly embroidered velvet or satin fabric.

• Headscarf: Colorful scarves or embroidered covers for the head.

• Waistband: Decorative sashes or belts around the waist.

• Jewelry: Traditional Urfa-style jewelry (beaded necklaces, bracelets) completes the outfit.

These costumes reflect the historical and cultural richness of Urfa and are proudly worn during weddings, festivals, and cultural events. They also play an important role in representing Turkish heritage in international projects like eTwinning.

Here, our students wore and presented these traditional outfits as part of our project.

Students gained valuable insights into traditional Turkish costumes thanks to folklor team in Taşköprü.

For Men:

• Cepken (Short Jacket): A decorative, short, sleeveless jacket worn over a shirt.

• Şalvar (Baggy Trousers): Loose-fitting traditional trousers that allow freedom of movement.

• Gömlek (Shirt): A plain or embroidered white shirt.

• Kuşak (Sash): A colorful woven belt tied around the waist.

• Yelek (Vest): Sometimes worn under or instead of the cepken.

• Başlık (Headgear): A turban-like or knitted head covering, often adorned with regional motifs.

• Yemeni (Traditional Shoes): Handmade leather shoes suitable for dance movements.

For Women

• Entari (Long Dress): A traditional long dress, often with colorful embroidery.

• Bindallı (Decorative Robe): A velvet overdress decorated with gold or silver thread, worn on special occasions.

• Şalvar and Blouse: In some regions, women wear a blouse and şalvar combination.

• Headscarf and Jewelry: Women also wear scarves with coin decorations and traditional jewelry.

It has existed since 5th century in Ukraine 🇺🇦. The design depends on the region. 🩵💛

There are 6 main colours: white, black,red,blue, yellow and green.

Elaboration:

• Historical Significance:

  In the past, the hustka was a primary head covering for married women, signifying their status and role within the community. It was a symbol of respect, tradition, and a connection to the past. 

• Symbolism:

  The hustka is more than just a piece of clothing; it's a cultural symbol. It represents femininity, family, and cultural heritage. 

• Traditional Styles:

  Authentic Ukrainian hustkas were often made from natural fabrics like cotton or linen and embroidered with intricate patterns, often with floral or geometric designs, according to a Facebook post.

• Modern Relevance:

  While the hustka is a symbol of tradition, it continues to be worn and celebrated in modern Ukrainian culture, especially during special events and festivals like the Ukrainian Kerchief Day. 

• Global Impact:

  The hustka is a recognizable symbol of Ukrainian identity and culture, gaining appreciation and recognition worldwide. 

General Features:

Sequined and glittery fabrics: Give a flashy appearance.

Long-sleeved and full-length dresses: Suitable for traditional modesty.

Gold or gold-colored belts/decorations: Commonly used.

Bright colors: Such as red, black, gold, green, etc.

Sports shoes: Often preferred for comfort during folk dance performances.

For women: Bindallı, shalwar, embroidered shirt, headscarf, handcrafted jewelry.

For men: Shalwar, vest, sash, headgear such as a pouch or fez.

These clothes are usually brightly colored and decorated with handcrafted details.

Erzurum’un geleneksel kıyafetleri, soğuk iklimin etkisiyle genellikle kalın kumaşlardan yapılır. Erkekler şalvar, cepken ve keçe külah giyerken; kadınlar işlemeli entariler, bindallılar ve renkli başörtüleri kullanır. Bu kıyafetler, hem şehrin kültürel mirasını hem de estetik anlayışını yansıtır.

Erzincan is one of the cities in the east that carries a rich cultural heritage. This richness is also reflected in its traditional clothing. The traditional attire of Erzincan is adorned with details that reflect the region's history, culture, and nature. The traditional clothing worn by women is usually in bright and vibrant colors. The silk and cotton fabrics used in these clothes adapt to the region's climate. Wedding dresses and bridal attire are particularly embellished with embroidery and beads, making them eye-catching. Headscarves are usually embroidered and colorful, while jewelry is an indispensable part of the outfit.

Men's clothing, on the other hand, is simpler and more functional. Wide-legged trousers and long shirts are generally preferred. These garments are designed with comfortable cuts to enhance mobility. Vests and jackets worn over shirts add elegance to the attire. The fezzes or hats worn on their heads are elements that complete men's clothing. Additionally, the patterns and motifs used in Erzincan's clothing carry the region's traditional stories and symbols. These clothes are not just garments but also a part of Erzincan's cultural identity.

Sivas, located in the heart of Anatolia, is a city known for its rich cultural heritage. This richness is clearly reflected in its folk dances, particularly the halay, which holds a significant place in both rural and urban life in Sivas. One of the essential elements of the halay tradition is the costumes worn during these dances.

Ottoman Era and Traditional Clothing

The origins of Sivas halay costumes date back to the late Ottoman period. During this time, people dressed according to their region’s geography and economic conditions. However, on special occasions—such as weddings, festivals, and military send-offs—they wore more elaborate and decorative outfits. These garments eventually evolved into a distinct element of folklore and cultural expression.

Women’s Costumes

Women typically wore the following:

• Three-piece dresses or long gowns (entari): Colorful, embroidered long dresses.

• Vests (cepken): Often adorned with metallic thread embroidery and sometimes with gold or silver detailing.

• Shalwar (loose trousers): Patterned and wide-cut, allowing for easy movement.

• Headscarves or fezzes: Colorful scarves or cloths tied over fezzes, decorated with beads and sequins.

• Sashes: Colorful fabric belts tied tightly around the waist.

• Jewelry: Silver belts, beaded necklaces, earrings, and amulets.

Men’s Costumes

Men’s traditional attire included:

• Shirts and vests: Shirts often worn under embroidered or plain vests.

• Zıvga (baggy trousers): Dark-colored, loose-fitting pants.

• Sashes or scarves (poşu): Woven or embroidered fabrics wrapped around the waist.

• Outerwear (kepenek or jackets): Woolen coats worn in colder weather.

• Headgear: Caps, scarves, or felt hats.

• Charık: Traditional leather shoes.

Post-Republican Era

After the establishment of the Turkish Republic in the 1920s, modernization began to influence traditional clothing. Nevertheless, these traditional halay costumes continued to be worn during village celebrations and folk dance performances. From the 1970s onwards, with the founding of folk culture associations, the costumes became more standardized and preserved.

Today

Today, Sivas halay costumes are carefully preserved by folk dance groups and are often recreated for performances with an emphasis on authenticity. While modern materials may be used for durability, the designs stay true to traditional patterns, colors, and decorations. Women’s costumes feature vibrant and shiny colors, while men’s costumes tend to be simpler and darker in tone.